Monitor Magazine November 2021: We Journey Together

MONITOR

THE

Official publication of The Diocese of Trenton

Vol. 3 • No. 2 • NOVEMBER 2021

MAGAZINE

We Journey Together We are young and old; ordained, consecrated and laity; married and single. We represent many ethnicities and cultures; we engage in many different activities and ministries. And together, as the People of God, we have been called to enter a special collaborative process that will help the Church in fulfilling its missionary role. See IN FOCUS.

INSIDE... F ROM THE BISHOP: Religious liberty and the Solemnity of Christ the King ANNIVERSARY BLESSINGS: Honoring love, fidelity of married couples marking milestones EL ANZUELO: Camino sinodal; Nueva parroquia, párroco; Santos

Here is your special access into the NOVEMBER ISSUE of The Monitor Magazine

In Focus

rdens Rosary Ga reflect outdoors offer chance to pray,

spondent A LESLIE  Corre faithful the opns can offer the st pathways amid osary prayer garde through winding portunity to walk lands and water features which statuary, landscaped ct, contemplative backdrop the perfe unite to create e near l, a tranquil respit ed for prayer. in Mount Laure the Bless Such is the scene offers a walk with Monasann Parish that St. John Neum ds of the Cistercian of the . Once the groun sale Mother in mind als brokered the offici ship sl town as permanent green tery, Mount Laure rve it and the lands Cistercian site in 2018 to prese the Friends of the 501(c)3 charity, to care for pace. A nonprofit ed by concerned parishioners r praye form ry was Monastery sprawling Rosa encompassed a with lifethe 14 acres, which a Prayer Garden, wful and Our Lady of Fatim garden, named g the Joyful, Sorro Our ntly representin d for size statues curre a small home name eries, as well as Glorious Myst garden rown trees This new prayer Lady of Fatima.

About 40 overg h, rfrom the prope at Assumption Churc were removed of paving stones Wrightstown, part ty, and numerous Farmer ew Adamski who were installed, St. Isidore the parishioner Matth  “There is a for the walkway Eagle Scout , was the work of Van rt r Albe father and for his Parish, New Egypt his reported parishione including the of his deceased grand ing ry ew Adamski on new memo in le, created it faith-re photo shows Matth Sciver. “Many peop volunteered,” rd Anton. Mr. photo The inset Richa , Mistretta Vic father t. mbus projec his grand Knights of Colu last October and day work was serenity in n and matio labor r photo Confir . Courtesy he said. “Thei following month the died Anton ary the Ros amazing.”

IN bished Rosary ORS THE VIRG The newly refur ng of Hamilton’s NATURE HON well-used, hosti 2016 on behalf garden.” prayer garden is r garden built in (SRHAFC) per day and a group A Rosary praye no community about 70 people Angels Parish Filipi who wish to honor Mass.

St. Raphael-Holy those 10 a.m. Sunday to et ann’s magn a Neum as each of the garden, St. John continues to serve s-Janolo, creator a large Rosary Rally Fatithat meets after Baisa hold ael mbus Rach spot and its er.

Colu the in Mary our Moth of the beauteous “The Knights of one-day retreats tion and design r. “We er group holds described the incep trustee Mike Mille olic October, and anoth er,” BaiKnight and board natural elements. to the greater Cath to the Blessed Moth had a ma house,” added e to expand use s been devoted “We . futur alway began near have the ner, “I desig hope in visit tor and interior beyond.” of statues people come and sas-Janolo, a sculp de installation community and We wanted to have ry. the garden inclu y museum but no garden. e, Rosa nearb a statu Future plans for the and ts lance le to propagate Viewpoin nous Mysteries, a semb it, bring more peop me – [the garden] should be depicting the Lumi of the grounds. . After to ry project as “It was so clear le,” she continued midd depicting the histo his involvement in the ongoing the in a Cross Baiof the environof the Rosary with and getting the pastor’s approval, trade, Miller explained in the creation n by “I have a belief an extraordisketching the desig her husband, Jorge, a landscaper a matter of faith. cal,” he said. “It’s d to There is a ual and the physi sas-Janolo turne ment, the spirit much anymore. ng with a ral guidance. you don’t find that garden. square gravel floori for his horticultu nary thing , and gardens have a “Three of deery ity in the Rosary the said.

Myst gh seren olo five ing “The You go throu r,” Baisas-Jan faith-renew shape in the cente as a part of my faith. hed. We need to make pebbled big star “I embrace this be refres y there and can renewal.” faith Rosar our the of of cades awareness nized, and need this more recog

BY CHRISTIN

R

project, vendors To finance the materials and ladiscounted their flower held an Easter bor, the parish ted parishioners dona fundraiser, and the death the project. But funds towards beloved ski’s n, Adam of Richard Anto dziu” in “dzia (or r fathe maternal grand held funeral Mass was site, Polish), whose mption worship t in the parish’s Assu with a bitterswee presented the teen the parish’s Rosary fund to ty rtuni oppo prayer garden. obituary concludAnton’s newspaper share his love of tion to ed with an invita ing his grandson. the Rosary by assist the family humbly rs, “In lieu of flowe ory of donations in mem hew’s , Hamilton, which asks to offer Parish s grandson Matt Angel ly his el-Ho Rich to support hew is campus of St. Rapha Ryan Larason photo ct,” it read. “Matt y Garden on the o community.

Eagle Scout proje Pictured is the Rosar r Garden at the htstown the parish’s Filipin Praye of Wrig ry ers the Rosa on a memb by plot installing will was erected for a 40’ by 40’ er mption that he walkways ete Assu bould the concr large of a ch with Chur ns have ory.” worship site, ior of the mystery garde Dziadziu’s mem a heart. The inter es for seating. They y dedicate in his rs in the shape of r garden is nearl and two brick bench decades of round adorned with flowe The Rosary praye 10 l of a statue the pathways was a list somewhere of are connected by it awaits the arriva ble Rosary found lete; “I s. resem comp ed to s shrub shipp nand hydra er being stepping stone rs like roses and the Blessed Moth in of flowe ved an engra Mari e of a plaqu beads.” working fountain from overseas and exgeas,” the teen said.

In addition to a nd. honor. Adamski ays prayer beads al elements abou his grandfather’s helped Upon the walkw contowards all that natural stone, natur arborstained upon the pressed gratitude surrounded by were stamped and project a realismall a “The garden is Scout ies, with ed peon Eagle e labell nt of him make his shrubs, lavender, crete, each decad Mysteries an immense amou vitae, boxwood trees, the four sets of ty, saying, “I had Thanks flowers, dogwood sign indicating Wooden even were amazing. roses, seasonal with the beads. s help. The people groundcovers and nocorresponding angled rs, family and friend hydrangea trees, la/ca the paths, both to all the parishione way.” said. “The pergo benches flanked a grapevine,” she e a statue of the along the wher d r ” ria. helpe cente wiste the who towards pray py is covered with would stand. attracts many to Blessed Mother The Marian gift olo said happily. s-Jan Baisa n, lot of to the Virgi come true for a “It was a dream heart “and it made my people,” she said, all over John Neumann and Lady le coming from Faithful from St. ng joyous. I saw peop es walk around Our It was such a blessi surrounding parish n in Mount Laurel. to pray fervently. ’s garde You can feel Mary ting of Fatima Prayer I didn’t foresee. e the statue depic befor Here they pray presence.” n. Mike Ehrmann photo Garde the in y A the Agon OF GRANDP IN MEMORY his beloved r hono to e The desir a g is prompting grandfather’s passin complete a Rosary to future Eagle Scout of AsOn the grounds prayer garden. of St. ch, a worship site t, is sumption Chur Egyp er Parish, New Isidore the Farm ar-old Adamski, a 15-ye ol, where Matthew town High Scho sophomore in Allen Egypt’s Boy Scout New and member of rtake prompted to unde Troop 109, was of an outdoor place the construction father Lady. “My grand to pray to Our said. ry every day,” he Rosa E the d praye ITOR MAGAZIN ski crafted plans  THE MON Last spring, Adam October 2021

h the eyes of ‘Refuge’ throug to the United States

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a child 11

e to Afghan refugee s who have com with Afg king with Walking Wal

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THE MONITOR

2021  October MAGAZINE

boy, who disapwalk slowly after the the dormitory buildfor a day and let me peared into one of people to volunteer certing scene for me. g some sort of seek it in the Unitings. It was a discon join the effort in offerin people whose the world, and many eer organizer later volunt in Afghanistan a to ” by crisis told “refuge , latest was I The dignity, respite ed States.

BY MATT with staff who had upside down. need exponentially. during our debrief lives have been turned has exacerbated that Guest Columnist with the guests, that details and Afghan families spent a lot of time There are so many More than 10,000 good that we had who as I reflect New Jersey, guests it was important and that come to mind efuge. in nts now mome are conthat the act of dounity to walk with in the drawn-out The word itself might stood with that boy; on my limited opport now find themselves n to a survival e into a part of what one situation rejure up a scene from ing so gave a glimps s of getting documentatio a home Afghan guests, but our proces walk for those who cona a entail on. Taking here to build show on TV, where U.S. culture should ally grabbed my attenti four adult then be sent somew home here. We from an oncoming U.S., all the while passed would be making their testant seeks shelter at lunch time, we’d and a new life in the of love who stand ed to them used in common with a slight bow are called to be people iling what has happen storm. It is not a word men, greeting them heart. our . It connotes a reconc country. able. over society vulner hand our a the in with conversation of the head and and their ” look like for a , trying to by, a boy about that might not look What does “refuge They are shell-shocked their famioasis or way station Shortly after they walked us crying .

A always told me next for ched job done. The job? child? The eyes have pretty, but gets the five years old approa gauge what might be was wrong and, es into what U.S. as they catch glimps We tried to ask what safe place to rest. , can saw our ago, news out- lies like. Glimpses, though language barrier, he the looks e More than one month despite cultur be g images of peoe they do not offer up his sleeve, show We are called to lets shared overwhelmin concern and pulled be deceiving, becaus their new reality taking any means and then pointed at stand ple from Afghanistan ing us his upper arm the full picture of what had just passed. It to escape a nation people of love who they could muster the group of men we will be. n. that h is at the was indicating ruled by the Taliba Issues & Advocacy with the vulnerable.

The U.S. Catholic Churc they bethat would soon be seemed to us that he g hard, enchin as arm gut-wr his people ed the g The world watched someone had squeez forefront of assistin lives. The Center g with him toward that filled TVs and scenes from Kabul hurting him. Walkin gin steps to start new , lic service and the men had passed intense fervor and smart phones with the military barrier for FaithJustice, a Catho feels insecure or in Lawrenceville, asking in English if a lot. When a child emotion.

I motioned to them, educational nonprofit through their s Refugee Agency boy’s father, menways to plug in and this sought was iately them disconnected, it comes when they feel of The United Nation one immed some true people were/ made it possible for that he was hurt. eyes. The same holds They estimates that 82 million tioning help.

English and of refuge across cted, safe. conne One man spoke some are in desperate need they will reach the boy.

It is hard to say when that they did not know said er togeth n in donated piecing a refugee that point, these childre a bus taking them to That’s when we began ot, some in flipInterAfghans ride aboard The boy had had a clothing, some barefo their arrival at Dulles what had happened. sepin that do not and, sites shoes processing center upon at sons g or flops or sneakers es have been arrivin tussle with one of their boy’s father, their daily lives or national Airport. Refuge to find a other seem to pair well with first step on a long road arating the two, the across the country, a learning vocabulary had grabbed his activities. They are vin Lamarque, Reuters one of these four men, g, greetings, new home. CNS photo/Ke clothin him. g of s hurtin article y, : words arm roughl small phrases. And to us, keeping colors and numbers, The men came over “line” in English us. The other boy’s they know the word the barrier between much of their time f by stepping because they spend father showed himsel by people who are y with this little in lines; lines formed forward to speak directl fast in either place. spoke not from the same boy, still crying . He gly seemin them, we g, but During my day with Farsi or Pashto, smilin is clear Light, taking was What played Red Light, Green practice the dismissing the child. to s tension. advantage of the game that there was obviou the boy as the words: offered well as man r colors, Then anothe names of t hit was child, still bigges The the chips.

But go. potato and stop a bag of Scissors, which we and walked away. playing Rock, Paper, crying , took the bag men and started to I looked at the four  HEW GREELEY

R

For the Care of

from ed in Man often seems read effort, organiznature. to see no  A preschool student in Airport amid a widesp other can to in his natural St. Leo the Grea at Dulles International doing what they meaning environSchool, Lincroft, shows his Afghan refugees arrive e them. Volunteers are ment than what serves for support for th Catholic Church, to welcom immediate , Reuters environment with a colorful large part by the U.S. CNS photo/Kevin Lamarque use and consumption. Yet drawing of the culture and language. it was the been e earth. Courtesy photo offer glimpses into U.S. they’v Creator’s children “feel” the refuge refuge andwill that man should commuy activit nicate being uilding with stops nature as an intelligent and offered, when it turned into a team-b the recognize any higher instance learn‘master’ to to break up a noble long had I How than hoops. and ‘guardian,’ and not becomes home? using hoolaculourselves, when we see nothing Which cutting in line. as States? a over heedless United ‘exploite mostly else but the of r’ and ‘destroyer’ culture lot of fights, ourselves (“Meeting with have many, as we(Encycli all, but kids fresh cal, Redemptor Hominis, March the Clergy of ture will sink in first, They were kids after 4, the Diocese of Balzanoget along. para. 15).”

Bressanone,” Aug. not all always 1979, do they and from a war zone. say 6, 2008).” e into another Pope nBenedic the eyes of these childre t XVI: (proposed) “after will I was given a glimps What These reflections and others eliminating the structural another reality. similar causes of the five years from now? part of the world and comments made by popes that ge Pashto. be sure ions todysfunct langua within the of the world economy and Grey heron Iperch on a pile For my part, I want I’d never heard of the last 50 years serve as foundati you. manana.g models of growth correctin for thank ons for of debris at the northmy eyes say welcome and which have “Manana” is the word coast the urgency expressed by r am thankte directo proved associa incapabl that day.

Pope Francis e of ensuring respect for of IJava island Matthew Greeley is near Jakarta, said it many times throughout his pontificate. ons will unicati They the Comm environm them. of In the past ent (Address to the DiploIndonesia, Aug. 25, 2021. of the Diocese’s Office ful for my time with eight years since his election, h-lanhere can of Spanis matic ator Corps, CNS photo/Willy what refuge he has Jan. 8, 2007, para. 4).”

Kurniawan, Reuters and Media and coordin need time to learn gained the respect of all people “The deterioration of nature of good is closely guage media. mean for them. will – Catholic and non-Cat connected to the culture until these holic, believwhich shapes How long will it be er and non-believer alike. human coexisten 19 People listen ZINEce (Encycli MAGA cal, Caritas OR in to him.  THE MONIT Veritate, June 29, 2009, para, November 2021 51).”

“The earth,” he noted in Laudato Creation is harmed “where Sí “is we essentially a shared inheritan ourselves have the final word, ix years ago this past May ce, whose where fruits are meant to benefit 24, our Holy Father Pope everything is simply our everyone Francis moral and social progress, will in the long property and we issued his second encyclical (Chapter 2).” It is not the use it for ourselves alone. letter, “Laudato Sí: On Care “sharing” or run go against man (Addres The misuse of for Our Common Home.” He s to the UN the “benefit” that concerns creation begins when we no longer him. It is, Organization of Food and focused our attention as Catho Agriculture, rather, the attitude seeming lics, as inhabitants of this ly ingrained November 16, 1970, para. earth, on another type of 4).” in human society that among those that confront disaster “Due to an ill-considered our world, this one man-m God’s gifts, the ade and not tion of nature, humanity runsexploitanatural. the risk of destroying it and becomin g in turn Calling our planet “Sister On this “World Day of Prayer a victim of this degradation Earth,” the Pope St. Paul VI: (We have for the Care of Creation,” let (Apostolic Holy Father wrote – not wished) us join together with Pope Francis and about “what letter, Octogesima Advenien … “to underline better the s, May 14, nature can do to us” but, one another in the prayer with urgent need rather, about 1971, para. 21).” draws his encyclical to a close: which he of a radical change in the what we do to nature, to conduct of huour “common Pope St. John Paul II: “This manity if it wishes to assure All-pow erful home” – to a planet that God, you are its survival. present in the whole univers “cries out state of menace for man It took millennia for man e and in the smallfrom est of your creatures. You embrac because of the harm we have to learn how to what he produces shows inflicted on e with your tenderness all that dominate, ‘to subdue the itself upon exists. Pour out us earth’ according the power of your in various directions and love, that we may to the inspired word of the first book peace, that we may live as brother protect life and beauty. Fill us with various degrees of intensity of the Bible (Genesis 1:28).

A Message from . s The hour We seem to be increasingly the poor, help us to rescue the and sisters, harming no one. O God of has now come for him to BISHOP DAVID M. abandoned and forgotten of dominate his aware of the fact that the this earth, dominat preciou O’CONNELL, C.M. s in your eyes. Bring healing ion; this essential undertak ing to our lives, that we may protect exploitation of the earth, requires no less courage and world and not prey on it, that dauntlessthe planet on which we are we may sow beauty, not pol ness than the conquest of her by our irresponsible use nature itself. and destruction. Touch the living, demands rational and abuse of Will the prodigious progress hearts of the goods with which God those who look onl ive mastery has endowed and honest planning . At gain at the expense of the poor of plant, animal and human her.” Pope Francis is soundin and the earth. Teach us life and the the same time, exploitation g the alarm, discover the worth of each thing, discovery of even the secrets the warning . We cannot, of matter to be filled with awe an we must not of the earth not only for lead to anti-matter and to contemplation, to recognize remain unprepared for this the explosion that we are industrial but also for military storm of our of death? In this decisive own making. with every creature as we journey profoundly u moment of its purposes and the uncontrolled towards your history, humanity hesitates Pope Francis is not the first , uncertain be- development infinite light. We thank you Successor of technology fore fear and hope. Who for being with of Peter to call our attention still does not see outside the framework of to the envius each day. Encourage us, we this? The most extraordinary a longronment. His predecessors pray, scientific Popes St. range authentically humanis progress, the most astoundi in our struggle for justice, tic plan VI, St. John Paul II and Benedict Paul ng technical often bring with them a threat XVI feats and the most amazing to have each provided similar man’s love and peace. economic warnings. natural environment, alienate growth, unless accompanied him in his by authentic relations with nature and “co remove him THE THEMONITO MONITORRMAGAZI MAGAZINE NE  Septemb to c September er2021 2021

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A1 THE MONITOR MAGAZINE  June 2021

The official publication of the Diocese of Trenton

This issue of The Monitor Magazine features important reporting and information on the 16th Ordinary Synod of Bishops as the diocesan phase rolls out. Because of this Synod coverage, we are providing open digital access.

What is this Synod all about and what will be expected of each of us? Read on for those answers and much more.

at he e

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fruits of his creation, are limitless and inexhaustible, things to be squeezed and squandered with little regard for the consequences. That’s the issue! The negative effects of our unrelent ing assaults on the environment, what he calls “one of the principal challenges facing humanity in our day,” extend far beyond air, water, oil, energy, land and climate.

These assaults are symptoms of a “throwaway culture” that places little value on the human beings and their sacred, God-giv en f dignity and worth. so The crisis we experience in the environment t the and ecology has become llution symbolic of what we do to ly for and how we treat one ans to other on the face of God’s nd good earth, what the Holy united Father calls “human and social degradation.” If we are so careless about human h life, how could we expect to care about the resources given to support it? And, converse ly, if we are so careless about the earth, our ommon home,” how could we expect care about the people who share it?

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2021  THE MONITO R MAGAZI

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June 2021  THE MONITOR MAGAZINE A2

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Contents 5-6  From the Bishop Bishop O’Connell offers insight on history of Feast of Christ the King, and what it means to acknowledge Christ’s kingship with our whole lives

7-15  In Focus The 16th Ordinary Synod Reflections from Bishop O’Connell on what the Synod means; coverage of Opening Mass; Synod co-chairs spotlight

18-19  Viewpoints Firsthand account of encountering, walking with refugees from Afghanistan

24-29  Diocese World Mission Sunday recap; Deacons gather for convocation; funds sought for anti-poverty, retired religious and #GivingTuesday; ministry enhancements for faithful with disabilities; virtual workshop inspires ministry leaders

35-43  Anniversary Blessings Annual Masses and blessing for anniversary couples of the Diocese; milestone anniversaries announced by parish

44-47  El Anzuelo Comunicación, participación y misión en Sínodo; Padre Andrino instalado como párroco; Conectando con los santos

REGULAR FEATURES 48-51  Insight from Fathers Koch 32  Pope Francis & Doyle; Mary Morrell 33  Church 70  Fun & Games 34  World & Nation November 2021  THE MONITOR MAGAZINE 3

Readers’ Corner

We begin with listening and learning

S

ynod: It’s not a word in our common parlance, not even in church. You may have reached a ripe old age without ever hearing of it or giving it any thought.

And yet, here we all are, being asked to participate in the 16th Ordinary Synod of Bishops that was called into being

by Pope Francis earlier this year. So, what is this all about, and what will be expected of each of us?

Those are questions we strive to answer for our readers in this issue of the magazine. We start with the Pastoral Letter of Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M., in which he explains the role of Synods in the history of the Church and what are the goals of this new Synod. The Bishop conveys the message of the Holy Father, who invites us all to enter into conversations about our experience of Church. We are encouraged to listen to one an-

THE SYMBOLISM OF THE SYNOD LOGO, AS DESCRIBED BY VATICAN MEDIA:

A large, majestic tree, full of wisdom and light, reaches for the sky. A sign of deep vitality and hope which expresses the cross of Christ. It carries the Eucharist, which shines like the sun. The horizontal branches, opened like hands or wings, suggest, at the same time, the Holy Spirit.

The people of God are not static: they are on the move, in direct reference to the etymology of the word synod, which means “walking together”. The people are united by the same common dynamic that this Tree of Life breathes into them, from which they begin their walk.

These 15 silhouettes sum up our entire humanity in its diversity of life situations of generations and origins. This aspect is reinforced by the multiplicity of bright colours which are themselves signs of joy. There is no hierarchy between these people who are all on the same footing: young, old, men, women, teenagers, children, lay people, religious, parents, couples, singles; the bishop and the nun are not in front of them, but among them.

Quite naturally, children and then adolescents open their walk, in reference to these words of Jesus in the Gospel: “ I praise you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and learned and revealed them to little children”. (Mt 11:25) The horizontal baseline: “For a synodal Church: communion, participation and mission” runs from left to right in the direction of this march, underlining and strengthening it, to end with the title “Synod 2021 - 2023”, the high point that synthesizes the whole.

4 THE MONITOR MAGAZINE  November 2021

other’s stories and A message from to commit to this journey together.

RAYANNE BENNETT We also report Associate Publisher on the Mass celebrated by the Bishop to mark the opening of the Synod’s diocesan phase, and we introduce you to the individuals appointed by the Bishop to help lead us through this process.

But that is just the beginning.

We have pulled together a number of digital resources, including video, to help everyone stay connected and informed about the Synod. Here is what you can expect to find on the Synod: On the diocesan website, you’ll find content about the Synod and how you can participate: dioceseoftrenton.org/xvi-synod-communication-participation-mission On The Monitor website, you’ll find ongoing Synod news: trentonmonitor. com/Content/Default/XVI-Synod-ofBishops On the Diocese’s and The Monitor’s social media sites – follow us on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.

The organization of the Synod calendar and local resources are currently in the planning stages. Preparations will take place in November and December.

Opportunities for Spiritual Conversations will exist in January through March. Announcements will be posted on all diocesan media sites.

We are being asked to step up, so now is the time to prepare.

Let’s learn all we can and pray over how we can each help to make this a positive, life-giving endeavor for the mission of the Church.

There is much more to find in this issue of your diocesan magazine, and we hope you’ll take some time with it. Enjoy and God bless!

From the Bishop

True freedom comes from

Christ the King

T

he United States Conference of Catholic Bishops has shared these reflections for the consideration of all Catholics throughout our country. As Bishop of the Diocese of Trenton, I am happy to offer them to you for your thought and prayer.

A message from

On the last Sunday of each liturgical year, the Church celebrates the Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe, or Christ the King.

In its core document, “Our First, Most Cherished Liberty: A Statement on Religious Liberty,” the USCCB Ad Hoc Committee for Religious Liberty “urge[d] that the Solemnity of Christ the King – a feast born out of resistance to totalitarian incursions against religious liberty – be a day specifically employed by bishops and priests to preach about religious liberty, both here and abroad.”

Let us pray fervently that we will help others encounter anew Christ, our King, bringing the Gospel to the margins of society, that all might bear witness to Him before others.

 “... while governments come and go, Christ reigns as King forever.”

Pope Pius XI instituted this feast in 1925 with his encyclical Quas primas (“In the first”) to respond to growing secularism and atheism. He recognized that attempting to “thrust Jesus Christ and his holy law” out of public life would result in continuing discord among people and nations.

USCCB graphic

BISHOP DAVID M. O’CONNELL, C.M.

This solemnity reminds us that while governments come and go, Christ reigns as King forever.

During the early 20th century in Mexico, Russia, and some parts of Europe, militantly secularistic regimes threatened not just the Catholic Church and its faithful but civilization itself.

Pope Pius XI’s encyclical gave Catholics hope and – while governments around them crumbled – the assurance that Christ the King shall reign forever. Jesus Christ “is very truth, and it is from him that truth must be obediently received by all mankind” (Quas primas, 7).

Christ’s kingship is rooted in the Church’s teaching on the Incarnation. Jesus is fully God and fully man. He is both the divine Lord and the man who suffered and died on the

Cross. One person of the Trinity unites himself to human nature and reigns over all creation as the Incarnate Son of God. “From this it follows not only that Christ is to be adored by angels and men, but that to him as man angels and men are subject, and must recognize his empire; by reason of the hypostatic union Christ has power over all creatures” (Quas primas, 13).

