The Monitor Magazine November 2020 edition

MONITOR

THE

Official publication of The Diocese of Trenton

Vol. 2 • No. 2 • NOVEMBER 2020

MAGAZINE

LOVE

NEVER ENDS

Since their son Kevin suffered a devastating injury nearly 11 years ago, Joan and Michael Kret have been champions for the value of every human life – including those challenged by profound disabilities. Though Kevin recently passed away, the entire Kret family continues to honor his life in the extraordinary ways that they remember him in death.

 INSIDE… FROM THE BISHOP: Navigating the return to in-person Mass; what to anticipate this pandemic year for Advent, Christmas EL ANZUELO: Temporada de Recuerdo, Encuentro, la Fe y COVID

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November 2020  THE MONITOR MAGAZINE A2

“God gives where he finds empty hands.”

- St. Augustine

...So should we 2020 Annual Catholic Appeal Acknowledging that many of you face financial strain at this time, if your means allow, I ask that you prayerfully consider a gift to the 2020 Annual Catholic Appeal so we, together, may continue the work of the Diocese in service to the people of God. – Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M.

Power to choose the ministries you want to support!  The Ministry where it is needed most • Donations allocated to ministries most in need  Priests, Deacons & Religious • Finding & Forming Priests (Vocations recruitment & Seminary Preparation)• Retired Priests Care • Preparation of Deacons • Support of Religious Women & Men  Community Outreach • Families, Youth & Young Adult Ministries • Catholic Social Services (The Guild)

• Pastoral Care (Prison, Respect Life, Grief) • Special Events and Programs • Outreach to the Poor and Vulnerable  Teaching the Faith • Evangelization and Communications Outreach • Religious Education, Rite of Election of Adults & Children • Catholic School Programs (ie: Catholic Athletes for Christ) • Tuition Assistance • Professional Development for Educators

Please give generously.

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DIOCESE of TRENTON

dioceseoftrenton.org/catholicappeal

609-403-7197 • develop@dioceseoftrenton.org The Catholic Diocese of Trenton, c/o Annual Catholic Appeal, 701 Lawrenceville Road, Trenton, NJ 08648 Make a gift online using one of these secure forms of payment:

2 THE MONITOR MAGAZINE  November 2020

Gifts to the Appeal are used to support the ministries listed and will not be used to defray legal fees or to fund the Victim Compensation Program.

ON THE COVER Joan and Michael Kret hold photos of their son Kevin as they stand in a memorial garden outside their Middletown home.

31 Father Dennis Apoldite, pastor of Sacred Heart Parish, Trenton, and Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M., discuss the 600-year-old painting that is the subject of a video the Bishop recorded for a national series. Frank Lettieri Jr. photo

Contents

Jeff Bruno photo

Coverage begins on page 8

6-7  From the Bishop

COVER PRICE: $3

MONITOR Official publication of The Diocese of Trenton

THE

MAGAZINE

Business and Editorial Offices • 701 Lawrenceville Rd. P.O. Box 5147 • Trenton, NJ 08638-0147 • 609.406.7400

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THE MONITOR MAGAZINE (ISSN#0746-8350) is published 14 times a year by THE MONITOR, 701 Lawrenceville Road, Lawrenceville, 08648. Periodicals’ postage paid at Trenton, NJ, and additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Send change of address to The Monitor, P.O. Box 5147, 701 Lawrenceville Road, Lawrenceville, NJ, 08638-0147.

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For the latest news, scan this QR code with your mobile device and visit The Monitor’s mobile site.

Bishop O’Connell discusses November being the month to celebrate the saints, remember the dearly departed

8-15  Month of Remembrance Family’s faith in God, each other shines forth; remembering the Diocese’s deceased clergy; online memorial a source of healing

22-23  Celebrating Marriages Holy Hour for couples recognizes milestone anniversaries; Burlington Couple honored

31  Church Nativity scene in historic Trenton church among works of art included in USCCB’s “Beauty Heals” national video series

38-44  Knights of Columbus Diocese to mark Father McGivney beatification with Mass, portrait blessing

46-49  El Anzuelo Recordando los santos; Encuentro con Cristo; Preparaciones navideñas

REGULAR FEATURES 16  Viewpoints 29  Pope Francis 32-33  World & Nation

50-52  Insight from Fathers Koch & Doyle 66  Puzzles

November 2020  THE MONITOR MAGAZINE 3

Readers’ Corner

The blessings of remembrance and prayer

A

nearly universal experience for members of the human family is the loss of a loved one and the grief and sorrow that follow. It’s a difficult subject to discuss, but how we should respond to death and grief is something about which Church teaching is clear.