The Church calls us to acknowledge Christ’s kingship with our whole lives: “He must reign in our minds, which should assent with perfect submission and firm belief to revealed truths and to the doctrines of Christ. He must reign in our wills, which should obey the laws and precepts of God. He must reign in our hearts, which should spurn

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November 2021  THE MONITOR MAGAZINE 5

Bishop’s Scrapbook

 Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M., joins a group of deacons and their wives for lunch after he celebrated Mass for the diaconate convocation Oct. 23.

Joe Moore photo

Here is a look back at the ways Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M., spent some of his time during the past month of October.

 Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M., had an opportunity to meet teen actress Kassie Mundhenk during the Mount Carmel Guild’s annual gala held Oct. 15. Mundhenk attended the gala as a guest of one of the Guild volunteers. Joe Moore photo

Celebrating Christ the King Continued from 5

natural desires and love God above all things and cleave to him alone. He must reign in our bodies and in our members, which should serve as instruments for the interior sanctification of our souls, or to use the words of the Apostle Paul, ‘as instruments of justice unto God’” (Quas primas, 33).

Today, religious freedom for many people means that we can believe whatever we want in private, but when we enter the public square or the marketplace, we may not speak of anything that relates to our faith. However, the Church acknowledges the reign of Christ, not only privately, but publicly. This solemnity encourages us the celebrate and live out our faith in public. “Thus, by sermons preached at meetings and in churches, by public Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament exposed and by solemn processions, men unite in paying homage to Christ, whom God has given them for their King” (Quas primas, 26).

For Christians, when our faith is repeatedly marginalized in public life, we can fall into the habit of compartmentalizing our lives. We love Jesus in our private lives, but we shrink from acknowledging the kingship of Christ in social life. When 6 THE MONITOR MAGAZINE  November 2021

we celebrate the Solemnity of Christ the King, we declare to the world and remind ourselves that Jesus is the Lord of the Church and of the entire universe.

PRAYER TO CHRIST, KING OF THE UNIVERSE Lord, Jesus Christ, Our Sovereign King The beginning and end of all things, You have made your Church to be a people that bears witness to the goodness and beauty of your kingdom.

By your Holy Spirit, you have united us as one body, called to live in freedom as one family of God. Fill our hearts with your grace, that we might be close to you by being close to the vulnerable and marginalized.

Give us the patience to share one another’s burdens, And give us the courage to always be friends of the truth So as to express that truth without fear or hesitation in freedom.

May you remain with us always you always.

Amen.

From the Bishop

Sister of St. Joseph Rose McDermott, diocesan delegate for religious, presents a ciborium to Bishop O’Connell during the Presentations of the Gifts.

Hal Brown photo

PASTORAL LETTER TO THE DIOCESE OF TRENTON:

“On The Church’s Synodal Path of ‘Communion, Participation and Mission’” To the clergy, consecrated religious and lay faithful of the Diocese of Trenton,

I

rarely enjoy traveling alone, whether for business or pleasure.

When going somewhere, especially on a longer trip, I prefer the company of others for conversation, for the exchange of ideas, for sharing different experiences, and, quite simply, just for companionship. In many ways, I think that preference explains why I began my journey to the priesthood in a religious community where the emphasis is on life and ministry with a “band of brothers” joined together by

the charism of a common founder, spirit and purpose. That is the point, really, of religious life and, perhaps a unique contribution I make to diocesan priests as their diocesan bishop. I enjoy “journeying together!”

The Catholic Church in recent years — particularly during the pontificate of Pope Francis, a religious order priest — has become accustomed to hearing the novel expression “synodality” used to describe the nature of the Church in our day. The word itself is derived from two Greek words meaning “common road or path.” Synodality “is the specific modus vivendi et operandi (way of living and

From

BISHOP DAVID M. O’CONNELL, C.M. operating) of the Church, the People of God, which reveals and gives substance to her being as communion when all her members journey together, gather in assembly and take an active part in her evangelizing mission (International Theological Commission, “Synodality in the Life and Mission of the Church,” March 2, 2018, para. 6).”

While “synods” are not new to the Continued on 8

November 2021  THE MONITOR MAGAZINE 7

In Focus

SYNOD: communion

A common road Church, Pope St. Paul VI (1897-1978) formally established the “Synod of Bishops,” following the Second Vatican Council (1962-65), as a “permanent institution” in the Church “whereby bishops chosen from various parts of the world are to offer more effective assistance to the Supreme Shepherd … providing information and offering advice — Paul VI, September 15, 1965

apostolic letter motu proprio “Apostolica sollicitudo (Apostolic concern).” Such synods are convened by the Pope as “ordinary” (that is, held at fixed intervals) or “extraordinary” (that is, held to treat a matter of urgent or specific concern to the Church) gatherings of designated, elected or appointed bishops of the world with the Pope. Even when they are not in session, synods have a permanent secretariat or office in Rome, headed by a member of the hierarchy appointed by the Pope.

Writing from Rome to the bishops

People in St. Peter’s Square attend the Sunday Angelus led by Pope Francis from the window of his studio overlooking the square at the Vatican Oct. 17. With the October opening of the Sixteenth Ordinary Synod of Bishops, an effort is now underway across the universal Church to “reach out to as many Catholics as possible: clergy and consecrated religious, active as well as “lapsed” or non-practicing Catholic lay faithful women and men, both married and single, of every generation, race, national and ethnic background, different point of view, and social, political and economic status. All have something to contribute to this process, Bishop O’Connell emphasizes in his pastoral letter. CNS photo/Vatican Media

of the world earlier this year, Cardinal Mario Greich, General Secretary of the Synod of Bishops, reflected, “Synodality refers to the very essence of the Church, her constitutive reality, and is thus oriented towards evangelization. It is an ecclesial way of being and a prophetic example for today’s world.” Perhaps a more theological description than most of us are used to in everyday conversation, this idea can be simplified as “a common road or path” for the life and work of the Church today, “journeying together.” The Church envisions a synod that goes far beyond a mere gathering of bishops to include and embrace the

Continued from 7

8 THE MONITOR MAGAZINE  November 2021

entire People of God. Recent history provides a context to understand the current discussion of synodality.

Throughout his papacy, Pope Francis has expressed a desire to strengthen the unity, collegiality and inclusivity of Church governance on matters of faith and morals and life in the Church. To that end, drawing from his November 24, 2013, apostolic exhortation “Evangelium Gaudium (The Joy of the Gospel),” Pope Francis issued an apostolic constitution “Episcopalis communio (Episcopal communion)” on September 15, 2018, “to profoundly reshape all the ecclesial structures to become more missionary (an abiding concern of the Holy Father)… (and) to become more and more an adequate channel for the evangelization of the present world more than for self-preservation … a privileged instrument for listening to the People of God.” Three years earlier, on the 50th anniversary of Pope St. Paul VI’s establishment of the Synod of Bishops, Pope Francis wrote: “It is precisely this path of synodality which God expects of the Church of the third millennium. What the Lord is asking of us is already in some sense present in the very word ‘synod.’

Journeying together — laity, pastors, the Bishop of Rome — is an easy concept to put into words, but not so easy to put into practice (October 17, 2015).”

On April 24 of this current year, Pope Francis announced the convocation of the Sixteenth Ordinary Synod — originally scheduled for 2022 but postponed due to the pandemic until 2023 — with the theme “For A Synodal Church: Communion, Participation and Mission,” in a sense, “a Synod on synodality.” It will follow a newly revised programmatic structure: This path toward the celebration of the Synod comprises of three phases, between October 2021 and October 2023, a diocesan phase and a continental phase that will give life to two different working documents and, finally, a conclusive phase at the level of the Universal Church … The Synod of Bishops is

| participation | mission

the dynamic point of convergence that calls for mutual listening to the Holy Spirit at every level of the Church’s life (General Secretariat for the Synod of Bishops, “Note on the XVI Ordinary Synod,” May 21, 2021).

The Sixteenth Ordinary Synod of Bishops opened Sunday, October 10, 2021, with a Mass celebrated in Rome at St. Peter’s Basilica by Pope Francis.

Every diocese throughout the world initiated its diocesan phase of the Synod with a Mass celebrated by its diocesan bishop on the following Sunday, October 17, 2021. In the Diocese of Trenton, that Mass was celebrated in St. Mary of the Assumption Cathedral in Trenton at 3 p.m. The Diocese used that occasion to commemorate the beginning of our 140th Anniversary Year.

The program or “path” of the diocesan phase for “journeying together” is described in the General Secretariat’s May 21, 2021 “Note,” referenced above: Each bishop will appoint a diocesan contact person (and eventually a team) for the synodal consultation; they shall be a point of reference and link with the Episcopal Conference. They will accompany all the stages of the consultation process in the local Church.

Consultation in the particular Churches will include those groups of participation as envisioned in Episcopalis Communio, without excluding other modalities deemed appropriate for the

consultation to be real and effective (cf.

Episcopalis Communio, 6).

Consultation with the People of God in each particular Church will conclude with a pre-synodal meeting, which will be the culmination of diocesan discernment.

After the conclusion of the diocesan phase, each particular Church will submit their contributions to their Episcopal Conference on a date determined by the Episcopal Conference itself. The Eastern Churches will submit their contributions to their corresponding bodies.

Elements of the diocesan phase of the Synod for the Diocese of Trenton are being prepared.

An integral part of the diocesan synodal journey itself with its principal themes of “communion, participation, mission,” is the effort to reach out to as many Catholics of the Diocese as possible: clergy and consecrated religious, active as well as “lapsed” or non-practicing Catholic lay faithful women and men, both married and single, of every generation, race, national and ethnic background, different point of view, social, political and economic status. In other words, all those who have in the past or still call the Catholic Church “home” are called to actively participate in the synodality of the Church by pausing to listen to one another on this journey together.

Some questions and points of reflec-

tion for all the participants described above include: What has been/is your experience of the Catholic Church?

How has that experience shaped or affected your life and your faith in God? What obstacles to worship, learning and service have you encountered that may have negatively influenced the practice of your Catholic faith? What do you need as a Catholic to be a stronger, more intentional, more committed, more connected member of the Church, to belong and feel like you belong to the Church?

How can we better “journey together” as Catholics in Mercer, Burlington, Ocean and Monmouth counties?

As I think of the meaning of synodality in the Catholic Church, I am reminded of the Irish poet and novelist James Joyce’s (1882-1941) famous description of the Catholic Church in “Finnegan’s Wake”: “Here comes everybody!” Can that ever be true of our Church again? Can the diocesan synodal journey take us there together?

 ‘Here comes everybody!’ Can that ever be true of our Church again?

Since there are two other later phases to this Synod — the “continental phase” at the level of the Episcopal Conference (that is, for us, the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops) and the “universal phase” in Rome — the Sixteenth Ordinary Synod of Bishops will not be completed until October 2023. Hopefully, it will not end there.

At the conclusion of each Synod of Bishops, the Pope usually issues a post-synod “apostolic exhortation,” summarizing the major emphases and determinations of the Synod. Along with a review by the College of Bishops attending, these documents are considered part of the Pope’s ordinary magisterium or teaching authority, to be believed by all the faithful.

That is the program or plan for our Continued on 10

November 2021  THE MONITOR MAGAZINE 9

In Focus

SYNOD: communion

Hope for the Church Continued from 9

Church’s “journeying together” through 2023. The success and fruits of these undertakings will depend upon our common development and application of its contents by the Church at every level and, most importantly, upon our openness to the promptings of the Holy Spirit. The enduring results of the Synod will, of course, take time to emerge.

As Cardinal Greich has stated, “the Synod is not just an event but also a process that involves in synergy (that is, by collaboration and cooperation) the People of God, the College of Bishops and the Bishop of Rome, each according to their proper function.” He cautions, however, that this Synod “is not about democracy or populism or anything like that. Rather, it is the Church as the

People of God, a People who, by virtue of baptism, is an active subject in the life of the Church.” That is how the Church fulfills its missionary role: a “listening Church;” a “discerning Church;” a Church of “communion, participation and mission,” “journeying together.”

I ask the clergy, religious and lay faithful of the Diocese of Trenton to pray for the Church as it prepares for this important spiritual endeavor. It is my hope, as Bishop of the Diocese, that we will all fruitfully participate in and benefit from the Synod at the diocesan level, listening to one another as we share our different “stories,” experiences, challenges and hopes for the Church at this exciting time in its history.

In conclusion, I invite the entire Diocese of Trenton to join in this “Prayer for the Success of the Synod”: We stand before You, Holy Spirit, as we gather together in Your name. With You alone to guide us, make Yourself at

home in our hearts; Teach us the way we must go and how we are to pursue it. We are weak and sinful; do not let us promote disorder. Do not let ignorance lead us down the wrong path nor partiality influence our actions. Let us find in You our unity so that we may journey together to eternal life and not stray from the way of truth and what is right.

All this we ask of You, who are at work in every place and time, in the communion of the Father and the Son, forever and ever. Amen.

Given at the Chancery of the Diocese of Trenton on this Twenty-eighth Sunday in Ordinary Time, October 10th in the Year of Our Lord 2021.

Most Reverend David M. O’Connell, C.M., J.C.D. Bishop of Trenton

Retirement Fund for Religious Please give to those who have given a lifetime.

Like the women and men religious shown here, thousands of elderly sisters, brothers, and religious order priests spent decades ministering in Catholic schools, hospitals, and more—usually for little pay. Today, many religious communities struggle to care for aging members due to a lack of retirement savings. Your gift to the Retirement Fund for Religious helps provide nursing care, medicine, and other necessities. Please be generous.

retiredreligious.org Visit retiredreligious.org/2021photos to meet the religious pictured.

©2021 United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, Washington DC • All rights reserved • Photo: Jim Judkis

10 THE MONITOR MAGAZINE  November 2021

A collection will be held in your parish on December 11-12.

Or mail your donation to: Diocese of Trenton Department of Finance 701 Lawrenceville Road Lawrenceville NJ 08648

Make check payable to Diocese of Trenton— Retirement Fund for Religious

| participation | mission Decree for the opening of the Diocesan Synod of the Diocese of Trenton

I Staff photo

n the name of God. Amen.

On April the twenty-fourth, two thousand twenty-one, His Holiness Pope Francis announced the convocation of the Sixteenth Ordinary Synod of Bishops two thousand twenty-one to two thousand twenty-three with the theme “For a Synodal Church: Communion, Participation and Mission.”

On October the tenth, two thousand twenty-one, His Holiness Pope Francis formally opened the Sixteenth Ordinary Synod of Bishops two thousand twenty-one to two thousand twenty-three at Mass in the Basilica of Saint Peter in

Vatican City.

As Bishop of the Diocese of Trenton, in this one-hundred and fortieth anniversary year since the establishment of the Diocese, I hereby decree the formal opening of the Diocesan Synod at Mass in the Cathedral Church of Saint Mary of the Assumption in Trenton, with an invitation to all the People of God in Mercer, Monmouth, Burlington and Ocean Counties to participate throughout the coming year.

Given at Saint Mary of the Assumption Cathedral Church in Trenton, New Jersey, on this TwentyNinth Sunday in Ordinary Time,

October the seventeenth in the Year of Our Lord two thousand twenty-one.

Most reverend David M. O’Connell, C.M., J.C.D. • Bishop of Trenton Terry A. Ginther • Chancellor

PRAYER FOR THE SIXTEENTH ORDINARY SYNOD OF BISHOPS

As we gather together in Your name.

With You alone to guide us, make Yourself at home in our hearts; Teach us the way we must go and how we are to pursue it.

We are weak and sinful; do not let us promote disorder.

Do not let ignorance lead us down the wrong path nor partiality influence our actions.

Let us find in You our unity so that we may journey together to eternal life and not stray from the way of truth and what is right.

All this we ask of You, who are at work in every place and time, in the communion of the Father and the Son, forever and ever. Amen.

Opening Diocesan Mass, Oct. 17, 2021 St. Mary of the Assumption Cathedral, Trenton Diocese of Trenton Terry Ginther, diocesan chancellor and executive director for Pastoral Life and Mission, and Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M., stand by a framed copy of the decree opening the Synod which is hanging in the lobby of the Chancery in Lawrenceville.

November 2021  THE MONITOR MAGAZINE 11

In Focus

SYNOD: communion

‘A Common Path’ Bishop O’Connell and Diocese’s faithful embark on Synod journey

A

n historic day was observed Oct. 17 when faithful from throughout the Diocese of Trenton joined their Catholic brothers and sisters from around the world to commemorate the opening of the 16th Ordinary Synod of Bishops on a local level. The day also commemorated the 140th anniversary of the

BY MARY establishment of the STADNYK Diocese. and The milestone ROSE O’CONNOR was marked with an  Associate afternoon Mass in St. Editors Mary of the Assumption Cathedral, Trenton, with Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M., serving as principal celebrant and homilist.

The concelebrated Mass, which was livestreamed on diocesan media sites, was attended by more than 40 priests and about a dozen deacons. The congregation included religious sisters who teach in schools and minister in parishes and outreach organizations, diocesan Chancery staff, and laity, some of whom will represent their parish during the Synod process. Seated in the front pew was a showing of Catholic high school students, representing youth of the Diocese.

As he made his way down the center aisle during the Entrance Procession, Bishop O’Connell paused at one of the Cathedral’s side altars where he

enthroned a Bible. He led the congregation in the Renewal of Baptismal Promises and the congregation was blessed with holy water by concelebrating priests.

Bishop O’Connell officially opened the Synod when he asked the newly named co-chairs of the synod’s diocesan phase – Mary Liz Ivins and Deacon Patrick Brannigan – to approach the sanctuary. With that, the Bishop read the decree opening the Synod and then handed them the decree letter. The Bishop asked the assembly to pray the Synod Prayer that was printed on the prayer cards.

‘THE NEXT TWO YEARS’ In his homily, Bishop O’Connell spoke of the “beautiful coincidence” it was that the Diocese could mark its 140th anniversary on the same day “when we join the Church’s dioceses throughout the world to embark upon our synodal ‘common path.’”

Seated in the front pew was a contingent of students who represented the youth of the Diocese.

12 THE MONITOR MAGAZINE  November 2021

As the Diocese celebrates its history in New Jersey, Bishop O’Connell said the coincidence reminds him of the words by British writer and lay theologian C.S. Lewis, “There are far, far better things ahead than we leave behind.”

“That does not mean we forget the joys and sorrows, the successes and

| participation | mission Bishop O’Connell and priests from around the Diocese of Trenton celebrated the opening Mass for this historic Ordinary Synod of Bishops on Oct 17.

Hal Brown photos

failures, the people and events of the past, but, rather, that it does not end there,” he said. “We take hold of the present moment and look to the future as a Church, as the people of God, as a Diocese, as parishes, as Catholics ‘journeying together.’”

SETTING PRIORITIES Bishop O’Connell referred to the Sunday before, Oct. 10, when Pope Francis opened the worldwide Synod during a Mass. In his homily, the Pope asked faithful from throughout the world “to use this Synod as a time for ‘encounter,’ for opening ourselves up to the Holy Spirit in prayer, Eucharistic Adoration, in hope and charity, ‘journeying together’ with one another.”

Continuing to quote the Pope’s homily, Bishop O’Connell said the Synod is “a time for ‘listening’ and not judging, for opening our hearts and minds to God and to one another in the midst of the challenges we find in the world around

us. For ‘discerning’ what the Holy Spirit is saying to us today.

“These are the synodal paths to ‘communion’ and unity in our faith together, to ‘participation’ and getting involved deeply in our faith together; to ‘mission’ and evangelizing, sharing the Gospel in love together,” said Bishop O’Connell.

 “We take hold of the present moment and look to the future as a Church, as the people of God....”

To the faithful seated before him and those who were watching from home online, Bishop O’Connell encouraged all to see the diocesan Synod phase as a time to “rediscover your faith. Return to your faith. Listen to one another’s stories. Dry one another’s tears. Support one another’s faith in the truth. Listen to one another. Inspire one another’s hope.

In his homily during the Mass for the Opening of the Synod, Bishop O’Connell encouraged people to see the Synod as an opportunity to “Listen to one another’s stories.”

Love one another as Christ has loved you,” he said.

Mass participants reflected on all they had heard and experienced about the Synod.

Some like Jen Petro, wife of Deacon Sal Petro of Our Lady of Sorrows-St. Anthony Parish, Hamilton, said she was glad to be part of what Bishop O’Connell called “an historic day” and that her curiosity is piqued to learn more as the Continued on 21

November 2021  THE MONITOR MAGAZINE 13

In Focus

SYNOD: communion Deacon Brannigan sees

BY EMMALEE ITALIA  Contributing Editor

Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M. and Terry Ginther, chancellor and executive director for Pastoral Life and Mission, join Mary Liz Ivins and Deacon Patrick Brannigan for a planning meeting at the Chancery. Ivins and Brannigan will serve as co-chairs of the diocesan phase of the Synod, which will unfold over the next year. Staff photo

The Journey Begins:

Synod co-chairs meet with Bishop and Chancellor

B

ishop David M. O’Connell, C.M. and Terry Ginther, chancellor and executive director for Pastoral Life and Mission, met for the first time Oct. 21 with the newly appointed co-chairs of the diocesan phase of the XVI Ordinary Synod of Bishops: Mary Liz Ivins, former president and principal of Notre Dame High School in Lawrenceville, and Patrick Brannigan, deacon in St. James Parish, Pennington, and former executive director of the New Jersey Catholic Conference.

The meeting was held in the Chancery in Lawrenceville to discuss the development of a strategy for the unfolding of the Synod from 2021-2022 in the parishes and the ministry and operational offices, organizations and ecclesial movements of the Diocese of Trenton.

After thanking the co-chairs for their generous acceptance of his appointment, the Bishop initiated a discussion of the Synod and its objectives. Ivins stressed the importance of how the faithful should be approached. “This can’t be a purely didactive exercise. Nor should it become political or corrective in tone. The Holy Father has asked the Church to hone its listening skills to our sisters and brothers,” she said.

Deacon Brannigan saw the Synod as a “blessing and a great opportunity for Catholics as well as those who have ‘fallen away’ to reflect upon their faith. It is the work of the Holy Spirit, I am convinced,” he said.

Ginther noted that utilizing structures already in place will be a fruitful springboard for inviting the involvement of the local Church at every level.

As this initial planning meeting ended, Bishop O’Connell expressed “great encouragement” at the potential of the Synod. “I am so pleased with the energy and enthusiasm of our co-chairs. They will lead this process of ‘journeying together’ effectively and well. The Diocese is blessed!”

14 THE MONITOR MAGAZINE  November 2021

Deacon Patrick Brannigan, of St. James Parish, Pennington, and former executive director of the New Jersey Catholic Conference, has a long history of fostering communication in faith-fueled entities.

His new role, as co-chair of the Trenton Diocese phase of the 16th Ordinary Synod of Bishops, will assure his skills continue to be put to good use.

“I hope that the Holy Spirit will instill openness into the hearts of the people of God so that as we listen – to each other – we all will be better able to hear the voice of God in our lives,” he said. “The Pope’s call will require an outreach that will involve all parishes, schools, colleges, diocesan organizations and other Catholic programs and organizations. This is an enormous task – some would say an impossible task,

Communication second

BY EMMALEE ITALIA  Contributing Editor

As an educator for 43 years in the Diocese of Trenton, Mary Liz Ivins, co-chair of the diocesan phase of the 16th Ordinary Synod of Bishops, is uniquely positioned to collaborate, with communication and active listening key to the Synod’s effectiveness.

“I believe as co-chairs our job is to put some structure together through which the Holy Spirit can work,” Ivins reflected.

“I really feel like the crux is the invitation by the Church and the Pope to allow the Spirit to speak through all the people of God. It’s a brilliant move for this 21st century – essential and necessary, but daunting.”

Ivins, a lifelong Mercer County resident, grew up attending Incarnation (now part of Incarnation-St. James) Parish, Ewing, and graduated in 1979

| participation | mission Synod meetings being inspired by ‘amazing grace’ but as we hear in the Gospel, ‘with God all things are possible.’”

Retiring in 2019 as spokesperson for the Catholic Bishops of New Jersey on public policy matters through NJCC, Deacon Brannigan continues to manage ministry to the homebound of his three Hopewell Valley parishes, which include St. Alphonsus, Hopewell, and St. George, Titusville. He was ordained a deacon for the Diocese of Trenton in 2010. He and his wife, Mary Ann, have been married 53 years and have three daughters and seven grandchildren.

Before joining NJCC, he served as Deputy Chief of Management and Operations for Governors Richard J. Codey and James E. McGreevey.

From 1983 through 2002, Deacon Brannigan held a number of positions at New Jersey Institute of Technology, Newark, including associate vice president

for Technology Development, executive director of University Relations and executive director of the Center for Information Age Technology.

For 16 years prior to that, he worked in New Jersey state government departments of Community Affairs, Civil Service and Public Advocate. In Brendan Byrne’s administration, he served as acting director of the Division of Motor Vehicles. He also was a counselor at Essex County Youth House and did summer recreational work for the city of Newark and the town of Maplewood. He served six years in the U.S. Army Reserves, 404th Civil Affairs.

Throughout his career, Deacon Brannigan has worked as an adjunct faculty member at Rutgers University, New Brunswick; Fairleigh Dickinson University, Teaneck; Kean University, Union, and NJIT. Since 1968, he has been active as

member or leader of numerous national committees and Deacon Patrick community groups, Brannigan as well as being a principal author of the American Society for Public Administration’s first national Code of Ethics.

“With the help and support of the Holy Spirit, Mary Liz and I have been asked to help to make possible this dialog among God’s people in the Trenton Diocese,” Deacon Brannigan said. “We will need the participation and assistance of everyone in the Diocese.

“Because we will attempt to establish the largest possible outreach, I think we will hear amazing things,” he continued. “I am confident because I anticipate all four corners of the Diocese to be touched by amazing grace.”

nature for Mary Liz Ivins, Synod co-chair from Notre Dame High School, Lawrenceville. After earning a degree in psychology from St. Joseph University, Phila., she accepted a position as religion teacher in Mary Liz Ivins St. Anthony High School (now Trenton Catholic Preparatory Academy), Hamilton. She taught there for three years before an opening for a religion teacher became available in her alma mater. Transferring to Notre Dame, Ivins spent the next 23 years as a teacher, religion department chairwoman and assistant principal. Along the way, she earned a master’s degree in educational administration from Rider University, Lawrenceville, and a master’s degree in Christian Education from Princeton

Theological Seminary.

In 2002, Ivins became principal of NDHS, serving as its longest term principal for 17 years. She served as interim president for one year in 2018-2019, assisting the school with its search for a permanent replacement of its first president, Barry Edward Breen, who retired in June 2018.

“One of my gifts is creating communication and organizing structures,” Ivins noted of her help organizing the school’s search committee. “I was complimented and honored that Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M., asked me” to be a Synod co-chair, she said.

Her term as interim president also saw her working with the school’s Board of Governors to maintain the school’s strategic plan, improve finances through enhanced fundraising and marketing, founding of three merit-based scholarships, and oversight of the renovation of

the school’s 1,167-seat auditorium.

Now retired for two and a half years, Ivins currently serves as the Victim Assistance Coordinator for the Diocese of Trenton, also assisting Joe Bianchi in human resources for the Diocese as needed. She is a member of St. James Parish, Pennington.

“My faith is essential to who I am,” she said. “I have been blessed to have it incorporated into my work, and to be raised in family where faith was a part of our lives.

“Saying to people ‘I want to listen to you,’ makes them feel like they matter – that’s the goal of the Synod, for the Church to say, ‘you matter,’” Ivins said of the Synod. “If we can just engage people … they may walk away and not agree but think ‘somebody listened to us.’ Everybody matters, and we want to listen to each other. The Church will be richer for it, no matter what.”

November 2021  THE MONITOR MAGAZINE 15

FA IT H AT HOM E Making Faith Come Alive for Your Family

EN F E For All the Saints: Ways to celebrate C A S A the saints at home as Catholics Haciendo que la fe se mantenga viva en tu familia

BY JESSICA DONOHUE  Special Contributor

M

y earliest memory of Church is of being in awe of the beautiful stained-glass windows.

The jewel tones of the glass and their assembly into holy images were always very engaging for me as a child, and I was particularly drawn to the saints. Who were these people who had lived lives of such holiness that they were now worthy of beautiful depiction in our churches?

When I look back, I am not surprised at my interest. Each saint has a unique and fascinating story, and their holiness is a source of great inspiration for Catholics.

What is also interesting about the saints is how some of them become popular in secular culture. While it’s great to have attention on these amazing ambassadors for the faith, the culture tends to relegate the saints primarily to being themes for special celebrations, and their importance as human beings who have a special friendship with God fades into the background. As Catholics,

Faith at Home is a monthly

column coordinated by the Diocese of Trenton’s Departments of Catechesis, Evangelization and Family Life, and Youth and Young Adult Ministry. For additional Faith at Home resources, visit dioceseoftrenton.org/faith-at-home.

we can “reclaim the saints” by learning about and celebrating them in our homes. Here are some resources and examples for doing just that: St. Nicholas: This might be the most popular saint in the secular culture!

“Keep Christ in Christmas” is a phrase we often reflect on and hear in December, and it might be a good idea to also put the saint back into Santa! An excellent resource for learning more about St. Nicholas is The Saint Nicholas Center at stnicholascenter.org. This is an incredible resource offering traditions, crafts, activities, recipes, and more to help your family learn more about this saint. St. Patrick: This saint is probably second only to St. Nicholas in popularity!

Catholic Icing has some great Catholic ideas for celebrating this day with children. Adults and children alike might enjoy some of the beautiful religious music of Ireland – Frank Patterson, whose tenor voice sounds like Ireland itself, has a beautiful CD called “Faith of Our Fathers: Classic Religious Anthems of Ireland,” among other recordings. You can also visit the Lady of Knock Shrine online, and even have a candle – an actual candle, not virtual! – lit for a loved one in their outdoor candelabra. St. Francis of Assisi: The patron saint of animals, St. Francis is a great saint to celebrate at home, especially in homes with furry family members! Many parishes offer a blessing for pets around St. Francis’ feast day in October, and there

16 THE MONITOR MAGAZINE  November 2021

are so many resources online for celebrating at home; Sweet Little Ones blog is just one of many sites with great ideas: sweetlittleonesblog.com.

These are just a few examples, but the creative ways in which we can celebrate the saints are as various as their stories. A good way to engage children with the saints is to make connections between their own interests and the interests of the saints. For example, a child who loves nature and the outdoors might like celebrating St. Kateri Tekakwitha, patroness of ecology and the environment (the St. Kateri Conservation Center has a great article here on how to plant a Mary garden, bringing together this special saint and the Blessed Mother in one fun activity): kateri.org/mary-gardens-for-a-spiritual-experience/ One of the best parts of learning about the saints is that we can learn about people from all different times and places who were each a part of our Catholic family. This beautiful culture and heritage that we share as Catholics all over the world is expressed so profoundly and richly in the tapestry of the lives of all the saints. How blessed are we to be able to teach our children that they are a part of the same amazing family of faith!

Jessica Donohue is vice president and Burlington County representative of Diocese of Trenton Religious Education Directors, and director of religious education in St. Joan of Arc Parish, Marlton.

stnicholascenter.org image

All Saints

Thanksgiving

The ‘getting’ in giving thanks

BY FATHER WILLIAM LAGO  Special Contributor

Q

uick, take a moment and think of five things you are thankful for.

Before the rest of the article, I ask you to reflect on your experience for a few moments. What kinds of things were you thankful for? What motivated you to be thankful for them?Most importantly, do you see God as the source of each of these five things?

We read in Scripture: “Do not be deceived, my beloved: all good giving and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights” ( James 1, 16-17).

Two more questions: What does giving thanks to God mean to you? How does it affect you?

Giving thanks to God is foundational to the Catholic faith. Thanksgiving is one of the prayer types in our faith (To remember them, I use the acronym ACTS: Adoration, Contrition, Thanksgiving, and Supplication). “Eucharist” means “thanksgiving.” St. Gianna Beretta Molla said: “The secret of happiness is to live moment by moment and to thank God for what he is sending us every day in his goodness.”

 We really get more than we realize in the prayer of thanksgiving.

We get so much more than we give in thanking God – we get happiness for starters. The “attitude of gratitude” lifts us up to God, who is active and present to me in all moments of my day. At Mass, my giving thanks leads to “getting” (really receiving) Jesus in the Eucharist.

We really get more than we realize in the prayer of thanksgiving.

God is perfect and doesn’t need my thanks. As one prayer at Mass offers:

Unsplash image

“Our thanksgiving is itself your gift, since our praises add nothing to your greatness but profit us for salvation.” In giving thanks we get salvation! In practicing the virtue of thanksgiving, God’s grace becomes apparent to me. It’s like a treasure hunt.

In knowing I have to have a list of five things at the end of my day, I go through my day with much more awareness of God’s action, God’s providence. My prayer of thanksgiving leads to a deeper appreciation for God and leads to closer union with God. That union is salvation.

A landmark study in the “Journal of Personality and Social Psychology” stated: “Gratitude is effective in increasing well-being as it builds psychological, social and spiritual resources. Gratitude inspires prosocial reciprocity, and indeed is one of the primary psychological mechanisms thought to underlie reciprocal altruism. … Gratitude is a form of love, a consequence of an already formed attachment as well as a precipitating condition for the formation of

new affectional bonds. Gratitude is also likely to build and strengthen a sense of spirituality, given the strong historical association between gratitude and religion. Finally… it also facilitates coping with stress and adversity. Gratitude not only makes people feel good in the present, but it also increases the likelihood that people will function optimally and feel good in the future” (Robert A. Emmons and Michael E. McCullough, “Journal of Personality and Social Psychology” 2003, Vol. 84, No. 2, 377-389).

Like any virtue, the virtue of thanking God needs time to develop and be experienced over the course of a few weeks. Pick a time that is good for you and your family, perhaps at dinner or at the end of the day before the kids go to sleep. You can each think of five things and each share one or two, along with a reason why, and then all can join in a common “Thank you, God” as a prayer response.

After each week, ask yourselves how Continued on 23

November 2021  THE MONITOR MAGAZINE 17

Viewpoints

‘Refuge’ through the eyes

of

Walking with Afghan refugees who have come to the United States

BY MATTHEW GREELEY  Guest Columnist

R

efuge.

The word itself might conjure up a scene from a survival show on TV, where a contestant seeks shelter from an oncoming storm. It is not a word used in common conversation in our society. It connotes a oasis or way station that might not look pretty, but gets the job done. The job? A safe place to rest.

More than one month ago, news outlets shared overwhelming images of people from Afghanistan taking any means they could muster to escape a nation that would soon be ruled by the Taliban.

The world watched the gut-wrenching scenes from Kabul that filled TVs and smart phones with intense fervor and emotion.

The United Nations Refugee Agency estimates that 82 million people were/ are in desperate need of refuge across

the world, and many seek it in the United States. The latest crisis in Afghanistan has exacerbated that need exponentially.

More than 10,000 Afghan families are now in New Jersey, guests who now find themselves in the drawn-out process of getting documentation to then be sent somewhere to build a home and a new life in the U.S., all the while reconciling what has happened to them and their country.

They are shell-shocked, trying to gauge what might be next for their families as they catch glimpses into what U.S. culture looks like. Glimpses, though, can be deceiving, because they do not offer the full picture of what their new reality will be.

The U.S. Catholic Church is at the forefront of assisting people as they begin steps to start new lives. The Center for FaithJustice, a Catholic service and educational nonprofit in Lawrenceville, immediately sought ways to plug in and help. They made it possible for some

Afghans ride aboard a bus taking them to a refugee processing center upon their arrival at Dulles International Airport. Refugees have been arriving at sites across the country, a first step on a long road to find a new home. CNS photo/Kevin Lamarque, Reuters

18 THE MONITOR MAGAZINE  November 2021

people to volunteer for a day and let me join the effort in offering some sort of dignity, respite, “refuge” to people whose lives have been turned upside down.

There are so many details and moments that come to mind as I reflect on my limited opportunity to walk with our Afghan guests, but one situation really grabbed my attention. Taking a walk at lunch time, we’d passed four adult men, greeting them with a slight bow of the head and a hand over our heart.

Shortly after they walked by, a boy about five years old approached us crying.

We tried to ask what was wrong and, despite the language barrier, he saw our concern and pulled up his sleeve, showing us his upper arm and then pointed at the group of men we had just passed. It seemed to us that he was indicating that someone had squeezed his arm hard, hurting him. Walking with him toward the military barrier the men had passed, I motioned to them, asking in English if one of them was this boy’s father, mentioning that he was hurt.

One man spoke some English and said that they did not know the boy.

That’s when we began piecing together what had happened. The boy had had a tussle with one of their sons and, in separating the two, the other boy’s father, one of these four men, had grabbed his arm roughly, hurting him.

The men came over to us, keeping the barrier between us. The other boy’s father showed himself by stepping forward to speak directly with this little boy, still crying. He spoke fast in either Farsi or Pashto, smiling, but seemingly dismissing the child. What was clear is that there was obvious tension.

Then another man offered the boy a bag of potato chips. The child, still crying, took the bag and walked away.

I looked at the four men and started to

Banner

a child walk slowly after the boy, who disappeared into one of the dormitory buildings. It was a disconcerting scene for me.

I was told by a volunteer organizer later during our debrief with staff who had spent a lot of time with the guests, that it was important and good that we had stood with that boy; that the act of doing so gave a glimpse into a part of what U.S. culture should entail for those who would be making their home here. We are called to be people of love who stand with the vulnerable.

What does “refuge” look like for a child? The eyes have always told me

 We are called to be people of love who stand with the vulnerable. a lot. When a child feels insecure or disconnected, it comes through their eyes. The same holds true when they feel connected, safe.

It is hard to say when they will reach that point, these children in donated clothing, some barefoot, some in flipflops or sneakers or shoes that do not seem to pair well with their daily lives or activities. They are learning vocabulary words: articles of clothing, greetings, colors and numbers, small phrases. And they know the word “line” in English because they spend much of their time in lines; lines formed by people who are not from the same place.

During my day with them, we played Red Light, Green Light, taking advantage of the game to practice the names of colors, as well as the words: stop and go. But the biggest hit was playing Rock, Paper, Scissors, which we

Afghan refugees arrive at Dulles International Airport amid a widespread effort, organized in large part by the U.S. Catholic Church, to welcome them. Volunteers are doing what they can to offer glimpses into U.S. culture and language. CNS photo/Kevin Lamarque, Reuters turned into a team-building activity using hoola-hoops. I had to break up a lot of fights, mostly over cutting in line.

They were kids after all, but kids fresh from a war zone.

I was given a glimpse into another part of the world and another reality.

I’d never heard of the language Pashto.

“Manana” is the word for thank you. I said it many times that day. I am thankful for my time with them. They will need time to learn what refuge here can mean for them.

How long will it be until these

children “feel” the refuge they’ve been offered, when it stops being refuge and becomes home? How long to learn the culture of the United States? Which culture will sink in first, as we have many, and they do not all always get along.

What will the eyes of these children say five years from now?

For my part, I want to be sure that my eyes say welcome and manana.

Matthew Greeley is associate director of the Diocese’s Office of Communications and Media and coordinator of Spanish-language media.

November 2021  THE MONITOR MAGAZINE 19

Issues & Advocacy

Access to abortion widens in NJ as new rules approved

BY MARY CLIFFORD MORRELL Contributing Editor

W

hen, on Jan. 4, 2021, the N.J. Board of Medical Examiners published proposed regulatory changes to abortion rules in New Jersey, the New Jersey Catholic Conference, along with other pro-life advocacy groups, including some medical professionals, submitted their opposition.

In spite of this significant opposition, the proposed rule changes were approved by the SBOME on Oct. 13.

In January, the Board had proposed repealing an existing state rule which ensured abortions after 15 weeks of gestation would only take place in licensed ambulatory surgical centers or hospitals, depending on methods used and the gestational age of the unborn child, and which permitted only licensed physicians to perform abortion procedures.

The now-approved amendments allow non-physicians to perform abortions after 14 weeks of gestation, permit abortions in office-based settings, and eliminate the requirement of hospital-admitting privileges to medical professionals performing these procedures.

 “... any attempt to advance policies that threaten the right to life is an attack on ... all other human rights.”

In a March letter to the Board and comments submitted contesting the proposed changes, James King, NJCC executive director who speaks on behalf of the state’s Catholic bishops, challenged the justification for the proposed amendments, writing, “As proposed, the Board asserts that the current health

and safety regulations for abortions in New Jersey present an undue burden that limits access to these procedures.

However, recent statistics on the number of abortions performed in New Jersey suggest otherwise.”

King’s letter cited the most recent data available, which found that in 2017 more than 48,000 abortions were performed in New Jersey, accounting for 5.6 percent of abortions performed in the United States. Additionally, between 2014 and 2017, New Jersey experienced a 9 percent increase in abortions while the remainder of the country witnessed an 8 percent decrease in the abortions.

“This data, as well as the absence of any major restrictions on abortions [including parental notification and mandated waiting periods] and the continued allocation of New Jersey tax dollars for these services, suggests that the Board’s decision to amend these

20 THE MONITOR MAGAZINE  November 2021

rules is nothing more than an arbitrary and capricious change of regulations for reasons other than medical necessity.

For this reason, I am asking the State Board of Medical Examiners to not adopt the amendments proposed in PR 2021-002,” wrote King.

King wrote: “The New Jersey Catholic Conference strongly opposes these amendments because any attempt to advance policies that threaten the right to life is an attack on the very foundation of all other human rights.” To read the full letter, go to njcatholic.org> ISSUES>RESPECT LIFE. Wider availability of services that could lead to a further increase in the state’s abortion rates was not the only rationale to oppose the rule changes.

Their impact on the health and safety of women seeking abortions was also a point of concern. Dr. Gerald Burke, Continued on 21

ADVOCATING FOR LIFE Continued from 20

president, South Jersey Catholic Medical Guild of the Diocese of Camden, and a doctor of reproductive endocrinology, infertility and gynecology, expressed concern that “the easing

of current medical standards would result in great harm and injury to the women of New Jersey.”

In a letter opposing the proposed amendments, Dr. Burke wrote, “The justification for extending surgical privileges to these non-surgeons are ‘journal articles’ based on data from the California and New York State experiences (other states where this policy has

been instituted) suggesting that, when these surgical privileges are extended to non-surgeons, there is no increased risk of injury or death to the patients. Unfortunately, medical articles, and the statistics upon which they are based, can be molded to justify a position and not reflect the reality of the situation.”

Though this was a battle not won, moving forward, said King, “We must continue to pray for a change of hearts and minds regarding abortion and come to a firm understanding that we have a responsibility to build a culture of life.” As part of that undertaking, stressed King, “We need to ask ourselves, ‘How are we working to

eliminate the racial, social, and economic issues that lead mothers to think abortion is a viable choice?’”

DIOCESAN PHASE OF SYNOD BEGINS Continued from 13

Synod process progresses.

The youth in the Diocese were also proud to be part of the historic event.

“I feel special because of how many people there are in our Diocese, we were chosen to be a part of it,” said Zach Adomski, 11, of St. Isidore the Farmer Parish, New Egypt.

“I think it’s important to have

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Her sister, a junior at Notre Dame added, “We are very honored to be here.”

Fellow Notre dame senior Nora Convoy shared her thoughts as well.

“I think it’s important that all people are represented and that the youth have a voice. We are the next generation of the Church and it’s important to look at what happened in the past and look at what’s happening now so that we can look to the future.”

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thanks very simply, and you can help them along with learning the skill of self-reflection and valuing all good as a gift from God. Hopefully, this article has “whet your appetite” to see what effect a purposeful listing of five things you are thankful to God for will have in your life. We do get so much more than we may realize – thanks be to God. Father Willliam Lago is pastor of St. Denis Parish in Manasquan.

PRACTICING GRATITUDE Continued from 17

thanking God is making a difference in your life. For example, a child can say: “One thing I’m thankful for was my friend sharing a snack with me.

It made me happy that they are my friend. And thanking God made me see friendship as a gift and it makes me want to be a good friend.” Perhaps just the young ones can express their

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November 2021  THE MONITOR MAGAZINE 23

Diocese

Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M., spent time chatting with the diaconate community during lunch. Here the Bishop visits with Deacon Sal and Jen Petro of Our Lady of Sorrows-St. Anthony Parish, Hamilton. Joe Moore photos

At convocation, deacons reminded theirs is a ministry centered on Christ, Eucharist

T

here was a genuine and renewed spirit of camaraderie among the deacons of the Diocese who gathered in Princeton for a deacon convocation Oct. 22-23.

Given that, for many of them, it had been two years since they last assembled together due to the global pandemic, the 104 deacons, some accompanied by their wives, were happy to reconnect and be affirmed in their ministry.

“It’s a blessing to join together to be nurtured spiritually, intellectually and through opportunities for good conversation and fellowship,” shared Msgr.

Thomas Mullelly, diocesan episcopal vicar for clergy and consecrated life, in his opening remarks to the deacons.

Bishop David M. O’Connell, C. M., extended his thanks to Msgr. Mullelly, St. Joseph Sister Rose McDermott, diocesan delegate for religious, and Tanya Taylor-Norwood, diocesan archivist, for their work in planning the convocation.

The two-day program included a

keynote address

by Deacon Andrew Saunders, director of the Diaconal Formation Program in Immaculate Conception Seminary, Seton Hall University, South Orange; Mass celebrated by Bishop O’Connell, who A highlight of the convocation for the deacons and their wives was also addressed the attending Mass with Bishop O’Connell on Oct. 23. deacons, and time do, in every path you trod, remember for prayer and fellowship. the Spirit of God dwells in you. Live and In his homily, Bishop O’Connell work for the Lord with that realization.” reminded the deacons, “We live and Following Mass, Bishop O’Connell walk in the Spirit of the Lord Jesus,” a spoke with the deacons, taking time to teaching they would be brought back to explain the process in which the Diocese throughout the convocation. is currently involved for the 16th Ordi“That is a humbling and powerful nary Synod of Bishops. He stressed the message, all the more profound for those importance of “encounter” as defined who have intensified our baptismal conby Pope Francis, and “listening” in faith secration through Holy Orders as deaContinued on 67 cons,” Bishop O’Connell said. “In all you

24 THE MONITOR MAGAZINE  November 2021

Diocese

On World Mission Sunday, faithful reminded that supporting missions is a way to follow Jesus

A display of artifacts, along with Gina Selah’s winning Christmas artwork entry, are exhibited in St. Mary of the Lakes Church, Medford, where World Mission Sunday Mass was celebrated.

Gina Selah, a winner in the 2021 Society of the Propagation of the Faith and the Missionary Childhood Association’s annual National Christmas Artwork Contest, is shown with her parents, Robert and Michelle Selah, along with Father Peter James Alindogan, left; pastor Father Daniel Swift, back, and visiting missionary priests. Dubravka Kolumbic-Cortese photos

BY DUBRAVKA KOLUMBICCORTESE  Correspondent

T

ying together the Gospel Reading for Oct. 24 and the observance of World Mission Sunday, Father Peter James Alindogan reminded the faithful gathered for the diocesan World Mission Sunday Mass that supporting missions through prayer and funding is, indeed, a way to follow Jesus.

“When God calls to you, you have to let go of your cloak,” Father Alindogan said, referring to the faith of the blind man Bartimaeus who threw aside his cloak when he encountered Jesus and asked Jesus for the ability to see. And after Bartimaeus’ wish was granted and he could see, Bartimaeus continued to follow Jesus’ path.

“We follow Jesus on the way by sharing what we have through prayer and

financial support,” said Father Alindogan, adding, “and, by lifting up the many Bartimaeuses who are probably sitting in the basements of life.”

 “The missionary spirit is alive and well...”

The 2021 diocesan World Mission Sunday Mass was celebrated in St. Mary of the Lakes Church, Medford, with Father Alindogan, diocesan missions director, serving as principal celebrant and homilist.

“The missionary spirit is alive and well in St. Mary of the Lakes in Medford,” Father Alindogan said.

Along with contributing to a collection for the Society of the Propagation of the Faith, an international organization

that works to support the religious and lay persons in mission areas throughout the world, the parish’s mission efforts were acknowledged when it was announced that it donated its former altar and pulpit to a parish in Haiti.

In addition, Father Daniel Swift, pastor, acknowledged the tireless efforts of the guest missionaries in attendance including: Father Simon Assogba and Father Eliecer Sandoval of the Society of African Missions; Sylvia Allen of Sylvia’s Children, and Maryknoll Brother John Blazo.

The Mass was also an opportunity to recognize parishioner Gina Selah, a student in the parish religious education program, and one of 24 winners nationwide in the Society of the Propagation of the Faith and the Missionary Childhood Association’s annual National Christmas Artwork Contest for 2021-22. The contest is open to Catholic school, religious education and homeschool students.

This is the fourth consecutive year that the Diocese had a finalist in the contest.

According to diocesan Office of Missions coordinator Maryanne Roman, the Trenton Diocese alone received more than 400 entries this past year.

“So this is quite an honor,” Roman said about Selah’s win.

Participants in the contest were asked to depict images that proclaim the Good News of Jesus’ Birth. Selah, 13, and the other winners will have their original artwork displayed throughout Continued on 26

November 2021  THE MONITOR MAGAZINE 25

Diocese Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M., visits with two Religious Sisters Filippini prior to the Mass for the opening of the 16th Ordinary Synod. Hal Brown photo

CLERGY APPOINTMENT Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M., has announced the following clergy appointment:

Annual fund for retired religious more needed than ever

E

arly December will be the opportune time for faithful to consider the positive impact a priest, religious sister or brother made on their lives, and to respond generously with a financial gift of thanks.

Supporting the retired religious of the Diocese of Trenton and dioceses throughout the country, the annual Retirement Fund for Religious has been crucial to allowing those who dedicated their lives to forming and teaching Catholics to retire assured that their most basic needs will be met.

 “Any small amount is acceptable.”

The fund will be collected Dec. 1112 in parishes across the United States and will go toward health care and living accommodations – vital to these dedicated and faithful servants who have no lifetime income from which to draw Social Security nor personal savings.

St. Joseph Sister Rose McDermott, delegate for Consecrated Life for the Diocese of Trenton, stressed that religious recognize how difficult the past two years have been financially for donors, and that “any small amount is acceptable” when considering a donation to the fund.

Approximately 300 religious women

and men from nearly 30 different orders are currently living and serving in the Diocese of Trenton. When members of these communities retire, they rely completely on donations from the laity, primarily through the annual fund.

The fund began in 1988, with the efforts of a layman who witnessed religious sisters paying for groceries with food stamps. Upon conversing with them, he discovered that while they received small stipends for their ministries in teaching, social service and nursing, they had no health or retirement benefits.

Out of that concern was created the National Religious Retirement Office in Washington to help address the deficit.

More than 32,000 religious nationwide now receive financial support solely for retirement through the fund – which also offers financial counselors to assist religious in planning their retirement.

“I do think [the fund in] Washington, D.C., does a very good job,” Sister Rose said of the Retirement Fund for Religious’ effort to treat financial support responsibly. “The money is not given out indiscriminately, but according to need; the religious have to open their books and show what they are setting aside for retirement … it’s very equitable and honest.”

According to the fund’s website, only 27 of the 531 religious communities reporting data to the NRRO are

26 THE MONITOR MAGAZINE  November 2021

Continued on 27

Ministrare Non Ministrari

Rev. Jang Jae Myung (Patrick), priest of the Diocese of Busan, South Korea, to pastor, Immaculate Conception Parish, Eatontown, effective immediately.

YOUTH PROMOTE FAITH Continued from 25

the Advent and Christmas seasons at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington. They will also receive a commemorative plaque and be recognized at a ceremony at the Basilica in December. All winning entries will be made available digitally. Selah’s entry will be used for the Diocesan Missions Office Christmas Cards.