So for this Month of Remembrance, when we observe the Feast of All Saints and the Commemoration of All Souls, The Monitor Magazine has dedicated its IN FOCUS section to how we remember, honor and pray for our beloved departed.

In these days of COVID-19, we are reminded daily of the reality of death.

Regardless of the cause of death, the grief experienced when a family member or close friend died during these past eight months has been further burdened by

CNS photo/Eloisa Lopez, Reuters

public health restrictions that curtailed such comforts as bedside vigils and funeral Masses. That very necessary, human need to connect with the dying, and to honor and remember our beloved departed has not been achieved, and the solace that we seek has been hard to come by.

But we are also called to remember the dead as an act of charity. In his message for this issue, Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M., describes the theological tenet of Purgatory and reminds us that the souls in Purgatory are aided by the prayers of the living. When we offer prayers for the eternal repose of the dead, we are connecting with them and giving witness to our belief in everlasting life.

In this spirit of remembrance, this issue includes the full list of the Diocese of Trenton’s deceased bishops, priests and deacons. These names were listed as a regular feature in our newspaper format, but were moved to our website when we started the magazine. Some of our readers who used the list to pray for the departed clergy asked to have it reinstated in print. The Monitor commits

Notice of church closing Late in our production cycle for this month’s issue, we learned that Mother of Mercy Parish in Asbury Park will need to close and sell one of its worship sites, Holy Spirit Church, due to persistent financial struggles. The church, which was built in the early 1900s to provide a spiritual home to German and Irish immigrants, experienced a series of restructuring steps over the last decade, ultimately becoming a worship site in the newly

formed Mother of Mercy Parish in 2014.

The announcement of the closure was made by Divine Word Father Miguel Virella, pastor, during Masses Oct. 24 and 25, and a detailed letter was sent to parishioners Oct. 23.

The Monitor will do a full report on this transition on TrentonMonitor. com and will include an in-depth story about this multi-cultural faith community in the December magazine issue.

4 THE MONITOR MAGAZINE  November 2020

A message from

RAYANNE BENNETT Associate Publisher

to printing the IN REMEMBRANCE list once each year in the magazine, and will continue to keep it maintained on our website throughout the year at TrentonMonitor.com>NEWS>OBITUARIES. The Monitor team joins our readers in prayer for the souls of the departed, and for all who are struggling with their grief and loss. May God bring you comfort and peace.

CORRECTIONS The following information, related to the “Lives of Faith” section in the October 2020 issue, corrects errors and omissions, and adds information provided to The Monitor Magazine after publication deadline. Marianite of Holy Cross Sister Margaret Cronley’s name was misspelled. Conventual Franciscan Father Jim Moore’s order was misidentified. The article “Religious orders bring variety of gifts, experiences to Diocese of Trenton,” was written by contributing editor Mary Morrell. Her name was inadvertently omitted. In the profile on the Sisters of St. Francis of Philadelphia, St. Gregory the Great Parish, Hamilton Square, was omitted from the list of parishes where the sisters serve in the Diocese. In the profile on the Sisters of St. Joseph of Philadelphia, St. Isaac Jogues Parish, Marlton; St. Mary of the Lakes Parish, Medford; Our Lady of Mount Carmel School, Asbury Park; Emmaus House, Ocean Grove; San Alfonso Retreat House, West End, and the St. Vincent de Paul Thrift Store in Visitation Parish, Brick, were omitted from the list of ministries where the sisters serve in the Diocese. In addition, the sisters have served in St. Rose Parish, Belmar, and St. Rose Grammar and High Schools. The sisters have been a presence in the St. Rose community since their 1921 arrival, a 99-year history of teaching and parish ministry.