“It’s so exciting,” said Selah, an eighthgrade student at Medford Memorial Middle School. “I’m really proud and honored to be a part of this. I feel overwhelmingly happy.”

The parish’s religious education program was also applauded for its efforts in supporting the Missionary Childhood Association’s outreach efforts through the 2020-21 school year. The MCA is an international organization of Catholic youth, proving that no one is ever too young to promote his or her faith and help others in need.

Roman also acknowledged the top three elementary schools and religious education programs in the Diocese with the highest mission contributions. The Catholic schools are: St. Jerome School, West Long Branch, first place; St. Joan of Arc School, Marlton, second place, and Our Lady of Sorrows School, Hamilton, third place. The parish religious education programs are Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish, Lakewood, first place; St. Veronica Parish, Howell, second place, and St. Robert Bellarmine Co-Cathedral, Freehold, third place.

Diocese

Workshop aims to help educators,

parishes teach to all abilities

BY EMMALEE ITALIA  Contributing Editor

A

day-long in-service workshop designed to assure the Church can reach all people with its teaching will be offered Nov. 18, 9:30 a.m. – 2 p.m. in St. Robert Bellarmine Co-Cathedral, 61 Georgia Rd., Freehold.

“Encountering All God’s Children: Adapting catechetical and sacramental preparation for people with disabilities” will benefit Catholic faith communities and educators in the Diocese of Trenton who encounter families with many different disabilities and special needs.

 “The Diocese is committed to assisting those who minister among people with special needs.”

“Many families here in our Diocese include a member with a disability,” said Denise Contino, director of the diocesan Department of Catechesis. “Keeping this in mind, the mission of the Church is to offer each family – and every member within each family – an opportunity to grow in faith, participate in the Sacraments and to be integrated into the life

of the parish community.”

The in-service is open to pastors, priests, parish and school leaders, catechists and teachers of the Diocese. The speaker for the workSister Kathleen shop will be Servant Schipani of the Immaculate Heart of Mary Sister Kathleen Schipani, director of the Office for Persons with Disabilities and the Deaf Apostolate, Archdiocese of Philadelphia.

“This workshop will provide a theological and ecclesial perspective of the mission of inclusion in parish religious education and Catholic school,” said Sister Kathleen. “The new Directory for Catechesis and Guidelines for the Celebration of the Sacraments will be used as a spring board to explore a variety of models of inclusion, universal design for learning, effective teaching methods and resources that create an environment where all learn and flourish in their faith and in the community.”

The workshop is sponsored by the Department of Catechesis, the diocesan Holy Innocents Society and the Tom and Glory Sullivan Foundation, Inc. – a fund that awards grants for various projects of the Catholic Church, with an emphasis on education.

“The Diocese is committed to assist-

PROVIDING FUTURE CARE FOR RETIRED RELIGIOUS Continued from 26

adequately funded for retirement. Part of the challenge is lack of an influx of new vocations to the religious life, with retired religious severely outnumbering those in active ministry.

Without adequate numbers of new religious to care for the ever-aging retired population, care has been shifted to healthcare providers, where the average cost of care for women and men re

ligious past age 70 is over $49,000 per person, and upwards of $79,000 for skilled care.

To learn more about the Retirement Fund for Religious, visit: retiredreligious.org/ To donate, contribute to the special collection at Masses Dec. 11-21, send contributions to your parish office or mail to: Retirement Fund for Religious, P.O. Box 96988, Washington, D.C. 20090-6988

ing those who minister among people with special needs,” Contino continued, “especially among school-aged children in parish catechetical programs, Catholic schools, or regional Holy Innocents Society Chapters. We want to be certain that [they] are equipped with the necessary tools to offer faith formation and sacramental preparation to families.”

Brenda L. Rascher, who represents the Bishop in her work with the Holy Innocents Society as part of her role as diocesan executive director of Catholic Social Services, said, “For decades, the members of the Holy Innocents Society (HIS) have ministered to the catechetical needs of parishioners with special needs … [but] the HIS was created to do even more.”

Adaptive programs from Loyola Press will be made available at the workshop to each attending parish, school and Holy Innocents Society Chapter.

“Disabilities and special needs are so vast, and publishers like Loyola Press are ahead of the times,” she pointed out.

“This in-service will offer resources and tools that offer modern catechesis and sacramental preparation that is uniquely modified to the person with a disability or special need ... and will result in an easier and more inclusive experience here in the Diocese.”

Sister Kathleen has a master’s degree in special education from The College of New Jersey, Ewing; a certificate in American Sign Language Studies from Gallaudet University, Washington, and a Bachelor of Arts degree in both Theology and English from Immaculata University, Pa. She has 40 years of teaching experience with children and adults of all abilities, and for the past 30 years has been a catechist for children and adults who are Deaf.

For more information on the workshop, visit dioceseoftrenton.org/all-godschildren-11-18-21, or email Debbie D’Agostaro, ddagos@dioceseoftrenton.org.

November 2021  THE MONITOR MAGAZINE 27

Diocese

Statewide conference provided virtual formation to diocesan PCLs and catechists

BY ROSE O’CONNOR  Associate Editor

A “

s a first-time catechist, I came eager for insight, instruction, communion, and inspiration from these incredible speakers,” said Joanne O’Donnell, an instructor of religious education in St. Ann Parish, Lawrenceville. “I was not disappointed.”

O’Donnell was among the more than 350 parish catechetical leaders who attended, “Say the Word / Una Palabra Tuya,” Southeast Catechist Conference held virtually Oct. 21-24. The Diocese of Trenton joined the other dioceses in New Jersey to offer this conference at no-cost for 1,314 participants who were registered in the Garden State.

The conference featured both pre-recorded and live events in English and Spanish on topics such as prayer, creating engaging lessons, the RCIA process and the Directory for Catechesis.

Among those included in the roster of speakers were Josue Arriola, diocesan director of evangelization and family life, who led the presentation, “Experience the Good News – The Importance of the Kerygma” in Spanish, and Dan Waddington, diocesan director of youth and young adult ministries, who led a discussion on community service, describing it as a “gateway to help young people put their faith into practice.”

Featured speakers also included Julianne Stanz, director of the new evangelization for the Diocese of Green Bay, Wisc.; Anne Masters, director, pastoral ministry of persons with disabilities for the Archdiocese of New York; Mark Hart, executive vice president for Life Teen International; Joe Paprocki, national consultant for faith formation at Loyola Press; Father Mike Schmitz, director, youth and young adult ministries in the Diocese of Duluth, Minn., speaker and author; Jesuit Father Robert Spitzer,

Anne Masters, director, pastoral ministry of persons with disabilities at the Archdiocese of New York, led the discussion, “A Catechist’s Task: Accompanying Individuals with Disabilities”.

Josue Arriola, diocesan director, evangelization and family life, led the presentation, “Experience the Good News – The Importance of the Kerygma” in Spanish. president, Magis Center for Reason and Faith; Dr. Hosffman Ospino, professor of theology and religious studies, Boston College, and Jose “Pepe” Alonso, host, “Nuestra Fe En Vivo,” Spanish EWTN network.

Lori McCahill, director of school religious education and marriage ministry in St. Benedict Parish and School, Holmdel, was particularly interested in hearing the presentation by Dr. Joseph White, consultant for Our Sunday Visitor, clinical child psychologist and former parish catechetical leader who spoke on the new Directory for Catechesis.

“I feel the Directory of Catechesis will be extremely helpful, not only for catechists and teachers, but for parents

28 THE MONITOR MAGAZINE  November 2021

as well. It covers a myriad of topics that are relevant in expanding our teachings of the Catholic faith. I am looking forward to reading the section that covers the Catholic faith and science working harmoniously,” she shared.

Similarly, John McGuire, director of religious education in St. Paul Parish, Princeton, appreciated the livestream presentations by Waddington and Dr. White as well as Julianne Stanz, who hosted “An Evening of Q &A.” “They were able to speak to the hope of Jesus Christ with the perspective of the events that shape our faith experience at this time, particularly the release of the Directory for Catechesis and ministry in light of the pandemic,” he explained.

Margaret Zola, coordinator of religious education in Mary, Mother of the Church Parish, Bordentown, is looking forward to implementing ideas from Sadlier publishing representative Laurel Marchesini who led a session on “Making the faith lesson come alive – engaging students in the classroom.”

“I enjoyed the different hands-on activities where the children are able to move out of their seats and take an active role in the lesson,” said Zola.

In addition to the live presentations, registrants were able to view pre-recorded, on-demand seminars.

Denise Contino, diocesan director of catechesis, was pleased to offer these presentations to parish catechetical leaders, catechists and others serving in parish ministry around the Diocese.

“The hope for the conference was to offer a place for anyone serving in a parish or Catholic school that is passing on the faith to grow in their pastoral skills and to gain practical information to bring to their ministry. The live presentations over the three days gave participants a time to listen and ask questions. These spaces of dialogue around methods, theology, and evangelization are all essential as we pass on the faith to those in our care.”

Diocese

Anti-poverty CCHD in great need for annual collection Nov. 20-21

BY EMMALEE ITALIA  USCCB image

Contributing Editor

R

esponding to the call of all Christians to remember and care for the poor, the Catholic Campaign for Human Development will conduct its annual collection the weekend before Thanksgiving, Nov. 20-21, in parishes around the Diocese of Trenton and nationwide.

The need, as with many social service programs, has become more pronounced during the COVID-19 pandemic, with in-person donations thwarted by restrictions.

“We collected less than half of what we normally do in 2020,” said Brenda Rascher, diocesan executive director of Catholic Social Services and acting director for CCHD. “Financial requests far exceed the amount we can give.”

Known as the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops’ anti-poverty program, the collection will go toward the mission of breaking the cycle of poverty, helping low-income people participate in decisions that affect their lives, families and communities. “CCHD offers a hand up, not a handout,” the USCCB entity advertises on its website.

Of the amount collected, 75 percent is allocated to the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops national CCHD office for grants and programs that assist in communities across the country. The remaining 25 percent is used by each diocese to support local anti-poverty projects through grants.

“In 2017 we were able to give six organizations grants, for a total of $33,414,” Rascher explained. “As of Sept. 20 this year, we ended up receiving just $14,849.”

Previous grant recipients in the Diocese of Trenton, for example, have included parish-based St. Vincent de Paul conferences and other diocesan agencies such as Mount Carmel Guild, a Trenton-based outreach agency; the Mercer County CYO, which provides athletic and educational programs for youth of Mercer County, and parish-based food

#GivingTuesday an opportunity to support Catholic schools This Nov. 30 the Diocese of Trenton will take part in #GivingTuesday to raise funds in support of Catholic Schools.

As a national day of philanthropy, #GivingTuesday was established in 2012 and has garnered millions of acts of generosity in the form of monetary donations and volunteerism.

In the Diocese, supporters of Catholic education are asked to donate, and/ or commit to volunteer in their local

Catholic school. Prayers of support for the mission of the schools are also requested.

Last year more than $130,000 was raised for participating schools through the #GivingTuesday initiative, the most successful effort since the Diocese began participating in 2016.

Christine Prete, associate director of development operations for the Continued on 66

pantries.

“These programs need that money if they’re going to help people to become self-sustaining and get out of poverty,” Rascher stressed. “We can’t help [them] do the significantly important work they’re doing without the encouragement and support of parishioners.”

Founded in 1969, CCHD’s pastoral strategy includes not only empowerment of the poor, but also educating on poverty and its causes. The dual strategy of education and helping the poor speak and act for themselves reflects the principles of Catholic social teaching and the Scriptures.

“We give out 100 percent of the funds we receive,” Rasher said. “It’s not meant to be money for operations, but rather to use to help people lift themselves out of poverty.”

Supported projects include expanding access to affordable housing, promoting access to education, developing worker-owned businesses, and reforming the criminal justice system.

The campaign also nurtures solidarity between people living in poverty and their neighbors.

“CCHD does enormously great work because it’s an arm of the Church,” Rascher continued, “and we are the face of the Church: the people.”

For more information visit povertyusa. org or usccb.org/committees/catholic-campaign-human-development.

November 2021  THE MONITOR MAGAZINE 29

COMMUNITY OUTREACH

Bishop O’Connell and Mary Inkrot, the Mount Carmel Guild’s executive director, pose for a photo with the student honorees. Joe Moore photo

Mount Carmel Guild celebrates continuing its mission during challenging times

BY MARY STADNYK  Associate Editor

F

or well over a year, the global pandemic has created unprecedented and challenging times for people throughout the world and affected them in many ways.

But in the midst of the worldwide turmoil, the dedicated staff of the now 101-year-old Mount Carmel Guild, Trenton, persevered in remaining true to its mission to serve and meet the ever-changing needs of the community’s most vulnerable residents, the majority of whom are from the Greater Mercer County area.

So said Jane Chrnelich when she addressed all who gathered Oct. 15 in the Trenton Country Club for the annual gala that serves as the major fundraiser for the inner-city Trenton diocesan outreach agency, including Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M., who offered the invocation, Brenda Rascher, diocesan executive director of Catholic social services, along with staff, friends, volunteers and supporters.

“So tonight is a night to celebrate,” said Chrnelich, whose message also reached those viewing the event via livestream.

Proceeds from the annual gala benefit the Guild’s two major programs. The Community Support Program, started

in 1921, provides food and other necessities, and offers homelessness prevention services and short-term financial assistance when available. Education and outreach on healthy eating and referrals to partner social services are also provided.

The Guild also has a Home Health Nursing Program that was started in 1941 and provides quality, long-term, home-based nursing care to patients 60 years of age and older with acute or chronic health conditions.

A focal point of the Oct. 15 gala was honoring the generous spirit of young people hailing from Catholic schools and parishes in the greater Mercer County area. They were recognized for their willingness to assist people experiencing tough times, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Tonight, we honor young people who have overcome their own challenges and continued to help the less fortunate in multiple ways throughout the pandemic,” said Mary Inkrot, the Guild’s executive director.

“This year, the Guild reached out to all the diocesan schools and parish religious education programs and asked each to submit the names of individuals or organizations who they felt were deserving of recognition,” Inkrot said. “Tonight, we are honoring the young people who carry on the tradition passed down to them,

30 THE MONITOR MAGAZINE  November 2021

a tradition of giving and caring for others.”

As she introduced the award recipients, brief video interviews were shown in which each honoree expressed sentiments about their relationship with the Guild.

One Guild Appreciation Award recipient was Nick Foley of St. Gregory the Great Parish, Hamilton Square. The award is given to individuals for outstanding and consistent dedication to the Guild or their local parish community. Foley was recognized for his membership in the parish’s BOLD youth ministry in which he assisted with drives to help those in need. One of the drives was a food collection hosted by the parish’s Knights of Columbus Council. The Mount Carmel Guild was among the agencies to receive food donations. Foley has also joined his parish in serving with the Loaves and Fishes program in St. Mary of the Assumption Cathedral, Trenton.

“I want to give back any way I can,” Foley, a sophomore at McDaniel College, Westminster, Md., said, as he noted how grateful he is for his family and his home. “I’ve been blessed with so much.”

To see photo gallery and expanded version of this story, including write-ups on the honorees, visit TrentonMonitor.com> News>Diocese

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The website for a Giving Tuesday gift is: www.leadinfaith.org forTuesday a GivingThe Tuesday gift www.leadinfaith.org The websiteThe forwebsite a Giving gift is: www.leadinfaith.org website foris: a Giving Tuesday gift is: www.leadinfaith.org During COVID, support for our schools is more important than ever.

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As a result DIOCESE had to step up spending for health-related of TRENTON budgets arecosts tight. due to COVID protocols. As a result budgets arebudgets tight. are tight. budgets are tight.

Your will ensure our Catholic schools here today and tomorrow.

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Educating the next generation.

Imparting the same Gospel values that formed your life.

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

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Imparting the same Gospel values that formed Educating the next generation. Imparting the same Gospel values that formed your your life. life.

Educating the next generation. Imparting same Gospel values that formed your Thank youthe for allowing the youngest of our Catholic family thelife. same opportunity Thank you forthe allowing the youngest of our Catholic family the same opportunity Thank you for allowing youngest of our you had beenCatholic gifted. family the same opportunity youallowing had been gifted.

Thank you for you had been gifted. the youngest of our Catholic family the same opportunity you had been gifted.

November 2021  THE MONITOR MAGAZINE 31

Pope Francis People in St. Peter’s Square attend the Angelus led by Pope Francis from the window of his studio overlooking the square at the Vatican Oct. 24. CNS photo/Vatican Media

MORE FROM POPE FRANCIS ONLINE:

Genuine, heartfelt prayer takes courage, Pope says at Angelus

BY CAROL GLATZ  Catholic News Service

VATICAN CITY • People should pray with genuine and courageous faith, revealing their whole heart to God, confident he listens with care and mercy, Pope Francis said.

“When faith is alive, prayer is heartfelt: it does not beg for spare change, it is not reduced to momentary needs. We must ask everything of Jesus, who can do everything,” the Pope said, speaking to pilgrims gathered in St. Peter’s Square for his Angelus address Oct. 24.

God “cannot wait to pour out his grace and joy into our hearts; but unfortunately, it is we who keep our distance, through timidness, laziness or unbelief,” he said.

The Pope reflected on the day’s Gospel reading about Bartimaeus, who was blind and begging on the road to Jericho.

When the man heard Jesus of Nazareth was there, he repeatedly cried out, “Jesus, son of David, have pity on me.”

While the people around him scolded him to be quiet, Jesus called out for

Bartimaeus and asked him, “What do you want me to do for you?”

The Pope said this shows “God always listens to the cry of the poor and is not at all disturbed by Bartimaeus’ voice.”

God hears that the man is “full of faith, a faith that is not afraid to insist, to knock on the door of God’s heart, despite not being understood and being reproached. And here lies the root of the miracle,” the Pope said, because Jesus restored his sight and said, “your faith has saved you.”

“Bartimaeus’ faith is evident from his prayer,” the Pope said. “It is not a timid and standard prayer,” but one prayed with his whole heart.

“And what about us? When we ask for God’s grace, in our prayer do we also include our own history, our wounds, our humiliations, our broken dreams, our mistakes and our regrets?” the Pope asked.

When people pray, he asked, “Is it courageous? Does it contain the good insistence of Bartimaeus? Does it know how to ‘take hold’ of the Lord as he pass-

32 THE MONITOR MAGAZINE  November 2021

 Pope says creating a better world means seeing, helping, converting  Catholic social teaching gives Gospel concrete form  Freedom comes from serving others

 ‘We must ask Jesus ... for everything. He cannot wait to pour out his grace and joy into our hearts.” @PONTIFEX OCT. 24, 2021

es? Or is it rather content with making a formal greeting every now and then, when I remember?”

“Furthermore, is my prayer ‘substantial,’ does it bare my heart before the Lord? Do I take my story and life experience to him? Or is it anemic, superficial, made up of rituals, without feeling and without heart?” he asked.

When people pray, they must believe that the Lord can work miracles, Pope Francis said.

“Of the one who can give us everything, let us ask everything, like Bartimaeus,” who had “genuine, insistent and courageous faith” and should be an example for everyone, he said.

Joe Moore photo

Church

Vatican extends All Souls’ Day indulgences through November

BY CATHOLIC NEWS SERVICE VATICAN CITY • With the COVID-19 pandemic still underway and with restrictions on gatherings still in place in some countries, the Vatican has again extended the period of time when people can earn a plenary indulgence for visiting a cemetery and praying for the souls of the faithful in purgatory.

Cardinal Mauro Piacenza, head of the Apostolic Penitentiary, a Vatican tribunal dealing with matters of conscience, said the indulgences traditionally obtained during the first week of November can be gained throughout the entire month of November, the Vatican announced Oct. 28.

The cardinal said he was acting in response to “pleas recently received from various sacred pastors of the Church because of the state of the continuing pandemic.”

Traditionally, the faithful could receive a full indulgence each day from Nov. 1 to Nov. 8 when they visited a cemetery to pray for the departed and fulfilled other conditions, and, in particular, when they went to a church or an oratory to pray Nov. 2, All Souls’ Day. Because of the pandemic and the popularity in many cultures of visiting cemeteries for All Souls’ Day, some local governments and dioceses closed cemeteries in the first week of November to prevent crowding. That led Cardinal Piacenza to issue a decree in 2020 extending the period for the indulgences.

The decree for 2021 renewed those provisions.

Indulgences are granted when a Catholic visits a cemetery to pray for the

dead, goes to Confession, attends Mass and receives the Eucharist, and prays for the intentions of the Pope.

An indulgence is a remission of the temporal punishment one deserves for one’s sins; people often will seek the indulgence on behalf of a loved one who has died or, especially in early November, for an unknown soul in purgatory.

The Church teaches that prayer, particularly the Mass, and sacrifices may be offered on behalf of the souls in purgatory.

The feast of All Souls differs from the Nov. 1 feast of All Saints precisely because it offers prayers for the eternal peace and heavenly rest of all those who died in a state of grace, but not totally purified.

The Catechism of the Catholic Church says, “All who die in God’s grace and friendship, but still imperfectly purified, are indeed assured of their eternal salvation; but after death they undergo purification so as to achieve the holiness necessary to enter the joy of heaven.”

TEENS, PRIESTS, PASTORAL WORKERS AND NUN AMONG MARTYRS BEATIFIED IN SPAIN CÓRDOBA, Spain • More than 100 victims of Spain’s 1936-1939 civil war moved a step closer to sainthood after being beatified as martyrs for the faith. They included two teenage boys as well as an 88-year-old nun who died of bullet wounds after being tied to a window as a human shield. More than 3,000 people gathered Oct. 16 for the beatification Mass in Córdoba’s sixth-century cathedral for Father Juan Elías Medina and 126 fellow martyrs, all killed by anti-clerical forces at the start of the four-year CNS photo/courtesy Iglesia en Córdoba conflict. The Mass brought to more than 2,000 the number beatified or canonized from the Spanish conflict, during which 2,000 churches were destroyed and up to 8,000 Catholic clergy and religious order members killed, along with a dozen bishops and tens of thousands of lay Catholics. Father Medina, from Castro del Río, was arrested in July 1936 while serving as rector of his home parish and was shot with 14 others at the town’s cemetery, after assuring his mother in a letter, found in his breviary, that he was “dying content.” The Córdoba Diocese said the 33-year-old priest had been noted for work among the poor and sick and had refused to deny his priesthood while held in a town hall basement. It added that the “brutal executions” had formed “part of a climate of persecution imposed by republican militia against all those daring to profess membership of the Church.” – Catholic News Service November 2021  THE MONITOR MAGAZINE 33

World & Nation

President John F. Kennedy shakes hands with Pope Paul VI at the Vatican July 2, 1963. The meeting between Pope Francis and President Joe Biden marks only the second time a Catholic President has met the Pope at the Vatican. CNS file photo

U.S. President George W. Bush walks with Pope Benedict XVI through the gardens of the Lourdes Grotto at the Vatican June 13, 2008. The meeting between Pope Francis and U.S. President Joe Biden was scheduled to take place at the Vatican Oct. 29. CNS photo/L’Osservatore Romano via Reuters

Popes and Presidents: Biden is

14th U.S. President to visit Vatican

BY CINDY WOODEN  Catholic News Service

VATICAN CITY • Almost 60 years have passed since a Catholic President of the United States visited a pope at the Vatican.

When President John F. Kennedy was preparing for his meeting with the new Pope Paul VI in July 1963, people were wondering if he would kiss the Pope’s ring, a traditional sign of deference, but one that could have been problematic for a President already dealing with questions about whether his Church or his country came first.

The Pope did not seem to mind shaking his hand.

Protocols and popes have changed.

Today, Pope Francis prefers guests not kiss his ring.

President Joe Biden will be the 14th U.S. President – and the second Cath-

olic President – to meet a pope at the Vatican.

Unlike Kennedy, questions about Biden’s faith are coming mainly from within the Catholic community because of his support for legalized abortion.

Biden’s visit to the Vatican was to coincide with the President’s participation in the G-20 Summit in Italy, which will have focused on the COVID-19 pandemic and global health, the global economy and climate change.

The first U.S. President to visit the Vatican was Woodrow Wilson, who met with Pope Benedict XV in 1919 while on a European tour after World War I. Then, a full 40 years later, Dwight D. Eisenhower met Pope John XXIII in 1959.

Since then, each U.S. President has

made a trip to the Vatican.

Meeting Pope Paul VI were Kennedy in 1963; Lyndon B. Johnson in 1967; Richard M. Nixon in 1969 and 1970; and Gerald R. Ford in 1975.

Jimmy Carter was the next to visit, meeting Pope John Paul II in 1980. Ronald Reagan met him in 1982 and 1987, as well as after leaving office. George H.W. Bush met him in 1989 and 1991.

Bill Clinton traveled to the Vatican in 1994.

George W. Bush met Pope John Paul II in 2001 at the papal villa in Castel Gandolfo and at the Vatican in 2002 and 2004. In addition to attending Pope John Paul’s funeral in 2005, he visited the Vatican in 2007 and again in 2008 to Continued on 67

For a full report on the meeting between Pope Francis and President Biden, go to TrentonMonitor.com and click on NEWS>WORLD & NATION.

34 THE MONITOR MAGAZINE  November 2021

Anniversary Blessings

Rooted in Faith

Anniversary couples reflect on years of faith, hope and love together

BY ROSE O’CONNOR  Associate Editor and BRIANNA PALMER  Correspondent

T

hey all shared different stories. They all came from different towns and parishes from around the Diocese. They were all married in different times and places. Yet, the more than 300 married couples who attended the Bishop’s Anniversary Blessing Masses on Oct. 3, in St. Mary of the Assumption Cathedral, Trenton, or Oct. 10 in St. Robert Bellarmine Co-Cathedral, Freehold, shared a common sentiment when answering the question, “What is the secret to having a successful marriage?”

The answer, it turns out, is not much of a secret. It is their

love of God, their faith and one another.

“You are marriage’s success stories,” Bishop David M. O’Connell said in his homily at both Masses. The first Mass was for couples in Burlington and Mercer Counties celebrating one, 25, 50 or more years of marriage this year, and the second Mass was for couples in Monmouth and Ocean Counties.

Since last year’s Anniversary Blessing Masses were cancelled due to the Continued on 36

A couple celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary renew their wedding vows in St. Robert Bellarmine Co-Cathedral, Freehold. Jeff Bruno photo

November 2021  THE MONITOR MAGAZINE 35

Anniversary Blessings

A celebration of love Continued from 35

pandemic, couples marking their second, and 26th anniversaries were also invited to participate.

“No marriage is perfect, no human being is perfect, only God is perfect, and he calls us to strive for perfection as best we can,” Bishop O’Connell said.

“Your Sacrament has brought you together, kept you together in a bond of love that has grown stronger, deeper, holier and more intentional. It’s up to you, with God’s grace, to keep it going.”

CREDIBLE WITNESSES The diocesan Department of Evangelization and Family Life hosted the Bishop’s Anniversary Blessing Masses, occasions during which the anniversary couples renew their vows and receive special blessings from Bishop O’Connell. Each couple was also presented with a small gift on behalf of the Diocese.

For the Oct. 10 Mass in St. Robert

Bellarmine Co-Cathedral, the congregation was treated to a little musical prelude from the Bishop who spontaneously began his homily by singing the refrain from Foreigner’s 1984 hit, “I Want To Know What Love Is.” “If I wanted to know what love is, you’d certainly show me as we celebrate your anniversaries,” Bishop O’Connell said, adding that most of what he had learned about marriage while growing up, as well as during his almost 40 years of priesthood, he learned from his parents who were married for 59 years before his father died, as well as many other couples he has encountered. “In fact, I would say that much of what I learned about being a priest I learned from couples like you, to know what love is and to show it.”

“What the world is in particular need of today is the credible witness, to show people enlightened in mind and heart by the Word of the Lord and capable of opening their hearts and leaving them

Milagros Canlas Nepomuceno Nanawa and Jose Angel Franco, Our Lady of Fatima, Keyport, celebrated 50 years of marriage with Bishop O’Connell and family. Jeff Bruno photo

open, capable of opening their minds for their desire for God, for true life, life without end,” he said.

“You are those credible witnesses,” Bishop O’Connell said. “You are marriage’s success stories. Whether there are easy times, good times, or some challenging and difficult times, your love has seen you through and continues to. Christian marriage, sacramental marriage and family life are the ways you recognize God’s presence in your lives, ways that fulfill your lives and strengthen your sense of belonging to him, to one another and to all of us in the Church, to affirm his presence. That’s what your marriage does.”

THEIR MARRIED YEARS Smiles, laughter and tears of joy were shared by the married couples as they thought about their years and experiences together.

Sean and Marie Gorman of St. Raphael-Holy Angels Parish, Hamilton, who are celebrating their 25th anniversary, shared that they desire for God to be present in their marriage and family life.

“It’s so important to find someone who has the same morals and shares the faith,” Sean Gorman said and suggested couples “pray constantly, go to Mass, pray the Rosary as a family, read the daily Readings and go to Confession.”

Betsy and Rick Adams were married

36 THE MONITOR MAGAZINE  November 2021

To see Photo Galleries, visit TrentonMonitor.com> Multimedia>Photo Galleries Go to TrentonMonitor.com and click on NEWS> DIOCESE for photo galleries and a SPECIAL VIDEO featuring some of this year’s anniversary couples.

Anibal and Solsire Alveño, St. Joseph Parish, Trenton, hold hands at the Anniversary Blessing Mass Oct. 3 in St. Mary of the Assumption Cathedral.

Hal Brown photo

in St. John Neumann Parish, Mount Laurel, 26 years ago and were glad to have the opportunity to receive the blessing from Bishop O’Connell. If pressed to give advice to couples preparing for marriage, the Adams suggested remaining steadfast in love and faith.

“Have a lot of patience. There are going to be ups and downs, just hang in there, because it’s worth it,” Rick shared.

Betsy agreed and added, “Look to God. He will give you what you need to get through the tough times. We’ve been very blessed.”

The strong faith foundation is also something David and Jennifer Bedad want for their marriage as they celebrated their first anniversary last year.

“It’s a joy to be surrounded by so many other married couples in person, after the Covid-19 pandemic cancelled the celebration last year.” The Bedad’s, parishioners of St. Catherine Labouré Parish, Middletown, also spoke about their positive experience during their Pre-Cana preparations, recalling it as a “fun and inspirational experience that prepared them for marriage and even helped them plan their big day.”

Joseph and Jean Cosentino, parishioners from St. Aloysius Parish, Jackson, are celebrating a significant milestone in their married life – their 70th wedding anniversary. When prompted to share their

“secrets to success” they shared, “having a family to take care of and staying strong in the faith has kept our marriage alive even after so many years.”

The Cosentinos also pray the Rosary together nightly, a practice they believe keeps them rooted in their faith.

“Keep the faith and always love one another,” Joseph said, remarking that it was “lovely seeing so many happy couples celebrating together in one place,” follow-

A special gift from

ing the Mass in the Co-Cathedral.

“She’s my little slice of heaven,” Thomas Brenner said of wife, Rita. The Brenners, parishioners of St. James Parish, Pennington, have been married for 50 years. “We wanted to join the celebration to the give thanks to God for all of the blessings we have received in our married lives,” Rita said.

“It’s hard to believe we’ve been married 52 years,” Enid Martin said of her marriage to husband, Arthur. The couple are parishioners of Mary, Mother of the Church Parish, Bordentown.

Her advice for a happy and faith-filled marriage?

“Know each other’s strengths and weaknesses and build on those strengths.

Work with each other. Forgive, forget and start over. Tomorrow is another day and you always get a second chance to start over,” Enid said. “And most important, be grateful – for big things, for small things and for everything in between!”

THE MONITOR

for all Anniversary Couples listed in this magazine.

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November 2021  THE MONITOR MAGAZINE 37

Anniversary Blessings

A couple touches each others’ wedding bands during the blessing of rings. Hal Brown photo

Anniversary Blessings Celebrating Couples Married... 1 & 2 years • 25 & 26 years • 50+ years The couples who took part in one of the Bishop’s Anniversary Blessings are listed here, by county and parish:

Burlington County Corpus Christi, Willingboro • Robert C. & Margaretha Cooper, 51 Holy Eucharist, Tabernacle • Daniel & Janet L. Boris, 25 • Kenneth S. & Mary Christine Domzalski, 50 • Chris & Sandy Foster, 26 • John Stephen & Mary Elizabeth Nowicki, 25 • John & Diane Perides, 51 • James P. & Linda K. Waters, 25 Mary, Mother of the Church, Bordentown • Reno & Midge Cassarini, 25 • Carol and Roy Holcombe, 51 • Carlos & Cora Jayme, 51 • Arthur & Enid Martin, 52 Our Lady of Good Counsel, Moorestown • Robert & Bernadette Garofola, 51 •

Charles & JoAnn Tier, 50 Our Lady, Queen of Peace, Hainesport • Frank & Sharon Loiseau, 26 Resurrection Parish, Delran • Vincent & Carol Cooney, 50 Sacred Heart, Mount Holly • Nicholas & Mary Katkic, 50 • David & Annette Marcil, 26 • Stephen & Donna Lynn Passalacqua, 26 • Paul J. & Janet Naidl Siler, 50

St. Charles Borromeo, Cinnaminson • Robert & Lois Caccese, 50 • Francis & Theresa Dolan, 60 • Paul & Jean Ferretti, 52 • Frank & Marion Hodum, 50 • Harry J. & Elaine M. Welsh, 51 St. Joan of Arc, Marlton • Justin & Christin Colaprico, 2 St. John Neumann, Mount Laurel • Richard & Elizabeth Adams, 26 • Joseph & Mary Majauskas, 50

Sacred Heart, Riverton • Arthur & Barbara Ann Milch, 50 • Douglas & Joan-Marie Stiglich, 25 • James T. & Ingrid M. Turcich, 51

St. Katharine Drexel, Burlington • Max & Meghan Kind, 1 • Joseph & Margaret Paglione, 50 • Robert & Patricia Wood, 50

St. Ann, Browns Mills • Stephen N. & Kathleen A. Carpenter, 50 • Elpidio & Vilma Robles, 51

St. Mary of the Lakes, Medford • John & Catherine Baily, 50 • James & Anne Lang, 50

38 THE MONITOR MAGAZINE  November 2021

Mercer County Incarnation-St. James, Ewing • Daniel & Nina Gowaty, 50 Our Lady of the Angels, Trenton • Tomas & Glenda Martínez, 25 • Josarit & Frumencio Ramos, 2 Our Lady of Good Counsel, West Trenton • Steven Czelusniak & Elizabeth Peoples, 25 Our Lady of Sorrows-St. Anthony, Hamilton • Joseph & Paula Agabiti, 50 • John & Suzanne Bensel, 62 • Samuel & Patricia Falconello, 59 • Joseph & Jennifer Gehan, 25 • Richard & Joanne Lisiewski, 55 • Walter J. & Teresa Mary Kmiec, 50 • Angelo & Clare Milioto, 51 • Joseph & Carol Notta, 50 • Thomas & Laura Prendergast, 26 • Matthew & Ivelisse Spart, 2 Sacred Heart, Trenton • Charles & Josephine Armenti, 51 • Hector & Maribelle Figueroa, 25 • Diane & Ken Nowak, 50 St. Ann, Lawrenceville • Kenneth & Maryann Micai, 50 • Trystan & Brigid Tevis, 1 St. Anthony of Padua, Hightstown • Joseph M. & Anne R. Borek, 50 • Robert & Sheila O’Donnell, 51 • John & Joanne Tyne, 51

St. Joseph, Trenton • Anibal & Solsire Alveño, 1 • Jaime Hernandez & Leonor Briones, 1 • Jose Coronado & Gladys Cardona, 2 • Ángel & Ana Angelica Chicaiza, 1 • Fermin Melgar & Elizabeth Jaquez, 1 • Nestor Enrique Mendez & Piedad Mendez, 25 • Jose Horacio Navarro Calvo & Marisol Morales Mora, 26 • Juan Pineda & Carolina Ramirez, 2 • Francisco Chaj & Marta Sanchez, 2 • Ruben & Basilica Santiago, 2

Holy Cross, Rumson • Walter F. & Marsha K. Bukowski, 1 • Donald & Mary Jane McDermott, 51

St. Paul, Princeton • Paul & Jennifer Cooke, 25 • William & Phyllis Coyer, 60 • Thomas Anthony III & Grace Chapa Walker Finn, 50 • Andrew & Debbie Peel, 26 • Chris & Susan Evans, 26 • Jeffrey Eikelberner & Lisa Walker, 25

Our Lady of Fatima, Keyport • Carol & John Gaffney, 53 • Jose Angel Franco & Milagros Canlas Nepomuceno Nanawa, 50 • George & Rita Roessner, 51

St. Raphael-Holy Angels, Hamilton • Francis & Carol Bresnen, 50 • Douglas & Marie Filidore, 57 • Sean & Marie Gorman, 25 • Chrispin & Anicia Lopez, 50 • Charles A. & Ann Mewherter, 50 St. Vincent de Paul, Yardville • Richard & Judith Eck, 1 • Tom & Bobbi Hope, 51

Monmouth County Christ the King, Long Branch • James & Blanche Hartner, 50

Holy Innocents, Neptune • Thomas & Wendy Bifulco, 51 Mother of Mercy, Asbury Park • Enrique Cortes & Amalia Ibañez, 25 • Karl & Christina Schuetz, 53 Nativity, Fair Haven • Edward H. & Marilyn A. Fenton, 50 • William & Barbara Grimmer, 50

Our Lady of Hope, West Long Branch • Mike & Kathy Flanagan, 50 • Donald & Linda Hopkins, 50 • Vincent & Nancy Torre, 50 Our Lady of Perpetual Help-St. Agnes, Atlantic Highlands • Anthony & Carol Alleva, 54 St. Anthony of Padua, Red Bank • Gabriel & Estela Cilia, 2 • Carlos Fonseca & Jazmín Sujeille Canchola Aguilar, 2 • Efraín & Juana Moreno lino, 2 • José & Beatriz Amado Rodriguez, 26

Continued on 40

St. David the King, Princeton Junction • Vincent & JoAnn Ficca, 50 • Michael & Barbara Gallagher, 50 • John & Patricia Magovern, 50 • Francis & Mary McKittrick, 50 • John A. & Evelyne A. Patterson, 26 St. George, Titusville • Lawrence & Rose Gallagher, 50 St. Gregory the Great, Hamilton Square • Pacifico & Minda Allarde, 50 • Paul & Mary Goepfert, 25 • Charles & Rose Marie Grabowski, 50 • Richard & Vivian Guarini, 51 • Joseph & Jane Latini, 51 • David & Angela Provost, 26 • Alice & Stephen Statz, 50 • James & Judith Tymon, 50 St. James, Pennington • Thomas Edward & Rita Lina Brenner, 50 • Moore & Theresa Hank, 51 • Edward & Angeline Martin, 54 • Jack & Marsha Watro, 50

Bishop O’Connell speaks to married couples celebrating milestone anniversaries. With the Bishop are Msgr. Thomas N. Gervasio, vicar general and Father Dennis Apoldite, pastor, Sacred Heart Parish, Trenton. Hal Brown photo November 2021  THE MONITOR MAGAZINE 39

Anniversary Blessings

Celebrating Couples Married...

1 & 2 years • 25 & 26 years • 50+ years Continued from 39

St. Benedict, Holmdel • Joseph & Charlotte Miceli, 51 St. Catharine, Holmdel • John & Lillian Giordano, 51 • Chris & Kathy Scott, 26 St. Catharine-St. Margaret, Spring Lake • Theodore P. & Kathleen A. Brogowski, 50 • Philip & Joanne Eskola, 50 • John & Maryanne Greene, 51 • Derek & Kelly Noah, 1 • Owen & Melissa Quinn, 25 • Francis A. & Aniela Sullivan, 50 St. Catherine Laboure, Middletown • Idir & Jennifer David Bedad, 1 • Eugene & Earline Cutolo, 58 • Donald & Barbara Moloney, 25 • Wayne & Madeline Wildrick, 50 St. Clement, Matawan • William & Judith Campbell, 51 • Matthew & Mary Conrad, 25 • John & Donna Demartino, 52 • Maximo Jr. & Josefina Madridejos, 50 • Gary & Carmela Repack, 50 • Thomas & Claudia Strano, 50 St. Denis, Manasquan • John & Gina Finn, 25 • Joseph & Jane Potoczniak, 51 • Michael & AnneMarie Sniffen, 50 • Ted & Carolyn Wojtech, 61 St. Dorothea, Eatontown • Anthony & Rosemarie Pagano, 50 • Richard & MaryAnn Szenzenstein, 50 St. Gabriel, Marlboro • Christopher & Linda Alviggi, 26 • Paul & Denise Budveit, 25 • Rocco & Norma Cea, 64 • Emerito & Yvonne Cruz, 25 • Peter & Ann Fekety, 50 • F. L. “Skip” & Marian Gracon, 57 St. James, Red Bank • Angelo & Kerry Ascione, 25 • Deacon Bryan & Bernadette Davis, 50 • Antonio N. Loreno & B. Presenta Villa-Loreno, 55 • Gary Silvestri & Kathleen Peterson, 26 •

Anthony & Deborah Tamburri, 26 St. John the Baptist, Allentown • Joseph & Elizabeth Casto, 50 • Joseph & Dolores Viotti, 50 • Michael & Aixa Welborn, 25 St. Joseph, Millstone • Salvatore & Jolinda Dioguardi, 50 • Richard & Patricia Hileman, 60 St. Leo the Great, Lincroft • Giulio & Beth Caruso, 25 • James & Ella Langtry, 51 St. Mark, Sea Girt • Patrick & Linda Cavanaugh, 51 • Gordon & Margaret Pingicer, 51 • Bernard & Dorothy Ricciardi, 63 • William & Linda Ryan, 25 St. Mary, Colts Neck • John J. and Rosemarie Coppola, 51 • Joseph and Rachelle Quigley, 25 • Mary & George Schneider, 51 St. Mary, Middletown • Jon & Debra Moren, 25 • William & Rose Marie Philcox, 56 • Richard & Diana West, 54 St. Michael, Long Branch • Jason & Keelin Hutzley, 25 • Jack & Cathy McDonald, 50 • Elian & Renata Gabriela Mounayer, 51 • Paul & Eileen Rolleri,

40 THE MONITOR MAGAZINE  November 2021

50 • Ralph & Kathryn Stubbs, 51 St. Robert Bellarmine Co-Cathedral, Freehold • Brian & Linda Altini, 26 • Don & Dolores Andrejewski, 50 • Robert & Judith Burner, 50 • Robert & Louise Campbell, 51 • James & Kathleen Carmello, 51 • Kathleen & Albert Doty, 52 • Paul & Cheryl Frank, 26 • Rolf & Judith Friedmann, 50 • Ralph & Kathleen Giordano, 55 • Salvatore & Maria Iacono, 50 • John & Marilyn Kuper, 61 • Thomas & Bonnie Lally, 26 • Bernardino & Cynthia Lota, 50 • Richard & Julia Mensel, 60 • Vincent & Virginia Merola, 51 • Ronald & Lenore Reagan, 61 • Louis & Louise Riehl, 50 • Al & Fran Rozansky, 50 • Michael & Irene Rovito, 25 • Thomas & Maryann Saporita, 50 • John & Teresa Scozzari, 25 • Vinny & Filomena Sirico, 25 • Mark & Gail Tardi, 25 • Rafael & Francisca Torres, 59 • Ismael & Elizabeth Vicens, 50 St. Rose, Belmar • Peter M. & Diane Gregorio, 50 • Joseph & Ursula Maher, 51 • James & Maria Parry, 25

A couple celebrating 50 years of marriage share a smile following the blessing of the rings. Jeff Bruno photo St. Rose of Lima, Freehold • Oscar Carrillo & Maria del Pilar, 26 • Daniel Dawidowicz & Donna Chong, 25 • Patsy & Fran Forte, 51 • John & Christine Krenitsky, 52 • Danilo & Marie Molina, 51 • Don & Michelle Nakagawa, 25 • Marco & Maricela Sandoval, 25 • Tony & Linda Valdellon, 50 St. Teresa of Calcutta, Bradley Beach • Edward & Peggy Bonanno, 26 • Raymond & Geraldine Hansen, 50 • George & Bernice Hettesheimer, 50 • Mark & Denise Jones, 25 • Ronald & Constance Lejda, 50 St. Thomas More, Manalapan • Lance & Linda Andrew, 50 • Keith & Carol Casey, 50 • Redentor & Teresita Casanova, 50 • Salvatore & Roseanne Damiano, 51 • Vincent & Linda Gumina, 25 • Gerard & Marianne O’Reilly, 51 • John & Bernadette Peragine, 50 • Daniel & Christine Tantum, 25

Ocean County Epiphany, Brick • Henry & Joan Asch, 50 • Ralph Moscatiello & Marianne Logan, 61

Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish, Lakewood • Feliciano & Maria E. Del Valle, 50 • Francisco Gomez-Jaime & Teresa Aranda-Garcia, 26 • Thomas Joseph & Joan Marie Lorenc, 52 • James & Mary McHugh, 52 • Rodolfo & Lyn Ompod, 25

St. Justin the Martyr, Toms River • Peter & Celine Brent, 25 • Thomas M. & Kathleen E. Duralek, 50 • Anton & Barbara Kihm, 50 • Michael & Patricia Mermin, 50 • Alphonse & Debra Rispoli, 50 • Charles & Diane Sanders, 50 • James & Mary Wiercinski, 51

St. Aloysius, Jackson • Tom & Carmela Brady, 50 • Joseph & Jean Cosentino, 70 • Fernando & Gloria Dino-Guida, 51 • Robert & Kathleen Fertal, 51 • Robert & Gilda Gough, 62 • Patricia & John Mumby, 26 • Gennaro & Angelina Pane, 62 • Arthur J. & Elsie M. Roche, 61 • James & Nina Rosano, 66 • Joseph Sr. & Maria Siciliano, 55 • Charles & Nancy Vitello, 62 •

St. Luke, Toms River • Joseph & Patricia Annicchiarico, 50 • Thomas & Theresa Baggs, 25 • Michael & Patricia Cook, 50 • Mathew & Rosemarie Herber, 60 • Jose G. & Edna T. Hernandez, 50 • John & Irene Marino, 70 • James & Patricia O’Connell, 50 • Larry & Nancy Szczepan, 50 • John & Antonette Tracy, 50

St. Barnabas, Bayville • Alan & Madonna De Rosa, 50 • Peter Jr. & Kathie Fortunato, 51 • John & Ruth Lynch, 59 St. Dominic, Brick • Charles & Maria Best, 53 • Ernest & Lucy DiMeglio, 50 • Christopher & Ann Leacy, 50 • Jaime & Malu Mapa, 50 • John & Marjorie McGuire, 50 • Paul Martin & Carmelita Patricola, 51 • Michael & Rosalie Petrsoric, 50 • John & Lisa Solan, 26 St. Elizabeth Ann Seton, Whiting • Jose & Librada Ang, 50 • Manus & Teresa Divers, 61 • Peter & Lorraine Haas, 51 • Vincent & Mary Spera, 51 St. Francis of Assisi, Brant Beach • Frank & Elaine Bode, 50 • Kenneth & JuneLynn Finn, 50 • Douglas & Cynthia Raylman, 26 St. Isidore the Farmer, New Egypt • Albert Jr. & Anne Dempster, 51 • Paul & Kathleen Halaycio, 51 • Michael & Maria Menditto, 50 St. John, Lakehurst • Vincent & Theresa Bilancia, 51 • Jeffrey & Maria Jable, 55 • Kevin & Patricia Kinane, 61 • Joseph & Patricia Kulas, 52 St. Joseph, Toms River • Gene & Michele Angelos, 25 • Leonard & Beverly Betz, 50 • Brian Christopher & Lisa Ann Darling, 2 • Matthew & Kimberly Farley, 1 • Dennis & Linda Fernandez, 50 • Thomas Hardy & Janet Long, 1 • Eugene & Patricia Hearne, 26 • Dennis & Joyce Kane, 51 • Al & Connie Velto, 51

St. Martha, Point Pleasant • Richard & Margaret Brady, 51 • James & Elaine Dickerson, 50 • Kevin & Barbara Horahan, 50 • Thomas & Monica Jordan, 51 • Stephen & Nancy Sanchez, 1 St. Mary, Barnegat • Michael & Patricia Addas, 50 • Jim & Annette Baratta, 58 • William & Anna Beadle, 58 • Peter & Carol Eschmann, 51 St. Maximilian Kolbe, Toms River • Carl & Mary Lee Benson, 57 • Joseph & Margaret Bolcato, 50 • Anthony & Margaret Dunaisky, 50 • Ronald & Mary Kirby, 61 • George & Elissa Longo, 50 • Floyd & Antoinette Murray, 63 • Daniel A. & Ruth Ann Waddington, 50 St. Monica, Jackson • David & Marie Gould, 51 St. Peter, Point Pleasant Beach • Peter & Cornelia Calderone, 50 • Robert & Lucille Mack, 51 St. Pio of Pietrelcina, Lavallette • John & Jane Borowski, 50 St. Pius X, Forked River • David & Georgette Kalisch, 55 • Anthony & Lillian Martucci, 55 • John & Irene Santarsiero, 72 • Michael & Barbara Stellatonew, 51 St. Theresa, Little Egg Harbor • Frank & Barbara Davide, 51 • David V. & Sandra A. Johnson, 51 • Joseph & Elaine Lyons, 51 • Louis & Alice Mankowski, 50 Visitation, Brick • Ralph & Betty Mutarelli, 56

November 2021  THE MONITOR MAGAZINE 41

Anniversary Blessings

Congratulations & warm wishes to these couples celebrating a special anniversary....

Cheers to 50 years, Thomas & Rita Brenner!!

Happy 50th Anniversary to our parents

May God continue to bless you.

Wishing you both continued love and happiness for many years to come!!

Happy 50th Anniversary!

Carol and Vince Cooney.

Love, David, Jen, Gabriel, Nathan, Christopher, Ryan, Luca, Aniella, Melissa, Jerry, Dimitrios & Andrew

Love, Jennifer, Michael & Monica

Congratulations to our dear parents,

Paul & Eileen Rolleri

on your 50th Wedding Anniversary!

Where Love & Dreams Join Together, Where Today & Tomorrow Become Forever!

Celebrating “25” Years Together!

Linda & Jimmy Waters

May the Lord continue to watch over your union and bless you both.

With love - Marla, Sal, Silvia and Marco, & Philip, Alison, Noah and Jude.

Josefina & Maximo Madridejos Jr. Congratulations Dad and Mom

0

197

2021

on your 50th Golden Anniversary!

This is such an inspiration to our family and hope Jing and I can also accomplish this amazing milestone.

Thank you so much for showing us how love and faith can keep a marriage so strong. We love you both so much and wish you many more anniversaries to come.

Love always, Jeff, Jing, Tyler and Cameron

Happy 50 th Anniversary Rosemarie & Anthony Pagano!

Your love and dedication to each other and your family is an inspiration to us all. We are so grateful for all you do for us.

We love you always & forever, Janine, Ed, Eddie and Jack 42 THE MONITOR MAGAZINE  November 2021

Lord, we thank you for the many blessings we have enjoyed throughout our 50 years together.

Our faith in you, our love for you, and our love for each other, have brought us to this milestone. We ask that you continue to be with us in the days ahead.

Dan and Nina Gowaty

Bob & Sheila O’Donnell are blessed to celebrate our 51 st Wedding Anniversary.

May God continue to bless us as we travel on this journey.

Dear Larry, Fifty years thru joy

and tears. Love you then, love you still...always will. Love, Rose

It takes a moment to fall in love, but it takes a lifetime to prove that it was truly meant to be! Life is a journey and love is what makes the journey worthwhile.