Bishop’s Scrapbook  Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M., takes a photo during his visit to St. Charles Borromeo Seminary, Wynnewood, Pa., where seven of the Diocese’s seminarians are preparing for the priesthood. With the Bishop are from left, Msgr. Thomas J. Mullelly, vicar for clergy and consecrated life and director of seminarians; seminarians Adam Johnson, Kenny Falls, Anthony Gentile and Deacon Rjoy Ballacillo; Bishop Timothy Senior, auxiliary Bishop of Philadelphia and seminary rector, and seminarians Kyle Holler, Brian Meinders and Julian Young. Staff photo See story on page 24.

 Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M., celebrated Mass Oct. 19 with the Society of the Divine Word community in their Bordentown residence to commemorate the 125th anniversary of the arrival of their first missionary in America. Divine Word Father Martin Padovani preached the homily at Mass, reflecting on his ministry in the Diocese of Trenton since 1961. After the homily, Divine Word Father Guilherme Andrino, regional superior and parochial vicar of Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish in Lakewood, led his confreres in renewing their religious vows. Staff photo

To see more on these stories, including photos, visit TrentonMonitor.com

“We don’t know what the future holds, but it’s all God’s work,” says Sister Theresa McGrath (center), 86, a member of the Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word, San Antonio.

In good times and bad, she and the religious shown here have devoted themselves to God’s work. They are among nearly 30,000 senior sisters, brothers, and religious order priests who benefit from the Retirement Fund for Religious. Your gift helps provide medications, nursing care, and more. Please be generous.

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

Please donate at your local parish December 12–13 or by mail at: Diocese of Trenton Department of Finance 701 Lawrenceville Road Lawrenceville NJ 08648

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

retiredreligious.org Above, from left: Sister Alice Garcia, SSCJ, 91; Brother Martin Gonzales, OCSO, 95; Sister Theresa McGrath, CCVI, 86; Sister Anne Cecile Muldoon, OSU, 93; Abbot Emeritus Peter Eberle, OSB, 79. ©2020 United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, Washington DC • All rights reserved • Photo: Jim Judkis

November 2020  THE MONITOR MAGAZINE 5

From the Bishop

Marked with the Sign of Faith

B

eginning with the Feast of All Saints (November 1) and the Commemoration of All Souls (November 2), the entire month of November has long been dedicated to the faithful departed, “those who have gone before us with the sign of faith and rest in the sleep of peace (Eucharistic Prayer 1).” The “sign of faith” is that “indelible mark” that the Catholic Church teaches comes with Baptism. St. Teresa of Calcutta once reflected “during this whole month we give them extra love and care by praying to them and for them.”

In the Catholic Church, this liturgical tradition has its origin in the prayers and remembrances of Catholic communities in the early Middle Ages (6th - 10th centuries). The idea, however, is more ancient, found in the Old Testament: “it is, therefore, a holy and wholesome thought to pray for the dead, that they may be loosed from their sins (2 Maccabees 12: 46).”

 Praying for the souls in purgatory “is the highest act of supernatural charity.”  The Church celebrates the “saints” whom it believes are the “Church Triumphant,” dwelling with God in eternity. The “Church Penitent” are the souls of the baptized who have died, awaiting their passage into eternal life in heaven in purgatory. The “Church Militant” are those within the Catholic Church anticipating their death on earth, their judgment before God and their transition to eternity.

The Catechism of the Catholic Church teaches that: Death puts an end to human life as the time open to either accepting or rejecting the divine grace manifested in Christ. The New Testament speaks of judgment primarily in its aspect of the final encounter

A Message from

BISHOP DAVID M. O’CONNELL, C.M. with Christ in his second coming, but also repeatedly affirms that each will be rewarded immediately after death in accordance with his works and faith. The parable of the poor man Lazarus and the words of Christ on the Cross to the good thief, as well as other New Testament texts speak of a final destiny of the soul — a destiny which can be different for some and for others (CCC, 1021).

Each man receives his eternal retribution in his immortal soul at the very moment of his death, in a particular judgment that refers his life to Christ: either entrance into the blessedness of heaven — through a purification or immediately ... (CCC, 1022).

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 (CCC, 1030).