Forever and always, 4-11-70.

Larry & Rose Gallagher

Lord, thank you for all the blessings you have given us and our family during our 59 years of marriage (January 20, 1962).

We are so grateful, and Lord continue to watch over us and our family.

Samuel & Patricia Falconello

Maria & James Parry

Love yesterday, today and forever.

Mom and Dad, Congratulations on 50 years of marriage!

Your love for each other and your family is your greatest gift to all of us.

Love, Jerry, Christine, Michael, Grace and Noah

Jeremiah 31:3

Happy 25th Anniversary Sweetheart.

Anna & Luigi Prete

Here’s to more adventures! - Love, Maria

Jack & Cathy McDonald

Michael & Irene Rovito

50 years

Take my hand, take my whole life too for I couldn’t help falling in love with you.

25 th Anniversary

celebrating

of JOY! Married

November 6, 1971 at Christ the King, Jersey City

Jimmy & Malu Mapa

Bernadette & John Peragine

“ We are certain of this: nothing can ever come between us and the love of God made visible in Christ Jesus Our Lord.”

Bernadette and I have enjoyed in our marriage with our love for each other and for you, we have reached our th

11/27/1971 - 11/27/2021

(Romans 8:39)

Bobbi & Tom Hope

Jesus, Thank You for all the blessings

50 Wedding

anniversary.

Jesus, continue to watch over us and our family.

November 2021  THE MONITOR MAGAZINE 43

¿De qué se trata este Sínodo y qué es?

U

n sínodo es un proceso pastoral para trabajar algún tema para la Iglesia. “Los sínodos no son nada nuevo para la Iglesia Católica”, compartió el obispo O’Connell.

Quizás, para nosotros de la Diócesis de Trenton, la idea de un proceso pastoral nos haga recordar al V Encuentro. El V Encuentro no fue un sínodo, pero el proceso en que la Iglesia estadounidense elaboró el proceso puede señalar algo del proceso de este XVI Sínodo Ordinario de Obispos.

En el manual oficial sobre el sínodo, llamado el vademécum, leemos que “El papa Francisco invita a toda la Iglesia a reflexionar sobre un tema decisivo para su vida y su misión: “Precisamente el camino de la sinodalidad es el camino que Dios espera de la Iglesia del tercer milenio”.

Durante los dos años por venir, se espera que todos, los fieles y los no tan fieles, “podrán aprender de las experiencias y perspectivas de los demás, guiados por el Espíritu Santo.

Iluminados por la Palabra de Dios

y unidos en la oración, podremos discernir los procesos para buscar la voluntad de Dios y seguir los caminos a los que Dios nos llama, hacia una comunión más profunda, una participación más plena y una mayor apertura para cumplir nuestra misión en el mundo”.

“Está claro”, dice el manual, “que la finalidad de este Sínodo no es producir más documentos. Más bien pretende inspirar a la gente a soñar con la Iglesia que estamos llamados a ser, hacer florecer las esperanzas de la gente, estimular la confianza, vendar las heridas, tejer relaciones nuevas y más profundas, aprender unos de otros, construir puentes, iluminar las mentes, calentar los corazones y vigorizar nuestras manos para nuestra misión común. Así pues, el objetivo de este proceso sinodal no es sólo una serie de ejercicios que empiezan y terminan, sino un camino de crecimiento auténtico hacia la comunión y la misión que Dios llama a la Iglesia a vivir en el tercer milenio”.

Como dijo el obispo O’Connell en su homilía para la Misa de Apertura

44 REVISTA EL MONITOR  Noviembre 2021

del Sínodo el 17 de octubre en la Catedral Santa María de la Asunción, Trenton: Retornemos a la fe. Escuchemos a las historias del otro. Sequemos las lágrimas del otro. Apoyemos a la fe del prójimo en la verdad. Escuchemos unos a los otros. Inspiremos la esperanza del prójimo. Amemos uno al otro tal como Cristo nos ha amado a nosotros.

La pequeña santa humilde obrando entre los pobres en las calles de Calcuta nos ofrece esta invitación: ‘ayer se fue; mañana no llega todavía; solo tenemos hoy. Comencemos’”.

Nos mantengamos atentos de las oportunidades de hoy y las por venir aquí en la Diócesis de Trenton a participar en este proceso sinodal como personas de fe y de escucha; del diálogo.

El Anzuelo

“Aquí vienen todos”

H

ay un dicho que se suele atribuir al escritor y poeta irlandés James Joyce (1882-1936) que explica que la palabra ‘católico’ significa “Aquí vienen todos”.

Para mí, ese dicho tiene mucha profundidad, realmente algo hermoso. La palabra “católico” tiene raíces en el antiguo griego, traducida para decir “universal”. Nosotros católicos pertenecemos a una Iglesia universal: universal en cuanto su alcance y su plenitud; universal en cuanto la fe; universal en cuanto su abrazo.

“Aquí vienen todos”: los santos y los pecadores. Los espirituales y los religiosos. Los convencidos y quienes siguen investigando. Los activos y los ya no activos. El clérigo y el laico.

El énfasis de este sínodo no trata de un “evento” solamente sino de un proceso continuo que se llama “sinodalidad” – tal vez una palabra nueva a nuestro vocabulario. Todos los católicos, en las palabras del Santo Padre, “caminando el mismo recorrido juntos”, un camino que se lleva a la “comunión, participación y misión”. “Aquí vienen todos”. ¡Aquí viene la

El consagrado e intencional. Casados y divorciados. Familias y solitarios. Joven y viejo. Famosos e infames. Quienes trabajan y quienes no tienen empleo. Sanos y enfermos, y también los discapacitados. Personas cómodas y personas sin hogar.

Amigos y quienes no tienen amigos. Toda raza y cada origen nacional. Todos puntos de vista y perspectivas.  “El amor Es una Iglesia grande, aunque no siempre la reconozcamos ni la es la mayor aceptemos así. respuesta Los sínodos, otra palabra del antiguo griego que quiere decir cristiana a “camino o recorrido común”, no son nuevos en la Iglesia Católica; han todas las sido una parte regular de la vida de cuestiones de la Iglesia de por nuestra historia.

El 24 de abril este año, el papa la vida.”

Francisco anunció el XVI Sínodo Ordinario de Obispos, un periodo durante dos años de reflexión sobre la misma Iglesia Católica y sus metas en su tercer milenio. Habrá tres fases distintas, pero conectadas: una fase diocesana, una continental o nacional y una fase para la Iglesia universal.

Es un proceso nuevo y diferente que los sínodos anteriores porque el sínodo actual pretende alcanzar la participación de todos los católicos, “todos” de cada nivel en la Iglesia. De esa perspectiva, este sínodo es un esfuerzo sin precedentes. El tema es: “Sobre el camino sinodal de la Iglesia: Comunicación, Participación y Misión”.

Diócesis de Trenton!

No hay, como el teólogo francés Yves Congar una vez explicó, “necesidad de crear otra Iglesia sino de crear una Iglesia diferente”, una “ecclesia semper reformanda, semper purificanda”, una Iglesia siempre reformándose, siempre purificándose hasta este mismo momento y más allá.

En su homilía para abrir el sínodo mundial el domingo pasado, el Santo Padre nos pidió usar este sínodo para un momento de “encuentro”, para hacernos disponibles al Espíritu Santo en la oración, la Adoración Eucarística, en la esperanza y la caridad, “caminando juntos” uno con el otro. Para “escuchar” no juzgar, para abrir nuestros corazones y mentes a Dios y al prójimo en medio de los desafíos que encontramos en el mundo que nos rodea. Y no hay ninguna falta de desafíos. Para “discernir” lo que el Espíritu Santo nos dice hoy en día.

Estos son los recorridos sinodales a la “comunión” y la unidad en nuestra fe juntos; a la “participación” y actuar profundamente en nuestra fe juntos; a la “misión” y evangelizar, compartir el Evangelio en el amor juntos. El amor es la mayor respuesta cristiana a todas las cuestiones de la vida.

Empieza con la Palabra de Dios y la Palabra Encarnada.

Continua con las gracias del Bautismo y los Sacramentos. Se convierte real y eficaz a través del aprendizaje y conocimiento de las verdades de nuestra fe y por vivirla a través del servicio.

No trata de debatir. Es un espacio para dialogar.

En su parroquia y lugar de trabajo, en su familia y comunidad, mis queridas hermanas y hermanos, durante este año de aniversario, durante este sínodo diocesano, redescubramos nuestra fe.

Extractos de la homilía de la Misa de Apertura del Sínodo

OBISPO DAVID M. O’CONNELL, C.M.

Noviembre 2021  REVISTA EL MONITOR 45

El Anzuelo

Parroquia Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe se une como una sola familia en fe con nuevo párroco POR LOIS ROGERS  Corresponsal

E

l capítulo más reciente de la larga historia de la comunidad católica de Lakewood desplegó el 24 de octubre mientras cientos de fieles se reunieron con el obispo David M. O’Connell, C.M., en la Capilla de la Sagrada Familia para inaugurar la Parroquia Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe e instalar a su párroco, el padre de la Divina Palabra Guilherme A. Andrino. El obispo O’Connell sirvió como celebrante principal de la Misa.

“Mis queridos amigos, porque reconozco sus necesidades pastorales y por mi confianza en las calificaciones del padre Andrino para el oficio de párroco, ahora se les encomiendo él a ustedes como su párroco”, dijo el obispo O’Connell después de que la carta del puesto fue leída a la congregación al comienzo de la Misa.

“La Sociedad de la Divina Palabra, que tiene mucho tiempo establecido en la Diócesis de Trenton, es muy conocida por el mundo por su obra misionera”, siguió el obispo. “Hoy, en el Domingo Mundial de las Misiones, rezamos por esta gran orden en la Iglesia. Rezamos por su liderazgo. Rezamos por sus sacerdotes, hermanos y cofrades. Recemos de manera especial que Dios bendiga a la orden con vocaciones en estos días de necesidad”.

UN NUEVO PRINCIPIO Días antes de la celebración, el padre Andrino habló con mucho entusiasmo de los feligreses de la gran comunidad diversa que se uniría para este primer evento mayor de la parroquia después de que las Parroquias de Santa María del Lago y Santo Antonio Claret fueron vinculadas oficialmente en junio del 2020.

El obispo O’Connell le nombró al padre Guilherme como

Visita PecesdeTrenton.com para más y para ver la galería de fotos de la Misa de instalación.

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46 REVISTA EL MONITOR  Noviembre 2021

El padre Guilherme Andrino predicó la homilía en la Misa de su instalación como párroco de la Parroquia Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe, Lakewood, por el obispo David M. O’Connell, C.M., el 24 de octubre. Foto por Joe Moore párroco de la Parroquia Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe en julio.

El padre Andrino, quien entró a los Misioneros de la Divina Palabra en el 1990, sirvió como párroco de la Parroquia Sagrado Sacramento – Nuestra Señora del Divino Pastor en Trenton antes de llegar a Lakewood. Está sirviendo su segundo plazo como el superior del distrito de New Jersey de la orden religiosa.

HERENCIA DE LA FE Acompañándole al padre Andrino en este camino de la nueva parroquia están los padres de los Misioneros de la Divina Palabra Pedro L. Bou, el párroco anterior de San Antonio Claret, Pelagio C. Pateno y Jan Pastuszcak.

“Nos esforzamos crear comunidad entre nosotros y nos reunimos para la oración matutina antes de la Misa los lunes”, dijo el padre Andrino. Muchos feligreses también han respondido a las oraciones matutinas uniéndose a los padres en la oración, comentó. Es una señal, dice el padre, de que “estamos trabajando para crear una familia”.

Al describir el ámbito de esta familia grande que incorpora ocho comunidades, un hospital y un cementerio, el padre Andrino notó que un total de 699 niños y adultos se inscribieron en los programas robustos de la educación religiosa. Solo pueden hacer todo esto con el apoyo de alrededor de 60 voluntarios catequistas y asistentes. La infusión de tantos niños es un signo al padre Andrino de que el futuro de la parroquia es fuerte y duradero.

“Hasta ahora, estamos avanzando muy bien. Desafíos vienen con todo, pero los estamos afrontando. Estamos haciendo un esfuerzo para mantenerlo caluroso al corazón de la fe.

“Queremos que todos se sientan en casa y que colaboremos como una familia. Esto es el rostro de la Iglesia. Si no vemos a la Iglesia como una familia, no comprendemos a Jesús”.

El Anzuelo

Por todos los santos: Maneras de

celebrar a los santos en casa como católicos

FA IT H AT HOM E

POR JESSICA DONOHUE  Colaboradora especial

M

i primer recuerdo de la Iglesia es el de estar maravillada por las hermosas vidrieras. Los tonos de la joya del cristal creando imágenes Making Faith Come santas, estas imágenes eran siempre muy Alive for Your Family atractivas para mí cuando era niña. Yo estaba particularmente atraída a los santos que veía en esas ventanas. ¿Quiénes son estas personas, que vivieron en diferentes tiempos y lugares y que vivieron vidas de tal santidad que ahora son dignas de ser EN representadas tan bellamente en nuestras iglesias? Cuando miro hacia atrás, no me Cupcakes santos saben rico y enseñan sorprende que tuviera tanto interés en conocer de los santos a la vez. Foto de cortesía quiénes eran los santos. Cada uno tiene una Haciendo que la fe historia única y fascinante, y la santidad que voz de tenor suena como la propia Irlanda, tiene se mantenga viva todos los santos tienen en común es una fuente un hermoso CD llamado ‘Faith of Our Fathers: en tu familia de gran inspiración y orgullo para nosotros Himnos religiosos clásicos de Irlanda’, entre como católicos. otras grabaciones. También puede visitar al Lo que también es interesante acerca de los santos es Santuario de Nuestra Señora de Knock en línea, e incluso puede cómo algunos de ellos se convirtieron muy populares en la obtener una vela, ¡una vela real, no virtual! - encendida para un cultura secular. Si bien es significante ponerles atención a estos ser querido en un candelabro que está localizado al aire libre. increíbles embajadores de la fe, la cultura tiende a utilizar a los  San Francisco de Asís – El santo patrón de los santos solamente para celebraciones especiales, olvidándose de animalitos, San Francisco es un gran santo para celebrar en que son seres humanos con una amistad especial con Dios. casa, ¡especialmente en hogares donde hay animalitos! Muchas Como católicos, podemos “recuperar el gran significado de parroquias ofrecen una bendición para los animales alrededor los santos” aprendiendo de ellos y celebrándolos en nuestros del día de la fiesta de San Francisco en octubre, y hay tantos hogares. Aquí están algunos recursos y ejemplos para hacer recursos en línea para celebrar en casa; El blog de “Sweet Little apenas eso: Ones” es solo uno de los muchos sitios con grandes ideas.  San Nicolás – ¡Este santo podría ser el más popular en Estos son solo algunos ejemplos, pero las formas creativas la cultura secular! “Mantener a Cristo en Navidad” es una en que podemos celebrar a los santos son tan diversas como frase que a menudo reflexionamos y escuchamos en diciembre, sus historias. Una buena manera de involucrar a los niños con y podría ser una buena idea volver a poner a San Nicolás en los santos es hacer conexiones entre sus propios intereses y los vez de Santa Claus (Papá Noel). Un excelente recurso para intereses de los santos. aprender más sobre San Nicolás es el Centro de San Nicolás en stnicholascenter.org. Este es un recurso increíble que ofrece tradiciones, artesanías, actividades, recetas y más para ayudar a su familia a aprender más sobre este gran santo.  San Patricio – ¡Este santo es probablemente el segundo después de San Nicolás en popularidad! El sitio web Catholic Icing tiene buenas ideas católicas para celebrar el día de los santos con niños. Tanto adultos como niños pueden disfrutar de Las marcas principales que vendemos son la hermosa música religiosa de Irlanda: Frank Patterson, cuya Exmark, Stihl, y RedMax.

FE CA SA

Fe en Casa es una columna editorial mensual coordinada por

los departamentos diocesanos de catequesis; evangelización y vida familiar; y ministerios con jóvenes y jóvenes adultos. Para recursos adicionales de Fe en Casa, visite al dioceseoftrenton. org/fe-en-casa.

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Spiritual Life

‘O Come, O Come, NOV. 7  IT IS EASY TO GIVE WHEN WE HAVE MUCH 1 Kgs 17: 10-16; Heb 9:24-28; Mk 12: 38-44

M

any of us dream about hitting a financial windfall. We dream big about what we would do if we hit the lottery. In our times people can achieve fame and fortune by becoming a social media influencer or posting the right video on the right website. Once we have hit the motherlode, our generosity can begin! Along with that generous dream of course, often comes the desire to be recognized for one’s generosity.

In this way we are not too much different than the people at the time of Jesus. While they may not have been able to dream of winning the lottery, or becoming an internet sensation, they were able to exercise some limited ability to make more money. Economic opportunities existed, and while the social strata was often entrenched, then like now, just because one had privilege of legacy, that did not mean that one was at the same time wealthy. This was especially true of the Sadducees.

While Jesus often uses parables as teaching tools, all of which are based on real life scenarios, there are only a few occasions when he employs people in his ministry in such a way. One of those was the rich young man whom we encountered a few weeks ago. In this Gospel we hear the story of a poor elderly woman.

While the wealthy, especially the Pharisees, would be making great fanfare about their contributions to the Temple treasury, this woman comes along and drops in two small coins, amounting to very little money in the grand scheme of things. However, this money comes not from her surplus wealth, but from the meager amount of money that she had.

NOV. 14  THE TIMES ARE CHANGING Dn 12:1-3; Heb 10:11-14; Mk 13:24-32

St. Rose of Lima Chapel, Freehold

48 THE MONITOR MAGAZINE  November 2021

I

n any time of great political turmoil and social upheaval there is the per-

Emmanuel’ sistent tendency to view events through the lens of the “end of times” or the “end of days.” Our time is no different, and certainly this apocalyptic fervor is running rampant through our times.

Although more of a focus in preaching and the spiritual imaginal world of some of the evangelical Christian communities, apocalyptic fascination exists as well within some Catholic circles. As some of the apparitions of the Blessed Mother and those received by other mystics in the life of the Church seem to focus on the great upheavals at the end of time, any period of social disarray can immediately evoke end time thoughts among people.

The challenge is always to read the sign of the times around us. While social turmoil and the on-going pandemic and the political fall-out associated with it are unsettling, they are distractions and not the cause of the challenges that face us these days.

The current anti-Christian and indeed anti-religion sentiment which has been present in much of Europe during the last couple of centuries, is now also finding root within our own country.

Those who identify as “Nones” – that is, aligning with no specific religious belief – and those who claim to be either atheistic or agnostic has increased dramatically over the past decade.

While there are many reasons why this is, the search for the why does not suffice to suggest how to address the challenges that this poses for us. This calls for a new paradigm of both evangelization and catechesis, though we have struggled for decades as to how to effectively accomplish this.

NOV. 21  WE ALL SHARE CITIZENSHIP IN THE KINGDOM OF GOD Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe: Dn 7: 13-14; Rev. 1:5-8; Jn 18:33B-37

N

ot long ago we heard of Jesus’ encounter with a blind man named Bartimaeus who cried out to Jesus, “Son

 TO VIEW FULL VERSIONS OF FATHER KOCH’S WEEKLY COLUMNS, VISIT TRENTONMONITOR.COM>COMMENTARY

of David, have mercy on me.” This was not the first time in Jesus’ ministry that we got a sense of his Davidic lineage, but it has gone largely unexplained for us. Now, as Jesus stands before Pontius Pilate, a prisoner on trial, a fuller sense of the implications of this relationship becomes clearer.

While it is likely that David had tens of thousands of descendants at the time of Jesus, and as no son of David has sat on the throne in almost 600 years, this title then carries more implications than merely who stands in line to lead a potential new kingdom in Jerusalem.

Pilate does not call Jesus Son of David, even though this trial is taking place in a city often called the City of David. While none of the buildings in the city are reminiscent of that period – and actually the city itself has migrated up the hill from the fortress conquered by David – David still loomed large over the city and the consciousness of the people.

The Jewish people sought relief from their sense of being captive under the Roman hegemony. They longed for independence, to be freed from the corrupting influence of the Roman system, and to restore the imagined greatness of the past.

This longing is not unique to them or to their times. Each generation seems to long for the past, and we certainly see that as a repetitive theme in our own political framework. Yet theirs is more than nostalgia as it is deeply rooted in their sense of being the chosen people of God whose divinely ordained destiny is to be a people set apart.

Jesus eschews this language, and while he responded to the call of Bartimaeus, he never acknowledged the title that Bartimaeus used. Here, in the trial before Pilate, Jesus is directly confronted with kingdom language, a language that Jesus adroitly dodges in reference to himself.

Jesus does not seek a kingdom in this world, either in his own time, or in ours.

While there have been so-called Christian Kingdoms, and while the King of Spain still holds the title of the “Catholic

THE WORD

Father Garry Koch

Monarch” the kingdom is “not of this world.”

NOV. 28  WE ANTICIPATE THE FULFILLMENT OF SALVATION HISTORY First Sunday of Advent: Jer 33:14-16; 1 Thes 3:12-4:2; Lk 21:25-28, 34-36

T

oday we enter the new liturgical year with the beginning of Advent.

For the next year we will be reading from Luke’s Gospel, so in the months ahead we will hear some of the more well-known parables of Jesus, along with some unique perspectives on who Jesus is and the core of his teaching.

When we open the liturgical year we do so with the ominous warning of the end of times not dissimilar to what we hear also at the end of the liturgical year.

So, in a sense, we are again being challenged to alertness in the face of dangerous times.

Unlike the pure threatening nature of the apocalyptic teaching we heard from Jesus at the end of Mark’s Gospel, Luke places this in a much more positive light.

For Luke’s understanding of the end of times, it is the dawning of the next age of history, when the salvation of all who are disciples of Jesus Christ will be realized.

While he cautions against complacency and listlessness, Luke at the same time anticipates the dawn of the period of salvation. Taking a more historical thematic approach to writing the Gospel, Luke in a way divides history thus: The Time of Israel/the Jews, the Time of Jesus, the Time of the Church, and then the Time of the Fulfillment.

Each of these four phases of salvation history draws us deeper into mystery of God and prepares us for what is yet to come.

Father Garry Koch is pastor of St. Benedict Parish, Holmdel.

November 2021  THE MONITOR MAGAZINE 49

Spiritual Life

Prayer to St. Michael; Age of Confirmation Q

I had attended a nearby Catholic Church for more than 20 years. But now I have been driving 40 minutes to another parish because of changes to restore “old traditions” at my local

parish.

One of them is the common recitation of the prayer to St. Michael the Archangel immediately after Mass. I find it inappropriate to speak of St. Michael and Satan right after we have been charged to “go in peace to love and serve the Lord.”

At my former parish, I felt hostage to a small minority who tried to control my post-Mass thoughts and feelings instead of letting me leave Mass with the joy of the Eucharist. (Iowa) The prayer to St. Michael was part of a group of prayers called the Leonine prayers that were said in Catholic Churches following Mass from 1884 until 1965. They were originally introduced by Pope Leo XIII and stemmed from a vision he reportedly had of Satan wanting to destroy the Church.

The intention for which the prayers were said changed over time. Originally, they were offered for the temporal sovereignty of the Holy See but later began to be said for the conversion of Russia.

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During the Second Vatican QUESTION CORNER Council, a Vatican Father Kenneth Doyle Catholic News Service instruction implementing the Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy decreed that the Leonine prayers were suppressed and would no longer be used. But the recitation of the prayer to St. Michael has been making a “comeback,” and a number of parishes are now reciting that prayer following Mass.

There has been no official Church declaration that this prayer should be resurrected; if your parish is using it, that is most likely a determination by the local pastor – although it could simply be the choice of a group of parishioners who have decided to pray together after Mass.

In any case, you might want to speak with the pastor of your former parish to let him know of your discomfort with this particular prayer and the fact that it seems to dim the joy with which you should be leaving Mass.

Our seventh-grade religion class would like to know why we have to wait until high school to receive the Sacrament of Confirmation. We believe that we are ready to receive the Gift of the Holy Spirit by the time we are in eighth grade, which would complete the process of initiation into our Catholic community.

(Albany, New York)

Q

The age at which Confirmation is administered varies across the United States, and the choice is made by the local bishop. The Church’s Code of Canon Law says, “The Sacrament of Confirmation is to be conferred on the faithful at about the age of discretion unless the conference of bishops has determined another age” (No. 891).

In 2000, the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops decreed that Confirmation should be administered “between the age of discretion and about 16 years of age, within the limits determined by the diocesan bishop.”

In several U.S. dioceses, Confir The mation is now conferred on children at 7 or 8 years of age; only after they recitation of are baptized and confirmed do these the prayer children receive first Communion.

Your own bishop evidently feels that to St. Michael students in high school are best able to has been understand what the Sacrament means and how it should guide an individual’s making a future in the Catholic community. “comeback.”

If you feel – as some do – that eighth grade is the more strategic and less confusing time for that thought process to take place, you should make your feelings known to your bishop.

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

A

Unsplash image/Jonny Gios

Spiritual Life

‘Enough’

is a place of peace and

gratitude

A

s a blogger for a Catholic publisher, my task is to write on topics of concern for today’s parents. This sometimes proves to be a challenge because I am no longer raising children in today’s culture and am sometimes at odds with my own children about how to raise grandchildren.

But I have found there are THINGS MY FATHER some issues that TAUGHT ME are “evergreen” Mary Clifford Morrell and continue to be issues of concern even for grown-ups. One of these, which stands in stark relationship to our ability for gratitude, is the concept of “enough” – an experience that lives somewhere between deprivation and abundance.

“Enough” is a place of satisfaction, happiness and peace of mind. It doesn’t mean we are at a place of no struggle; it just means we have what we need, if not everything we want. The challenge for parents is to help children move into adulthood knowing the difference.

Whether it is how much money we make, things we buy, time we waste or time we work, how much we consume or how much of our lives are spent in anger, complaints or judging others, we need to develop our internal voice to say, “That’s enough.”

Having parents who grew up during the Great Depression was a blessing for me. As adults, they were satisfied with their modest means and belongings, and loved our humble home.

The values I learned from them, to be happy with a simple life, to be grateful for what I had, to learn to make do, and to hold

on to my faith, were essential for me as my husband and I raised six children and often did not have everything we needed, particularly enough money to pay all the bills. When one of my young sons, at the dinner table where there was more than enough to go around, asked if we were poor, it opened a door for a conversation on what it means to know poverty.

Within the week, some generous parishioners left a box of Thanksgiving fixings, including the turkey, on our front porch.

They obviously knew a family with so many children would appreciate the help, which we did, but I knew there were families who needed it more.

I called around until I  It just means we found a church unable to help all the families on their have what we need, Thanksgiving list. With an if not everything address in hand, and my youngest sons in the car, we want. we pulled up in front of the house after dusk.

The porch where we were supposed to leave the box was barely visible from overgrown shrubs. There were holes in the roof and several windows were boarded up with plywood. It’s a house we saw weekly on our trip to the supermarket but never imagined anyone actually lived there. It didn’t look safe.

I walked in front of my sons, who carried the box and a few bags of extras we had filled ourselves, and tried to quietly open the porch screen door. Thankfully, we were able to make the delivery clandestinely so as not to embarrass the receivers.

When we got back to the car, the boys were silent. Even the youngest of us need time to process a new understanding of something. As we drove home, I asked my son if he thought we were poor. He didn’t answer; he just shook his head no. The youngest was crying. I asked why. “There were no toys in the box. They need toys,” he said.

While we may sometimes envision the poor as being desperately unhappy, those who suffer material poverty are often those who are most joyful, grateful, generous and faithful, and cannot be counted among those of us who suffer from the many other forms of poverty – poverty of hope, of faith, of joy, of compassion, of generosity, of understanding, of gratitude.

In his message for the Fifth World Day of the Poor, Pope Francis stresses, “Christian discipleship entails deciding not to accumulate earthly treasures, which give the illusion of a security that is actually fragile and fleeting. It requires a willingness to be set free from all that holds us back from achieving true happiness and bliss, in order to recognize what is lasting, what cannot be destroyed by anyone or anything.”

The Holy Father reminds us that the poor, “may be people who lack some things, often many things, including the bare necessities, yet they do not lack everything, for they retain the dignity of God’s children that nothing and no one can take away from them.”

Mary Clifford Morrell is the author of “Things My Father Taught Me About Love” and “Let Go and Live: Reclaiming your life by releasing your emotional clutter.”

November 2021  THE MONITOR MAGAZINE 51

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Continued on 65

Young Catholics

CATHOLIC CAMPUS MINISTRY LIFE RETURNS TO TCNJ Members of the Catholic Campus Ministry in The College of New Jersey, Ewing, are working hard to re-establish their ministry and presence in the community.

According to Father Christopher Colavito, the newly appointed chaplain, this year marks a “rebuild year” for the campus ministry because it had essentially closed down during the COVID-19 pandemic last year.

In the month since arriving as chaplain, Father Colavito said each week, there are about 60-70 students who attend Mass.

Overall, shared Fr. Colavito, “There is a mix of spiritual [activities], focusing primarily on Mass, retreats and I hope to establish regular Adoration and Confession times. The group also does social and service events as well.”

One recent activity Father Colavito noted took place after the 7:30 p.m. Mass on Oct. 17 in which about 15 students assembled more than 200 peanut butter and jelly sandwiches to be donated to the New Beginnings Food Pantry in Lawrence Township.

“The group does this kind of event several times each semester,” he said.

More information about the Catholic campus ministry can be found at tcnj-ccm.weebly.com.

Catholic Campus Ministry members at The College of New Jersey, Ewing, prepare sandwiches Oct. 17 that were donated to a local food pantry. Courtesy photo

Father Mark Nillo, right, and CCM members pose for a photo with the “You Make a Difference” certificate that was awarded to the CCM by Monmouth University. Courtesy photo

Monmouth U’s Catholic Campus Ministry honored for making a difference

BY BRIANNA PALMER  Correspondent

A

“

nice surprise.”

That was the response given by Father Mark Nillo, Catholic chaplain at Monmouth University when it was learned that the university’s Catholic Campus Ministry had received a special award.

The Long Branch-based university acknowledged the CCM with the “You Make a Difference” certificate as a way to recognize on-campus clubs and  “We have organizations that had remained active during the global pandemic kept the CCM impacting the 2020-2021 academic year. alive and going “This means we have kept the CCM alive and going by reaching by reaching out to our students,”said Father out to our Nillo, citing a lengthy list of measures which included inviting stustudents.” dents to Masses that were either livestreamed or celebrated in-person in area churches when the university could not hold on-campus Masses.

Father Nillo noted that St. Michael Parish, Long Branch, where he serves as parochial vicar, readily opened its doors to the college students who were invited to attend the 7 p.m.

Mass on Sunday evenings.

“We have always had our Sunday night Mass at 7 p.m. at the Catholic Center, and since St. Michael’s also has a 7 p.m.

Mass on Sundays we thought it was a good fit for our students,”

Continued on 67

November 2021  THE MONITOR MAGAZINE 53

In the Parishes

Altars find new homes Parishioners place the altar cloth on the newly-consecrated altar in St. Dominic’s chapel. The new triptych on the wall was painted by local artist Gordon Daugherty. John Batkowski photo

BY EMMALEE ITALIA  Contributing Editor

T

hrough happy circumstance, the altars of two retired houses of worship have found a second life. Two parishes of the Diocese recently welcomed Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M., to celebrate Mass and dedicate these iconic additions to their worship spaces.

St. Aloysius Church, Jackson, was the recipient of a new altar of repose, which the Bishop blessed Oct. 2 at the 5 p.m.

Mass. The historic paneled altar – originally installed in Calvary Episcopal Church, Conshohoken, Pa., now the merged Episcopal parish of St. Mary of Calvary, Elverson, Pa. – needed a new home.

“The altar was fabricated from a single block of limestone from a quarry in Virginia owned by President George Washington,” said Father John Bambrick, pastor of St. Aloysius Parish.

During a Mass Oct. 7, the Bishop consecrated a newly-acquired altar for the frequently-used side chapel of St. Dominic Church, Brick. The altar came from

art company Atelier FAS Group in Philadelphia that was storing the altar.” Prior to the pandemic, McCormick asked him to help her find the altar a new residence.

After COVID delays subsided, the parish raised funds for the altar’s transportation to its new home in St. Aloysius Church, where it now stands as the altar of repose for the Blessed Sacrament in the Tabernacle – behind the main altar in the large worship space.

“St. Aloysius had a separate Eucharistic reservation room where the tabernacle was only visible to a small percentage of the congregation,” Father Bambrick explained.

“We moved it forward in that space, but it was still not visible to [all].”

He noted that studies have shown a decline in belief in the Real Presence of Jesus in the Eucharist, and that the parish wanted to emphasize Bishop O’Connell, assisted by St. Dominic pastor, Father Bri- the Blessed Sacrament. The an P. Woodrow, installs the relic of a saint in the newly-con- new altar, acccompanied by a 12-inch concrete platform secrated altar in the Brick parish’s chapel. John Batkowski photo installed by Atelier, was the an old shuttered convent in Philadelphia, perfect solution, he added. having moved afterwards from one wareIn addition to raising money for the house to another. altar’s transportation and installation, “We really found it by chance,” said parishioners also funded 12 new brass Father Brian P. Woodrow, St. Dominic altar candle holders. The 7,750-pound Parish pastor. He credited David Gardinaltar took just over a week to install, and er of GHS Studio, which specializes in includes carvings of grapes, the four evanecclesiastical design and architecture, as gelists, quatrefoils, a cross and more. being instrumental in the acquisition.

The repurposed altar for St. Dominic Church was also in the planning stages NEW LIFE FOR ARTISTRY prior to the pandemic – which, surprisExplaining how his parish connectingly, offered a unique opportunity for the ed with the new altar, Father Bambrick chapel’s preparation. recalled, “One of my Iconography teachers, “It’s a high-traffic area – the most Maureen McCormick, formerly of Princutilized space during the week with daily eton University Museum, worked for the Adoration, Confessions, and three to four

54 THE MONITOR MAGAZINE  November 2021

in Jackson, Brick parishes Masses a day,” Father Woodrow noted of the chapel dedicated to St. Joseph. “During COVID when we had to close it, there was an opportunity to bring in Spanish tile – a nod to our patron, St. Dominic, who was from Spain,” and to prepare the space.

“The marble brought in for the altar of repose and ambo and other pieces are all Italian, [crafted] by the same company that did the marble in the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, D.C.,” he pointed out.

A new mensa – or table top – was crafted atop the altar, and a new relic was replaced inside, necessitating a reconsecration for the altar to be used for Masses.

“We really don’t know which saint the relic came from, because it dates back to a time of massive immigration,” Father Woodrow explained. “There was such a huge boom, and they didn’t keep paperwork on relics brought over then.”

The chapel space, an addition to St. Dominic Church, “really became the heart of the parish, constantly getting visitors,” he continued. “The dream was to add artwork,” which came in the form of Spanish statues of the Holy Family, and as well as a commissioned five-painting triptych, painted by local artist Gordon Daugherty, who specializes in murals in a Renaissance style similar to that of Caravaggio (15711610) – an Italian painter known for his realism and dramatic use of light.

“These masterful works feature the life of St. Joseph, and two things make them unique,” Father Woodrow pointed out.

“The first is that a dog with a torch was added to the Holy Family painting – that’s a nod to St. Dominic – when his mother was pregnant with him, she had a dream of a dog with a torch in its mouth, setting the world on fire.” The ‘Dominican,’ he continued, is a play on the Latin Domini canes, which means “dogs of the Lord.”

The second unique feature, he said, is in the painting of the Flight into Egypt.

“We put a blue jay in the tree because he is the mascot for our grammar school, and we thought that would be neat for the

An altar of repose crafted from a single piece of limestone from land owned by George Washington now graces St. Aloysius Church, Jackson. Joe Moore photo

kids to see,” Father Woodrow effused. “We wanted to assure there was something that could reach every person in every stage of their lives, that everyone could relate to.”

GRATEFUL RESPONSE The new altars have been appreciated by many visitors to and members of St. Aloysius and St. Dominic Parishes.

“There are countless parishioners who have said they are moved to tears seeing the beauty [of the altar] when they walk in,” said Father Woodrow. “It’s been an overwhelming positive response … you plan things as a pastor knowing that you ought to, but that doesn’t lessen the amount of hope that it will be well-received; I was nervous opening that [chapel] door for the first time!”

Father Bambrick called the project “a contribution to the ecumenical path Vatican II began and which Pope Francis continues in the upcoming Synod.

Bishop O’Connell greets St. Aloysius parishioners following the dedication Mass for the church’s new altar of repose. Joe Moore photo “I wrote to Rev. Thomas McClellan, rector of St. Mary of Calvary, ‘I think it is wonderful ... that these sacred objects used for the praise of God can continue [their] purpose,’” he continued. “By God’s Grace one day the Lord’s desire ‘That all may be one’ will come about ...”

Rev. McClellan had responded to Father Bambrick, stating, “I share your desire that one day indeed we may be one in sharing the Eucharistic meal of our Lord. As you aptly stated, may the sharing of this beautiful altar symbolically anticipate that glorious day!”

November 2021  THE MONITOR MAGAZINE 55

In the Parishes

Father Andrino preaches the homily in English and Spanish during his Mass of Installation Oct. 24 in Holy Family Chapel. At right are Bishop O’Connell, principal celebrant of the Mass, and Divine Word Father Quang Duc Dinh, Chicago provincial. Joe Moore photos

Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish unites as faith family around

new pastor

BY LOIS ROGERS  Correspondent

A NEW BEGINNING

he newest chapter in the long history of Lakewood’s Catholic community unfolded Oct. 24 as hundreds gathered with Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M., in Holy Family Chapel for a Mass inaugurating Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish and the installation of its pastor, Divine Word Father Guilherme A. Andrino. Bishop O’Connell was principal celebrant of the Mass.

“My dear friends, because I am aware of your pastoral needs and I am very confident of Father Andrino’s qualifications for the Office of Pastor, I now commend him to you as your pastor,” Bishop O’Connell said after the letter of appointment was read to the congregation at the start of Mass.

“Society of the Divine Word, which has long been established in the Diocese of Trenton, is well-known throughout the world for its missionary endeavors,” the Bishop continued. “Today on World Mission Sunday, we pray for this great order in the Church ... that God might bless them with vocations.”

Days before the celebration, Father Andrino spoke enthusiastically of the members of the diverse community of faithful who would unite for this first major parish-wide event since St. Mary of the Lake and St. Anthony Claret Parishes officially merged in June, 2020.

“It’s the first big event since the pandemic,” Father Andrino told The Monitor. “The parish is doing well as it moves to being united ... It is great that we have so many volunteers and a great staff. We have very young people, elder people, at least 30 different traditions and cultures working together.”

T

To view more photos from Father Andrino’s Installation Mass, visit TrentonMonitor.com>Multimedia >Photo Galleries

HERITAGE OF FAITH Many believe the first Mass in Ocean County was celebrated in 1850 for a very small group of Catholics in a private home located between the bodies of the water for which Lakewood is named.

Over the 171 years that followed, the small group blossomed into diverse communities in two parishes – St. Mary of the Lake Parish in downtown Lakewood – and St. Anthony Claret Parish, nestled between Ocean County Park and Lake Shenandoah County Park on Route 88.

In fact, when those faith communities merged June 1, 2020 to become the new Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish under the care and leadership of the Divine Word

56 THE MONITOR MAGAZINE  November 2021

Missionaries, parish records listed 4,486 families enrolled, Father Andrino said.

Mass is celebrated in three languages – English, Spanish and Polish – at three worship sites: St. Mary of the Lake; St. Anthony Claret and Holy Family. Father Andrino arrived in St. Anthony Claret Parish in 2015 as parochial vicar and worked with the community through the linkage, which began in 2019. Bishop O’Connell named him pastor of Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish in July.

Father Andrino, who entered the Divine Word Missionaries in 1990 in Brazil, served as pastor of Blessed Sacrament – Our Lady of the Divine Shepherd Parish in Trenton before arriving in Lakewood. He is serving his second term as the New Jersey District Superior for the religious order. Accompanying him on this journey in the new merged parish are Divine Word Missionary Father Pedro L. Bou, the former pastor of St. Anthony Claret; Father Pelagio C. Pateno and Father Jan Pastuszczak.

“We try to have community among us and gather for Morning Prayer before Mass on Mondays,” Father Andrino said. Parishioners have joined the Fathers in prayer. “It shows that we are working to make a family.”

Outlining the scope of this large family, which embraces eight different Continued on 68

In the Parishes

Red Mass participants urged to be God’s witnesses in the world

BY MARY STADNYK  Associate Editor

T

hough they often encounter opposition in their work in the public sector, attendees at the annual Monmouth County Red Mass were reminded that as members of the Catholic Church, with God’s grace and the gift of freedom, they have a responsibility to “think, speak and act as God’s witnesses in the world.”

The Mass was celebrated Oct. 10 by Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M., in St. Michael Church, Long Branch.

“Our actions are rooted in careful discernment of what it means to be a Christian, someone who is called to serve the common good and not self-interest,” Father Jeffrey Lee, pastor of St. Mary Parish, Colts Neck, said in his homily to the congregation that included approximately 50 attorneys, judges and the city’s mayor. “Recognizing that God’s grace builds upon our human nature, we humbly stand our ground and

Bishop O’Connell served as principal celebrant of the annual Red Mass celebrated in St. Michael Church, West End. John Batkowski photos take our place in the public square.

“The Christian voice is not self-referential,” Father Lee said. “It is about the other, those living on the fringes, the marginalized, those who have no voice.”

The Red Mass, a tradition that dates back many centuries, gets its name from the color of the liturgical vestments worn by the clergy and the color of fire, a symbol of the Holy Spirit. The Mass is celebrated to invoke God’s blessings on those responsible for the administration of justice as well as on all public officials. Red Masses are celebrated in many dioceses including in Washington, D.C., on or near the first Sunday of October for members of the U.S. Supreme Court and other federal officials.

Highlights of the Red Mass that was hosted by St. Michael Parish and the Monmouth Bar Association included the procession of the judiciary entering Red Mass participants pray during the Mass celebrated by Bishop O’Connell.

the church at the start of Mass.

Reflecting on the Red Mass, Father John Butler, pastor of St. Michael Parish, said it is an occasion that “provides opportunities on multiple levels for the legal community and civic leaders (both Catholic and non-Catholic).”

Along with the opportunity to be with each other, the Bishop and other priests and the parish community to worship together on a “typical Sunday,” the Red Mass is also the annual occasion in which they have the added grace of praying to the Holy Spirit for wisdom, guidance and justice at the start of the new judicial year.

“We come together for corporate worship so that we can unite ourselves with others, both members and non-members in the legal field, to be uplifted and encouraged as together we hear the Word of God, offer prayer, celebrate the Eucharist and receive the Bishop’s blessing going forth,” Father Butler said.

In his homily, Father Lee tied the goal of the Red Mass with the day’s Readings. Recalling when God appeared to King Solomon in a dream and the King was offered the opportunity to ask for something – anything – and King Solomon asked God for wisdom “above anything else,” Father Lee said.

“It is wisdom that guides the world in Continued on 68

To view photos from the Red Mass, visit TrentonMonitor.com> Multimedia >Photo Galleries

November 2021  THE MONITOR MAGAZINE 57

Education

St. Rose School celebrates 100 years of Catholic education

BY ROSE O’CONNOR  Associate Editor

S

chool and parish communities often think of themselves as “a family” given the close-knit relationships that form.

At St. Rose Grammar School, Belmar, alumni, faculty, administrators and students all spoke of that sense of family when the school celebrated its 100th anniversary during a Mass of Thanksgiving celebrated by Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M., Oct. 3 in St. Rose Church.

In his homily, Bishop O’Connell reflected on the legacy of St. Rose in light of the Gospel of Luke, observing that the school has enabled the Word of God “to be heard and embraced with good and generous hearts,” as the “seed that has fallen on good soil.”

Looking back at the history of the school, Gregory Guito, principal, recalled, “We’ve had generations of families of students coming through our school: parents, grandparents, great-grandparents, it has become a legacy throughout the many years. It’s a multi-generational school family.”

“St. Rose has always been an integral part of my life,” said

Bishop O’Connell celebrated a Mass of Thanksgiving Oct.8 as the Belmar school celebrates 100 years of Catholic education.

Concelebrating the Mass was Msgr. Edward Arnister, pastor.

Bridget Killeen, alumna and first grade teacher. “My mom went here in 1956 when it was just the red brick building [and] my sister, brother and I all graduated from the both elementary and the high schools. My husband and his six siblings all graduated from here and now my children are here in the grammar school.”

Cindy Fluhr, who attended the event with her family, shared,

God Bless and Congratulations to St. Rose Grammar School and the current and past staff on 100 years of excellence!

SRGS PTA wishes the school another 100 years!

58 THE MONITOR MAGAZINE  November 2021

Students from St. Rose Grammar School assist in the Mass of Thanksgiving celebrated by Bishop O’Connell Oct. 8. Mike Ehrmann photos “My history with St. Rose goes way back. My grandparents went here, my parents went here, my aunt went here. My two children are here and two have graduated. And now I teach here … I feel privileged and blessed to celebrate the 100th anniversary of St. Rose because the school gave me so much. It gave me my Catholic faith, a great education, a loving community.”

Colleen Reilly, who has taught at the school for 17 years, recalled, “As a teacher and as a student, I loved any time when we all came together – during Catholic Schools Week or pep rallies – when we all gathered as a family to support one another. I am just glad that my kids are going to get and experience the same traditions like I had growing up.”

“From 1926 to 1931, 12 children from my father’s family attended St. Rose,” said alumna Patty McGowan. The family is among the “legacy families” who have had children from a number of generations in attendance. The 12 children who attended the grammar school went on St. Rose High School.

“We had vocations in my family because of the education and life values received in St. Rose. We’ve had a Passionist priest and Maryknoll sister,” McGowan said.

Jen Plummer DeBlasio, who graduated from the school in 1984 and has children in sixth and seventh grade, is a member of the Day family, a legacy family which has had members in the school since 1931. “My grandmother was the first PTA President

Congratulations, St. Rose Grammar School, on a successful Centennial Celebration, we are here to support you for another 100 years!

and did a lot for the school,” said Plummer, while her mother, Margaret Day Plummer offered, “My father built the school: S.J. Day Associates in Asbury Park.”

While greeting guests after the Oct. 3 Mass, Msgr. Edward Arnister, pastor of St. Rose Parish, shared his thoughts on what makes the school community special. “The parish school brings energy, life and involvement to the parish. It’s a real blessing to be a part of a parish with a school – not only the grammar school, but the high school, which will celebrate its centennial in 2023.”

He spoke of the resiliency of the school, recalling, “We went through the Great Depression, through two World Wars, all the cultural and societal changes over the years. My second year as a pastor in 2012, we had Hurricane Sandy and now we have the global pandemic and we are still here, thanks be to God. We are still thriving and continuing the mission that began with Msgr. William McConnell [school founder] and his great vision. He lit a spark in 1921 and the flame is now being passed on to future generations. “ Audio interviews by freelance photographer Mike Ehrmann contributed to this story.

McGowan & Associates, CPAs and the McGowan Family thank St. Rose Grammar School, the Sisters of St. Joseph, the teachers, staff and St. Rose Priests for 100 years of Catholic Education, for all of the love and the laughter, and for providing our family with beautiful examples of how to live life as Christ has taught us.

The original McGowan family, pictured here, graced the halls of the Red Brick Building from 1926 until 1931, when the Great Depression caused them to return to North Jersey.

Pictured in row 1 are Frank, James, Richard, Jane, Kenneth The family produced 1 & Mary. In the 2nd & 3rd rows are Paul, Robert, Ann, John, Passionist Priest-Rev Kilian Donald & George.

McGowan (Donald) and 1 Maryknoll Nun-Sr. George Marie (Ann). Six brothers participated in World War II, and 1 in the Korean War. George was killed in World War 2 and received the Silver Star & the Purple Heart. Brother John was awarded the Croix de Guerre from France.

In 1974, Robert relocated his family back to Belmar, and the tradition continued, with his last 3 children, 9 grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren attending St. Rose Grammar School. The children were Altar Servers, Scholars & Athletes, while their Aunt coached the girls basketball team for 7 years.

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November 2021  THE MONITOR MAGAZINE 59

Education

Holmdel school opens new

mobile learning center

Father Garry Koch, pastor, cuts the ceremonial ribbon officially opening the Dr. Robert H. Harris Early Learning Center at St. Benedict School as Dr. Vincent de Paul Schmidt, diocesan superintendent for Catholic Schools, and Kevin Donahue, principal, observe. Courtesy photos

BY ROSE O’CONNOR  Associate Editor

T

he littlest learners from St. Benedict School, Holmdel, received the biggest gift Oct. 12 when the school officially opened the doors to the Dr. Robert H. Harris Early Learning Center for pre-K3 students.

The mobile early learning center was donated to the school by parishioner, Mary Ellen Harris, in honor of her late husband for whom the building is named, and features two full classrooms, interactive play areas, individual storage cubbies and bathrooms.

Lori Ulrich, marketing director, shared the need to expand the learning area arose when the school experienced an increase in enrollment during the 2020-2021 school year due to COVID-19 related closures of the public schools in the surrounding areas.

When Father Garry Koch, pastor of St. Benedict Parish, and Harris assessed the school needs for the 2021-2022 academic year, additional space for students in the pre-K was a top priority.

 “I truly believe in a Catholic education.”

“Without the generosity of Mrs. Harris, the preK-3 school would not be possible. She is not only generous with her philanthropy, but also with her overwhelming positive support for our school and its programs,” he said. “This gift to our school is impactful, not just for the present program, but in helping

St. Benedict’s mobile early learning center features two full classrooms, interactive play areas, individual storage cubbies and bathrooms.

to secure the future of the school. Being able to provide a safe, Christ-centered educational and formational environment to 3-year old students certainly enhances the possibility of the students continuing their education here to kindergarten and beyond.”

Kevin Donahue, principal, was “thrilled’ to be able to open the Early Learning Center and acknowledged the amount of research done to ensure the classrooms were developmentally appropriate for the students. “The classes filled up quickly,” he said. “The teachers are happy, and the kids are overjoyed.”

Harris, who has supported additional parish programs in the past, values Catholic education and was happy to be able to assist her parish community with the donation.

“It is my pleasure to help St. Benedict School by donating this classroom. I truly believe in a Catholic education, and Father Garry Koch and Mr. Donahue, the principal, are doing an amazing job,” she acknowledged.

While the students started the school year in a temporary classroom, they quickly made themselves at home in the new building.

“We were able to make a smooth transition and we were able to secure new classroom materials so that their Continued on 67

60 THE MONITOR MAGAZINE  November 2021

Education

St. Jerome School students pose for a photo with a police officer and his horse during the Heroes’ Day observance. Courtesy photos

St. Jerome students learn what it means to be a hero

BY MARY STADNYK  Associate Editor

A

hero is more than just a title. It is an honor someone earns through his or her service to others, the community or the country.

Teaching students about what it means to be a hero was the goal of the annual Heroes’ Day celebration held Oct. 22 in St. Jerome School, West Long Branch.

A police dog with two students.

The occasion drew some 50 women and men who serve as police officers, fire officials, first aid responders, active military and veterans from West Long Branch and numerous neighboring towns who spent the day visiting with the students, sharing their stories and experiences.

“Hearing from these incredible Americans and learning about their experiences will create a lasting impression on our children,” said Filippini Sister Elizabeth Seton Dalessio. “It is also an incredible way to honor these individuals for all that they do,” adding that the Heroes’ Day tradition began in the 2019-2020 school year but was canceled last year because of the pandemic.