This “state” is called “purgatory” and the “souls in purgatory” are aided by the prayers of the living. Pope St. John Paul II reminded us that praying for the souls in purgatory “is the highest act of supernatural charity.”

Celebrating the Feast of All Saints is a recognition of the “communion of saints” in the eternal presence of God with whom we enjoy

6 THE MONITOR MAGAZINE  November 2020

a continuing relationship in virtue of our common Baptism. Catholics believe that the saints can and do intercede for us before God. Praying for the holy souls in purgatory also expresses our continuing relationship with them because of the Baptism we share “with those who have gone before us with the sign of faith,” that they “they may be loosed from their sins.” Although November is designated as the “month of the holy souls in purgatory,” praying for them throughout the year is “a holy and wholesome thought,” indeed a responsibility for all Catholics.

Venerable Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen encouraged us, “as we enter heaven, we will see them, so many of them, coming toward us and thanking us. We will ask who they are, and they will say ‘a poor soul you prayed for in purgatory’.”’

Saints of God, come to their aid. Come to meet them, Angels of the Lord.

Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them. May they rest in peace. May the souls of all the faithful departed through the mercy of God rest in peace. Amen.

ALSO FROM THE BISHOP....  “Preparing for Christmas during COVID,” page 26  “Keep Holy the Lord’s Day,” a reflection on returning to church, 34 Archangel Michael saving souls from purgatory,

by Jacopo Vignali, 17th century. Wikipedia image

November 2020  THE MONITOR MAGAZINE 7

In Focus

Unwavering Spirit St. Leo the Great family’s resilience in faith, each other felt around the Diocese, beyond

BY JENNIFER MAURO  Managing Editor

O

pen any door to any home, and behind it, you’ll find a story. One filled with laughter and tears, family and loneliness, challenges and decisions, love and despair.

All of these can be found in the Kret family home – along with an unwavering faith and surrender to the Lord.

“You might expect this to be an agonizing story about quality of life and the demise of a happy family where tragedy has struck, but it’s not,” Michael Kret says in an online journal the family kept after their son’s accident – one that profoundly changed their lives.

Instead, the past decade can be best summarized by the name of the family’s journal: “Kevin’s Journey of Hope.”

AN UNEXPECTED JOURNEY It was July 31, 2009, when Kevin Kret sustained a traumatic brain injury skateboarding outside the family’s Middletown home. Kret, home for the summer from Pennsylvania’s Villanova University, was 19 years old.

The prognosis was devastating, say Kevin’s parents, Michael and Joan Kret, members of St. Leo the Great Parish, Lincroft. The possibility of recovery was less than 2 percent, and the doctors were looking to the family for what course of

direction they wanted to take.

At the time, on their online journal, Michael wrote: “It seemed strange to me that in our society we generally agree that is wrong and usually unlawful Kevin Kret to take a life, but we are not required to sustain a life.’”

Today, looking back, Joan says, “There was never a decision to be made. We were going to do everything possible to save Kevin’s life. And we would do it all over again.

“Our faith, respect for life and the love of our son made the journey easier. Kevin would have done the same for us. We know that.”

Kevin never came out of his unconscious state. But that did not stop the Kret family, which includes children Dylan, 27, Megan, 25, and Jenny, 23, from having almost 11 more years of memories with Kevin – traveling with him in a wheelchair, posing for family photos and celebrating birthdays and holidays.

Kevin died on April 5 of this year – Palm Sunday.

For years, the Kret family has taken part in the annual Walk the Walk with Kevin at Christian Brothers Academy, Lincroft, Kevin’s alma mater. From left, Dylan, Michael, Joan, Megan and Jenny pose for a 2018 photo with Kevin.

Courtesy photo

8 THE MONITOR MAGAZINE  November 2020

Standing in the family’s Middletown home, Michael Kret shows what he calls one of his favorite photos of him with his son Kevin. At age 19, Kevin suffered a traumatic brain injury while skateboarding without a helmet.

The accident left him in an unconscious state for nearly 11 years. Jeff Bruno photo

LOSS DURING COVID Kevin going into the hospital at the height of the pandemic meant Joan and Michael could not go into the emergency room with their son when he was admitted. It was the first time Kevin had been truly alone in more than 10 years – without family, friends or the home nurses who had become like family by his side.