“Heroes’ Day is an event in which we celebrate our brave local and state citizens,” Sister Elizabeth Seton said. “We recognize all our heroes for their special achievements. The faculty, staff, student body and SJS community celebrates Heroes’ Day to pay homage to those heroes of our town, state and country who sacrifice so much and continue to shine because of their outstanding good deeds.”

Heroes’ Day opened with a Mass concelebrated by Father Sheldon Amasa, pastor of Our Lady of Hope Parish, and Father Peter James Alindogan, former pastor, who was the homilist. Also participating in the event was Dr. Vincent de Paul Schmidt, diocesan superintendent of Catholic schools, who said he saw “three important elements” about the Heroes’ Day celebration.

“It’s important to set aside a time to honor people who help the school community; it sets a high bar to teach

students that service does not happen just at Thanksgiving and Christmas but that service should happen every day and that they should lead lives of service, and it was an event that brought the community together for a common cause in a positive way,” he said.

Father Alindogan spoke of heroes in terms of the Beatitudes, saying, “As we honor our heroes today, with men and women who are peacemakers, who brought order and not chaos into our lives, who were catalysts for unity and not division, we can say that we are indeed blessed to be in their company and blessed to be in their midst,” he said.

“Our men and women in uniform, active and retired, have served God by serving those whom he loves, our fellow brothers and sisters,” said Father Alindogan. “They are heroes in the truest sense of the word because they have given what was deeply essential on their part to duty, commitment and service, their very selves.”

Following the Mass, as the guests enjoyed breakfast, the students went outdoors to participate in more service-oriented activities, watching demonstrations and engaging in conversations with the New Jersey State Police Aviation, Mounted and Marine Units Continued on 66

November 2021  THE MONITOR MAGAZINE 61

Education

New space designed for NDHS ministries, decompression

BY EMMALEE ITALIA 

Students in Notre Dame High School, Lawrenceville, enjoy the new Campus Ministry Wing – a place of support complete with comfortable seating and relaxed atmosphere. Photos courtesy of Judy

Contributing Editor

Rynkewicz

ow in use for the new academic year, the recently constructed Campus Ministry Wing in Notre Dame High School, Lawrenceville, will provide students with additional space to compliment the school’s Christian Service-Learning Program.

“Campus Ministry is an integral part of the spiritual life of our Notre Dame students,” said Ken Jennings, school president. “They needed a new light and airy space that would allow for quiet reflection as well as a space for discussion and prayer with classmates and the campus ministers.”

The new space adjoins the school’s chapel, accessible by a shared door. On the other side of the chapel is the Service Room, which completes the Campus Ministry Wing. Funding for the project was provided by proceeds from Notre

Dame’s Spring Fling auction, the school’s largest fundraiser, held last May. “It is such a blessing to have this new larger space,” said campus minister Kathy Maley. “Our students energize our program, and with the new space comes endless new opportunities for campus ministry programs.”

Notre Dame’s nationally recognized Christian Service-Learning Program clocks more than 30,000 student hours each year; the school was a recent recipient of the Jefferson Award for Community Service.

The new wing was designed with the help of Dr. Michael St. Pierre, executive director of the Catholic Campus Ministry Association. Dr. St. Pierre put the campus ministers in touch with several universities around the country to get ideas on how best to arrange the space for students.

N

Notre Dame’s new Campus Ministry wing includes a place to use computers and a beverage station.

62 THE MONITOR MAGAZINE  November 2021

“We’ve always been in the tiniest rooms; this room is over double the size,” Maley explained. “We have all new furniture, the sides of the chairs have small desks that students can use, and there’s a space to plug in their computers.” The room also has hot chocolate and coffee, which attracts students initially, and “then they end up staying,” she continued. “It’s become so popular.”

The new wing – which is open as long as Maley or Tracy Reed, campus ministry and Catholic Identity head, are present – also functions as a bit of a rejuvenating zone, Maley noted. “It’s a touchpoint for kids. They come here to decompress after a bad test or bus experience, relationship issues … We support them. Tracy or I sit with them and get to know them, and then they get comfortable sharing if they need to.

“This is the first year I’ve seen freshmen in here,” Maley continued. “Before it used to be so tight and just seniors came, so it was intimidating. Now I have a lot of underclassmen using the space as well. I see a lot more teachers here, too.”

Campus ministers hope to have an open house for the Campus Ministry Wing sometime after Thanksgiving to reintroduce the new space.

“During our school Open House, parents coming through were very impressed and grateful for what this space is,” Maley said. “The students were talking to the parents about why they come down [to the wing]. One of the girls said we become like their second moms!”

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If you have been sexually abused as a minor by a member of the clergy or anyone representing the Catholic Church, or if you know of someone who was, you can report that abuse through the diocesan

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November 2021  THE MONITOR MAGAZINE 63

Arts & Media

‘What is love?’ Pope, other elders

share stories for Netflix

BY CINDY WOODEN Catholic News Service

ROME • Pope Francis, Martin Scorsese, Jane Goodall and a group of less famous “over 70s” talk to young filmmakers about love in the first episode of a four-part documentary available worldwide on Netflix on Christmas Day. The episode “Love,” part of the series “Stories of a Generation,” premiered at the Rome Film Festival Oct. 21.

The documentary is based on “Sharing the Wisdom of Time,” a book in which Pope Francis called for creating “an alliance between the young and old people” by sharing their stories.

Published by Chicago-based Loyola Press in 2018, the book featured an introduction by Pope Francis, the stories of 30 older people and reflections by a handful of younger people on “What I learned from an elder.”

Simona Ercolani, director and producer of the Netflix series, told reporters Oct. 21 that she started working on the project after reading the book, and then the COVID-19 pandemic struck, hitting Italy early and devastating its elderly population.

The idea to make the series “became urgent because every day we had a bulletin of deaths,” she said. “We spoke with Netflix, which also felt the urgency of collecting the stories of people, who at that moment were more fragile. They liked this idea of a dialogue between generations – filmmakers under 30 and contributors over 70.”

“The stories are extraordinary in their normality, because everyone, including Pope Francis, put themselves in a position of relating (to the filmmaker) not just as a grandchild, but human being to human being,” she said.

Giovanni Bossetti, nonfiction manager for Netflix Italy, told reporters that the streaming service is all about sharing stories, so “besides the incredible access to the Holy Father” that Ercolani had, the

Pope Francis is interviewed at the Vatican for “Stories of a Generation,” a Netflix series based on the Pope’s book, “Sharing the Wisdom of Time.” The documentary features the Pope and other people over 70 sharing their life stories and experiences with filmmakers under 30. The documentary is scheduled to be available on Netflix Dec. 25. CNS photo/Simone Risoluti, Vatican Media series gave Netflix an opportunity “to tell stories that are completely different and that touch themes that are central” to the life of every person.

Eighteen elders from five continents and speaking four different languages appear in the series’ four episodes: Love, Dreams, Struggle and Work.

Pope Francis’ commentary on the four themes and reflections from his own life appear in each episode.

While the series is not “didactic” at all, Bossetti said, the elders share important, universal values with the young filmmakers and the viewing audience.

For the Netflix series, Jesuit Father Antonio Spadaro, editor of La Civiltà Cattolica interviewed Pope Francis while young filmmakers interviewed the other elders. Francesca Scorsese, 21, interviewed her father, the director and producer, Martin Scorsese.

Father Spadaro told reporters that

64 THE MONITOR MAGAZINE  November 2021

Pope Francis agreed to participate in the series on the condition that he would not be “the star” of the project but would simply enter into the conversation like the other elders interviewed, “talking about himself and his personal experiences.”

“The stars are the people the Pope likes to refer to as ‘the saints next door,’” he said. “They are normal people who are the heroes of daily life.”

“What is love?” Father Spadaro asked Pope Francis.

That, the Pope responded at first, would be like asking, “What is air?”

“You can say love is a feeling,” or a series of electrical impulses or something akin to magnetic fields drawing together, he said. But one thing is certain: “Gratuity is key. Love is free or it is not love.”

Tango, his grandmother Rosa, helping others and the importance of dreaming of a better world all come up in the papal conversation.

GUIDELINES A SMALL STEP FORWARD Continued from 52

The TV Parental Guidelines Board, in late September, issued new “best practice” guidelines for streaming services focused on how they can and should adopt age-based ratings and applicable descriptors.

Ratings should be displayed on-screen at the time a consumer accesses the online video and should, at a minimum, “strive to replicate” TV’s age-based ratings with descriptors, the board said, adding that unless the content has been edited, any off-TV online video should apply the same rating as its TV airing.

The board recommended that U.S. streaming services adopt the The Monitor

age-based TV ratings for online video assets that were shown on television, with ratings and for all movies and episodes of programs “originally produced for the streaming environment,” with the only exceptions being for live news and sports.

The TV Parental Guidelines have been a staple of the TV experience since the V-chip installed on TV sets made parental blocking of programs possible. Shown in the upper-left corner of the screen at the beginning of each show – and, increasingly, when it returns from commercial breaks – is a rating: There are four basic age groups: youth, ages seven and up, ages 14 and up, and mature audience.

Separate sub-ratings denoting the presence of problematic dialogue, language, sexuality and

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violence, each of which get more explicit for each age group, also can be found in the guidelines.

It’s an imperfect system. Movie ratings are conferred by the Motion Picture Association, and there have long been battles about what gets cut and what stays in a film to qualify for a certain rating. But with the proliferation of TV content – one count in the 2010s that estimated there were 400 scripted series on the tube has likely been eclipsed given the presence of streaming services – the networks self-rate their own programming, unless the production house already does it for them. This, too, has led to complaints.

“These guidelines are a small step forward to resolve widespread inconsistencies in how programs are rated on streaming platforms,” said

Tim Winter, president of the Parents Television Council, after the board issued its recommendations.

Winter told Broadcasting & Cable Magazine that the next steps are ensuring that the ratings “are accurately and consistently applied,” which he said the TV ratings have not been, “and that the blocking/ parental controls are effective and consistent.”

Britain is considering requiring U.S.-based streaming services such as Netflix, Disney+ and Amazon to adopt England’s own rating system when it brings their content across the Atlantic. On these shores, the Federal Communications Commission does not have authority over streaming services.

Pattison is media editor for Catholic News Service.

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November 2021  THE MONITOR MAGAZINE 65

SPORTS Don’t miss The Monitor’s SPORTS Sports coverage online SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS

BY RICH FISHER  Contributing Editor:

 RBC’s Gotterup taking her faith and lacrosse stick to the U.S. Naval Academy  Faith-driven players help drive young St. Rose girls’ soccer team  St. John Vianney field hockey team is pleasantly ahead of schedule

 Hot-starting Notre Dame boys team has a passion for both soccer and faith

New story every Friday!

Go to TrentonMonitor.com and click on NEWS>SPORTS.

Planning to take her lacrosse skills to Annapolis next fall, Anna Gotterup, senior in Red Bank Catholic High School, Red Bank, has chosen the United States Naval Academy for higher education. Courtesy photo

GIVING TUESDAY Continued from 29

Diocese, was thrilled with the success of #GivingTuesday in 2020, and while she is hopeful this year’s initiative will be as fruitful for the schools, she is aware of the long-reaching effects of the pandemic.

“These remain difficult financial times for many and that is why we encourage the use of the ‘Say a Prayer’ or ‘Volunteer’ options that are available for those who may not be able to participate with a monetary donation,” she said. “Like last year, volunteering may also be a challenge right now, but help is always needed in schools and prayers are always appreciated!”

While #GivingTuesday is focused on a single day, the diocesan Department of Development has worked to foster relationships with Catholic schools and help in their advancement with the formation of Catholic Schools Have it All, an annual campaign, formerly known as the Catholic Alumni Partnership.

As Dr. Vincent de Paul Schmidt, superintendent of Catholic Schools shared in his recent appeal letter to alumni and friends of Catholic education, “One of the key drivers to making sure our schools are here today and for the next generation is community support. A student’s education was supported by those that understood the benefits of a Catholic education. Parents paid tuition (of course) but it was advocates, like yourself, that helped support the next generation that would follow.”

Donations are being accepted now at www.leadinfaith.org, where alumni, benefactors and friends of Catholic education, may donate

to a Catholic school in the Diocese.

This year, donors may also take advantage of the “digital wallet” and text the keywords “leadinfaith” to 609-403-3323 to make a donation right from their cell phone.

All funds raised will go directly to participants’ school of choice.

ST. JEROME SCHOOL CELEBRATES HEROES Continued from 61

and the Monmouth County Sheriff’s K-9 Unit. They also saw the NJSP helicopter and had an opportunity to meet Col. Patrick J. Callahan, the 14th Colonel of the New Jersey State Police, and his parents.

“Seeing the heroes in church and talking to them gives me so much hope for the future,” said fifth-grader Euniece Semira. “I hope to emulate their courage, determination and honor when I grow up. Heroes’ Day is a blessing because teachers and students alike are able to show their appreciation and kindness to others I am beyond grateful for Sister Elizabeth Seton for incorporating this annual tradition at SJS because I aspire to become a hero one day and the only way I will able to do so is to learn from a real-life hero.”

“All of us should model the ideals of the NJSP and all our heroes,” added Nicholas Silva, co-president of the school’s student council.

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66 THE MONITOR MAGAZINE  November 2021

PRESIDENT BIDEN TO VISIT POPE FRANCIS Continued from 34

meet with Pope Benedict XVI. President Barack Obama met at the Vatican with Pope Benedict in 2009 and Pope Francis in 2014. And President Donald Trump had his Vatican audience with Pope Francis in 2017.

Kennedy’s time in the apostolic palace included a private meeting with the Pope and an exchange of gifts – a copy of Michelangelo’s Pietà for the President and a desk set engraved with the papal and presidential seals for the Pope – but also a speech from Pope Paul.

A formal speech to a visiting President was a staple element in papal audiences in the pontificates of St. Paul VI and St. John Paul II, but now has disappeared.

Meeting Kennedy, Pope Paul praised the United States as a “noble nation” that had been and continued to be generous in helping the world’s poorer nations, and he lauded the President for promoting “the higher moral principles of truth, of justice and of liberty” in his speeches.

Aware of the ongoing civil rights movement, the Pope said St. John XXIII “presented anew to the world the Church’s constant teaching on the dignity of the individual human person, a dignity which the almighty Creator bestowed in creating man to his own image and likeness.”

“We are ever mindful in our prayers of the efforts to ensure to all your citizens the equal benefits of citizenship, which have as their foundation the equality of all men because of their dignity as persons and children of God,” the Pope told Kennedy.

Pope Paul welcomed President Lyndon B. Johnson to the Apostolic Palace at 9 p.m. Dec. 23, 1967. The late hour meant no formal speeches.

But the Vatican’s longer-than-usual statement on the meeting said the two focused on the war in Vietnam and the Pope’s “deep and painful apprehension” over the escalating conflict and its victims.

Coming so close to Christmas, the Pope gave Johnson a 16th-century painting of the Nativity. The President gave the Pope a bust of himself, which the Vatican yearbook, “Attività della Santa Sede,” described only as “a fine sculpture in bronze.”

Abortion became legal across the United States with the Supreme Court ruling Roe v. Wade in 1973. In addition to always reminding the United States of its responsibility for promoting peace and aiding development, Pope John Paul’s speeches to visiting U.S. Presidents consistently called for respect for human life from conception to natural death.

While it is unknown at press time what subject matters Pope Francis and President Biden will have discussed, White House officials expected that addressing the global pandemic, climate change and world poverty would be among them. If history is any indicator, the Holy Father will likely have his own ideas of what to speak to the U.S, President about.

CAMPUS MINISTRY LAUDED FOR SERVICE Continued from 53

Father Nillo said, noting that an important benefit of having students come to the parish was the opportunity to see each other in-person.

“The community of MU stu-

dents was there, only in a different place,” Father Nillo said.

As the school year progressed, Father Nillo was pleased at how the relationship between the Catholic Campus Ministry and St. Michael Parish continued to evolve, noting that at the end of the school year the parish hosted a baccalaureate Mass for all graduating CCM seniors.

The surprise of the award, said Father Nillo, included how the honor became known to them.

He explained that the certificate was “discovered” in early October after student and CCM member, David Fasolino, picked up a folder in the university’s photocopy room and found an envelope inside with the certificate for MU’s Catholic Campus Ministry.

“David, and all of us at MU-CCM, realized upon reading the text in the certificate that the recognition was for the previous academic year Spring 2020-Spring 2021,” Father Nillo said, sharing that while the CCM had not been notified by the university, “it was a nice surprise.”

After commenting on how fitting it was for the CCM to be awarded a certificate, Fasolino, a history and secondary education major, shared a bit about his CCM experience.

“As a college student, faith has always been important to me, not just in the bad times but in the good times as well,” he said, noting how important it was for him to practice his faith while in college, and that his membership in CCM was something he found to be lifechanging.

“Starting college as a lonely freshman and knowing no one at Monmouth, CCM has helped me

find a great group of friends who all love God,” Fasolino said, telling of how important it is for him to read Scripture, pray daily each morning when he wakes up and before he goes to sleep at night and share the Gospel as best as possible with others.

“It was the best decision ever,” to join the CCM, Fasolino said, “and I thank God each day to be a part of this group.”

PRE-K ADDITION FOR HOLMDEL SCHOOL Continued from 60

move was not just lateral in terms of furniture, and learning aids, but came with all new fun things to do. The students really enjoy, and have adapted well, to their new environment,” Father Koch said.

Pre-K3 classroom teacher, Kristen Tennant agreed. “The students really enjoy the different learning centers throughout the classroom – it has plenty of space for the students to engage.”

Her fellow pre-K 3 teacher, Melissa Catalano, added, “The new building is so beneficial to the growth and future of the school community. We are setting the foundation and introducing new families to the core values and nurturing environment that St. Benedict School provides for all their students at every age. It is allowing Pre-K3 families the convenience and comfort to send all their children to one school and continue to build friendships. We are excited for all the learning, playing, and exploring that this new building will bring to our growing St. Benedict families.”

Like us at: Trenton Monitor November 2021  THE MONITOR MAGAZINE 67

The Monitor staff has not received any death notices for publication in the November magazine.

 IN REMEMBRANCE, a listing of priests and deacons of

the Diocese of Trenton who have died, can be found on Trentonmonitor.com/in-remembrance

dmxjdmxjdmxj LAKEWOOD PASTOR INSTALLED Continued from 56

communities, a hospital and a cemetery, Father Andrino noted that a total of 699 children and adults are registered in the parish’s thriving religious education programs coordinated by some 60 volunteer catechists and assistants – a signal, he believes, of a strong future.

“And, we have 23 organizations and ministries in various languages and 180 volunteers serving them.

Challenges go with that but we are working to keep the heart of faith warm.We want everyone to feel at home and work together as family.

If we don’t see the Church as family, we don’t understand Jesus.”

Two days after the celebration, members of Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish shared their views on the liturgy and the festive dinner that followed.

Sophia and John Schafer, members of St. Mary of the Lake for more than 50 years, agreed that the celebration spoke volumes on how well the three communities are “blending.”

“At the Mass, it was obvious. It was so beautifully done in all three languages,” said Sophia Schafer, extraordinary minister of Holy

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Communion for the parish.

Sharing elements from the various traditions is adding to the spirituality of the liturgies, she said, and is a good learning experience for everyone.

“We’re seeing a good reception for the parish,” and for Father Andrino, said John Schafer, a member of the parish council. He expressed the hope that the vitality of the newly formed parish will inspire many more young people to become involved.

Carmen Gelpi and her husband Joseph came into Our Lady of Guadalupe as long time members of St. Anthony Claret Parish. They are enthusiastic about the way the communities are eager to share their spiritual and social gifts with each other.

“I want my Church to be a church that is open to everyone,” especially those having hard times, she said. “We have to do the best we can and be together for the reign of God,” she said, sharing how much joy she takes in accompanying Father Pateno in nursing home visits.

Elzbieta Targonska and her husband Dariusz Targonski are active supporters of Our Lady of Guadalupe from the large Polish community. When the merger was

POPE FRANCIS… The Holy Father has spoken out prolifically on the ways that Catholics should give witness to their faith in Jesus Christ.

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68 THE MONITOR MAGAZINE  November 2021

OBITUARY INFORMATION  Obituaries this month are available on TrentonMonitor.com.

As we recognize our beloved departed during the month of November, we encourage you to keep all those who mourn in prayer.

announced, they donated an icon of the image which has pride of place in the new parish.

“I think it’s a good thing” Elzbieta said of the merger. “When we first joined around 25 years ago, we attended Polish Mass in St. Mary of the Lake and there were little Polish communities getting together and it that was very good. … We still have a Polish priest celebrating Mass for those who want to attend Mass in Polish. But I think it’s very inspiring and very nice to have all of these nationalities coming together” as Church.

SERVING GOD AND MAN Continued from 57

the right direction, according to the law. Wisdom is worth more than riches or prominence.”

Of the Second Reading, Father Lee said that the Word of God “is living and at work under the guidance of the Holy Spirit.

“This Word is living because it comes from the living God and the living God creates and sustains us,” he said.

The Gospel emphasized Jesus challenging his disciples to both know and live by the law and “allow it to shape one’s choices,” said Father Lee. “Freedom is necessary for one to enter the Kingdom of God. The free choices that we make, the sacrifices that we endure … Jesus promises … will be rewarded a hundred-fold.”

After reciting the Creed, the

Bishop read a prayer asking God to bless and protect the “judges and lawyers and all those who serve your law as well as the law of man.”

A poignant moment came after the Prayers of the Faithful when the names of 20 recently deceased members of the Monmouth Bar Association were read aloud.

In remarks at the end of Mass, Bishop O’Connell thanked those whom he prefers to call the “ministers of justice” for their presence at the Mass and assured them of his prayers and blessings as they look forward to the year ahead.

Father Butler, who was an attorney prior to entering the seminary, recalled attending Red Masses in the Diocese of Trenton in the early 2000s when he was a member of a law firm in Princeton and, before that, when he lived and worked in the Archdiocese of Newark.

The Red Masses bring “together many individuals who might not otherwise have shared a common and united experience of worship,” Father Butler said. “They bring together the common bonds of faith and law and helped to highlight similarities rather than differences and the things that divide.”

As the son of an attorney who is now deceased, Bill Boglioli has many fond memories of attending past Red Masses in St. Michael Church, where he has been a lifetime member and is currently also a member of the parish’s finance council.

“I see the Red Mass as being similar to the Blue Mass, bringing a profession together that has been charged with incredible responsibilities,” he said.

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Following is a word search based on the Gospel reading for the 32nd Sunday in Ordinary Time, Cycle B: A lesson in true holiness. The words can be found in all directions in the puzzle.

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Answers on back cover.

18 Another name for Jacob 20 “…the ___ of life” (Gen 2:7) 22 Simon of ___ 24 Chant, as a monk 26 “So the last will be ___” (Mt 20:16) 27 Second century pope 30 Patron saint of Norway 32 “Angels we have heard on ___…”

34 Nationality of most popes 35 Abbr. for two OT books 36 God is the Supreme Being who ___ all things and keeps them in existence 37 St. Mary’s Cathedral is this New South Wales capitol DOWN 1 David married his widow 2 Cain traveled this direction from Eden 4 Pertaining to God 5 What the choir does

6 Divine time 7 AKA Hadassah 8 Woman in the Book of Judges who killed Sisera 13 First word in the name of Parisian basilica 15 Former DRE 17 Pope (II) who called for the Crusades 19 College of Cardinals’ task regarding the pope 21 “…as we forgive those who ___…”

23 The Church Militant is here 24 “Altared” words 25 Divine ___ 26 St. Therese of Lisieux is a patron of this country 28 Day on which Jesus rose 29 “Feed my ___.” (Jn 21:17) 31 Wife of Jacob 33 “Dies ___”

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70 THE MONITOR MAGAZINE  November 2021

 “Everything the Church does flows from the Eucharist and is ordered to the Eucharist.”

Throughout the two days, Deacon Saunders’ three-part presentation, “Deacons – Heralds of the Gospel and Leaders of the New Evangelization,” offered deacons a chance to reflect on the themes of deacons as heralds of Christ and icons of Christ the servant who need to be nourished and transformed by the Eucharist.

“Everything the Church does flows from the Eucharist and is ordered to the Eucharist,” Deacon Saunders said. “It is the source and summit of Christian life. Deacons need to be close to the Eucharist and receive their strength from the Eucharist. The Eucharist is at the core of the deacon’s identity.”

For Deacon Matt Nicosia, St. Thomas More Parish, Manalapan, the presentations reminded him to reflect more on “the servant role in my ministry.”

Deacon Rich Arcari, St. Raphael-Holy Angels Parish, Hamilton, shared that, during the convoca

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to the Holy Spirit and one another, inviting deacons to adopt that process of sharing and listening as they responded to two questions: “What would you like to share about your faith?” and, “What challenges to the faith do you experience?”

Among the responses, many focused on the challenges even in light of the joy of service, noting the need to find balance between diaconal service and the obligations of family life and professional occupations. Other responses centered on the difficulties of ministering to the faithful when so many hold different levels of acceptance of Church teachings, and the need to develop better strategies to reach the young and encourage their growth in faith.

Positive comments reflected on the importance of fostering prayer; the contributions of technology, particularly during the pandemic; successful parish initiatives, and the many meaningful aspects of diaconal service.

tion, when asked “to reflect on our ordination day and keeling in front of the Bishop and holding the Book of the Gospels, I thought back to how it was at that moment when I felt filled with the Holy Spirit and was then prepared to do the work of Jesus.

I was reminded of how deacons are called to be Christ-centered and Eucharistic-centered.”

For an extended version of this story, visit TrentonMonitor.com and click on News>Diocese

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To place an ad here, call 609-403-7153 OR email monitor-advertising@DioceseofTrenton.org November 2021  THE MONITOR MAGAZINE 71

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72 THE MONITOR MAGAZINE  November 2021

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