Kevin aspirated in the emer “Our faith, gency room. Joan and Michael respect were then allowed in to say their goodbyes. for life and “Kevin was buried on Good Friday – how fitting for someone who the love of our carried his cross for so many years,” son made the Michael said.

Losing someone during journey easier.”  COVID-19 was an experience they did not expect. “Never did we imagine that Kevin’s funeral would be a small intimate affair with just immediate family,” Michael continued. “He touched so many people over the years, and we decided early on to share his life’s journey, so we just assumed, if the time came, we would need to share his death. God spared us that responsibility. There was no wake, no funeral Mass, and no repast gathering due to the pandemic.”

He continued, “For the next several weeks during the lockdown, we transitioned from life with Kevin in person, to life with Kevin in spirit. We created a special room in our house with all of our favorite pictures, statues and memorabilia. Joan planted a memorial garden in the backyard. I placed 10 crosses on the wall

Joan Kret holds a photo of her son Kevin – who was an avid snowboarder and skateboarder. Joan, youth minister in St. Leo the Great Parish, Lincroft, is an advocate for the “Helmets for Life” campaign and has spoken in schools across the state to promote helmet safety. Jeff Bruno photo in my office – one for each year that Kevin carried his cross here on earth. We mourned, we prayed, we laughed and cried, reliving some of our most special family memories. Like many aspects of Kevin’s journey, his death was truly an incredible experience and a gift we will always cherish.”

Continued on 56

November 2020  THE MONITOR MAGAZINE 9

In Focus

Virtual Wall of Remembrance a source for healing

BY EMMALEE ITALIA  Contributing Editor

T

his November – the traditional Month of Remembrance of souls – faithful of the Diocese of Trenton are marking a particularly challenging year with the loss of so many during the global pandemic.

Coinciding with the annual lighting of the Our Lady of Guadalupe torches (Las Antorchas Guadalupanas) and their trek through the Diocese of Trenton, this year’s virtual Tribute Wall of Remembrance is an opportunity to assign a specific action of memoriam to the passing of a family member or friend, especially when coronavirus restrictions have prevented so many in-person funerals and Masses.

The bereaved are invited to inscribe their deceased loved one’s name on its Tribute Wall of Remembrance at dioceseoftrenton. org/tribute-wall.

“Many people who deal with death every day – professional caregivers such as hospice, grief counselors, clergy, and medical practitioners – have said that rituals of remembrance are beneficial for the person who grieves over the loss of a loved one,” said Josue Arriola, director of the diocesan Department of Evangelization and Family Life.

A ritual of remembrance, he explained, is “an established principle that helps heal so that people can live their lives in meaningful ways.” Funeral services, for example, allow people to say goodbye to a loved one and for the family to move from grieving 10 THE MONITOR MAGAZINE  November 2020

into remembrance. “The Tribute Wall memorial provides a place and a way for families to remember and honor their loved ones forever.”

Arriola said that some experts summarize the need for remembrance with these six reasons: to acknowledge the reality of death and that death is not the end; that the emotions associated with death are real; that the relationship with the person who has died has shifted from physical to spiritual; to acknowledge changes in personal self-identity; to ponder and search for new and more deep purpose in life; and  “We want to receive loving support of family and friends, recognizing that we are not alone.

While grief may never go away entire- to remember ly, remembrance lives on, Arriola noted. those we’ve “We know the hope there is in Eternal loved and lost Life, and we know that the body’s death is not the end of our existence. We want … to mend, to to remember those we’ve loved and lost, not only for them, but also as importantly heal, to live.”  for ourselves, to mend, to heal, to live, and never to forget.”

Scripture passages speak of the need to see beyond the temporal – something that can be assisted by participating in a ritual like inscribing a loved one’s name in a book or on a wall. “For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are Continued on 15

In Focus

In Remembrance

I

n commemoration of the month of All Souls, The Monitor Magazine staff warmly invites our readers to prayerfully remember all the faithfully departed bishops, priests and deacons who served in the Diocese of Trenton. May the Perpetual Light shine upon them.

NOVEMBER Nov. 2 • Father John Pawlowski, 1928; Father Ernest J. Siska, 2006; Father Stephen G. Horvath, 2011; Father Eugene Keenan, 2014; Msgr. James J. McGovern, 2019 Nov. 3 • Father John F. Thompson, 1960; Msgr. Amadeo Morello, 1991; Deacon James P. Cook, 2010 Nov. 4 • Father Thomas H. Massey, 1957 Nov. 5 • Father Anthony C. Shuvlin, 1943; Father Anthony D’Errica, 1998; Deacon Joseph R. Fuoco, 2011 Nov. 6 • Father Thomas A. Kearney, 1941; Father Alfred T. Sico, 1968; Deacon Ralph J. Ridge, 1991 Nov. 7 • Father Patrick Hanley, 1914; Deacon John Gilligan, 2019 Nov. 8 • Father John L. Callahan, 1970; Father Capistran Petrie, O.F.M., 1978 Nov. 10 • Deacon Joseph R. Peissner, 1992 Nov. 11 • Father John E. Murray, 1940; Msgr. William A. Gifillan, 1945 Nov. 12 • Father Eugene P. Hunt, 1936; Father Leonard A. Viccaro, 1946; Father Chester C. Genecki, 1973; Deacon Lawrence J. MacDonald, 2007 Nov. 13 • Father James A. Russell, 1980; Father Eugene R. Scheg, 1984; Deacon Theodore V. Gularek, 2011; Father Adam Kearns, 2019 Nov. 14 • Father Alexius H. Rogovszky, 1938; Father Edward C. Mannion, 1965; Father Thomas J. O’Dea, 1979 Nov. 15 • Msgr. Patrick J. Clune, 1947; Deacon Edward J. Hoffman, 1990; Father Eugene Keenan, 2014 Nov. 16 • Father Alexander F. Maciejewski, 1961; Father Thomas A. Campbell, 1968; Deacon Vito Oliveri, 1992; Deacon Raymond Rainville, 2018 Nov. 17 • Deacon Thomas J. Murray, 1984; Msgr. Salva-

tore D’Lorenzo, 1990; Deacon Richard A. Hauenstein, 2019 Nov. 18 • Father Richard T. Ryan, 1937; Father Joseph Halaburda, 1966; Father G. William Evans, 2013; Deacon Gerald Riedinger, 2015 Nov. 19 • Father Joseph S. Keefe, 1962; Father Thomas M. Midura, 1962; Father Joseph Wade, 1988 Nov. 20 • Msgr. Peter J. Hart, 1949; Msgr. William J. McConnell, 1950; Deacon James Dougherty, 2007 Nov. 21 • Father Peter Mooney, 1991; Deacon Conrad Provencher, 2015 Nov. 22 • Father Joseph Rathner, 1926 Nov. 23 • Father Thomas N. Healy, 1940 Nov. 24 • Father Julian Zielinski, 1924; Father John J. Reilly, 1978; Father Francis P. Gunner, 1986; Deacon Octavio L. Micai, 1991; Father Robert F. Murray, 1997 Nov. 25 • Father John G. Murphy, 1897; Msgr. George E. Everitt, 1994 Nov. 26 • Father Louis Guzzardi, 1933; Father John J. Leonard, 1934; Msgr. George A. Welsh, 1956 Nov. 27 • Deacon Stanley R. Olshevski, 2007 Nov. 28 • Msgr. Philip A. Lowery, 2019 Nov. 29 • Father William C. Eelman, 2007 Nov. 30 • Father William J. O’Farrell 1906; Father Michael C. McCorristin, 1931; Father Regis M. Larkin, 1949 DECEMBER Dec. 1 • Father Nicholas Soriano, 1943 Dec. 4 • Father James F. McGrath, 1967; Deacon Edwin L. Voll, Jr., 2011 Dec. 5 • Father John P. Grabowski, 1993 Dec. 6 • Deacon Raymond Roderique, 2014

Dec. 7 • Father John J. Eagan, 1981; Deacon Charles Smith, 2019 Dec. 8 • Father Charles F. Moore, 2000; Deacon Gerald V. Henwood, 2005; Dec. 9 • Father Joseph J. Donnelly, 1961; Deacon Maurice Benedetti, 2008 Dec. 10 • Msgr. Joseph J. Egan, 1933; Deacon Leo B. McGarry, 1993 Dec. 11 • Deacon Harry A. Putnam, 2009 Dec. 12 • Father Thomas B. Healy, 1910; Father Edward R. Sullivan, 1954 Dec. 13 • Father James H. Farrington, 1929 Dec. 14 • Father John J. West, 1947; Deacon John J. Haney, 2010; Deacon James P. Walsh, 2018 Dec. 15 • Father James P. O’Sullivan, 1949; Father Nicholas C. Murphy, 1980; Father Brian O’Reilly, 1987 Dec. 16 • Father Joseph Milander, 1976 Dec. 17 • Father Hubert Osterman, O.F.M.C., 1940 Dec. 18 • Father William J. Nolan, 2010 Dec. 19 • Deacon William H. Kelty, 1986 Dec. 20 • Deacon James R. Tobin, 2003; Deacon John A. Yaccarine, 2005; Deacon Neil Pirozzi, 2019 Dec. 21 • Deacon Robert Mintz, 2016 Dec. 22 • Father James A. Walsh, 1889; Father Joseph G. Fox, 1990 Dec. 24 • Father Daniel J. Ryan, 2012 Dec. 25 • Msgr. John H. Fox, 1928 Dec. 26 • Father Cornelius O’Reilly, 1885; Father Richard A. Crean, 1928; Father Simon B. Walsh, 1931; Father John P. Wessel, 1971 Dec. 27 • Father Thomas F. Maher, 1934 Dec. 30 • Father Daniel J. Sullivan, 1971; Deacon John J. Hanley, 1989; Father Joseph A. Doino, 1991; Deacon Vincent E. Huether, 1997; Deacon Joseph H. Goodrow, 2003 Dec. 31 • Father Aurelius Poli, 1923; Bishop John J. McMahon, 1932; Msgr. Henry Ward, 1934; Father Lawrence J. Travers, 1936; Deacon Joseph P. Knipp, 2006 JANUARY Jan. 1 • Father Casimir Krysa, O.F.M., 1942; Bishop William A. Griffin, 1950 Jan. 2 • Father Bonaventure Jezierski, O.F.M.C., 1995; Deacon Alvin C. Miester, 2013 Jan. 3 • Father Michael J. Basco, 1978; Deacon Martin Hemberger, 2010 Jan. 4 • Msgr. Patrick F. Connolly, 1915; Father Francis V. McCusker, 1970 Jan. 5 • Father Frederick Kimball, 1937 Jan. 6 • Msgr. John Thomas Muthig, 1991 Jan. 7 • Father Joseph Flanagan, 1899; Father Raymond Griffin, 1973; Msgr. John Endebrock, 2002; Deacon Richard Brennan, 2009; Deacon Henry Palan, 2013 Jan. 8 • Father Dominic Kimmel, O.F.M.C., 1957; Father Walter Greene, 1960; Deacon John M. DeValue, 2010; Deacon Caleb J. Weller, 2012; Deacon Kenneth R. Sheehan, 2016 Jan. 9 • Father Michael A. Drennan, C.M., 1941; Msgr. Zenon Lesinowski, 1965; Father Stanislaus A. Milos, 1987 Jan. 10 • Father Joseph C. Urban, 1935; Father Charles A. Bulla, 1996; Deacon William K. Hayes, 2006 Jan. 11 • Deacon Heriberto Lopez, 2014 Continued on 12

November 2020  THE MONITOR MAGAZINE 11

In Focus

In Remembrance Jan. 12 • Father Andrew Szostakowski, 1935; Father Marcellino Romagno, 1975 Jan. 13 • Father Francis X. Langan, 1936; Father Richard E. Studer, 1958; Father Daniel M. DiCorcia, O.F.M.C., 1976; Deacon David Harris, 2014; Msgr. William F. Fitzgerald, 2014 Jan. 14 • Father Edmond J. Gonch, 1914; Father Nicholas Bisheimer, S.V.D., 1966; Father J. Arthur Hayes, 1956; Father Frederick J. Clancy, 2000; Deacon Edwin Cook, 2008; Deacon David Harris, 2014 Jan. 15 • Msgr. John A. O’Grady, 1918; Father Daniel P. Geoghan, 1896; Father Dominic Dohanyos, O.F.M., 1968; Father Donald J. O’Brien, 2005 Jan. 16 • Father John Capistran Body, O.F.M., 1957; Father Leonard Lang, 2015 Jan. 17 • Father Victor Miynarski, 1943; Father John A. Dzema, 1972; Deacon John A. Cole, 2012 Jan. 18 • Father Ralph Roina, S.V.D., 1969; Father Ladislaus J. Petrick, 1970; Deacon Jay Harbeck, 2013 Jan. 19 • Father George Sullivan, O.F.M., Conv., 2005 Jan. 20 • Deacon Lawrence S. Kennedy, 1995; Deacon John Allen, 2016 Jan. 21 • Father John A. Graham, 1918; Deacon Paul A. Lachance, 2017 Jan. 22 • Father Louis F. Cogan, 1966; Bishop John M. Smith, 2019 Jan. 23 • Father Benevenute Jaszay, O.F.M., 1942; Father Francis L. Nolan, 1978; Msgr. Carl A. Wagner, 1994 Jan. 24 • Father John H. Kenny, 1897; Deacon Timothy R. Collins, 2017; Father Leon S. Buni, 2019 Jan. 25 • Father M. Joseph Mokrzycki, 2010 Jan. 26 • Father John A. Scheja, 1950; Father Paul T. Gluth, 1987 Jan. 28 • Father William T. Brennan, 1951; Father Charles Valentine, 2013 Jan. 29 • Msgr. Coloman Tomchany, 1948; Father Dominic Rapp, O.F.M.C., 1960; Father Francis Santitoro, 2013; Deacon Anthony T. Sanseviere, 1988 Jan. 30 • Father Thomas J. McLaughlin, 1907; Father Ceslaus M. Jasionowski, 1960; Father Joseph G. Olsovsky, 1979; Father Andrew Cervenak, 2018 Jan. 31 • Msgr. Joseph T. Casey, 1973; Father James F. Murphy, 1994 FEBRUARY Feb. 2 • Msgr. John F. Brady, 1918; Father Wilfrid B. Emmons, 1972; Deacon Peter J. DeLuca, 2005 Feb. 3 • Father Michael C. O’Donnell, 1923 Feb. 4 • Father Gerald E. McBride, 2005 Feb. 5 • Father Leo E. Dineen, 1940; Feb. 6 • Msgr. Samuel C. Constance, 2005 Feb. 7 • Father Boniface Ruzich, O.SS.T., 2004 Feb. 8 • Father James Cammisa, 2013 Feb. 9 • Father John Supinski, 1918 Feb. 10 • Father Thomas F. Ryan, C.M., 1958; Father Francis P.J. Coan, 1985; Msgr. Joseph O’Connor, 2006; Deacon James E. Ayrer Jr., 2020 Feb. 11 • Father Joseph Dziadosz, 1944; Father Denis

Hackett, O.F.M., Conv., 2007 Feb. 12 • Father Paul A. Cartier, 1967; Father Terence McNally, O.F.M., 1978 Feb. 13 • Msgr. William Fitzgerald, 1935; Father Thomas F. Rudden, 1937; Father Ladislaus J. Madura, 1980; Father Raphael Hollis, 1999 Feb. 14 • Deacon Robert Gooden, 2014 Feb. 16 • Father John M. Szeneczey, 1920 Feb. 17 • Father Joseph J. Procaccini, 2000 Feb. 19 • Father Stanislaus Bende, O.F.M., 1932 Feb. 20 • Deacon Martin A. Armstrong, 1983; Deacon James G. Crowley, 2008 Feb. 21 • Father Charles R. Prendegast, 1937; Deacon Louis Restivo, 2010 Feb. 22 • Deacon Michael A. Fay, 1990; Deacon Francis A. Jones, 2012 Feb. 23 • Msgr. Joseph C. Shenrock, 2017; Father Gerard S. Sloyan, 2020 Feb. 24 • Father Thomas T. Barry, 1967; Deacon Howard L. Dalton, 1989; Father James Clark, 2003; Father Robert R. Schulze, 2015; Deacon Michael Principato, 2018 Feb. 25 • Father Stephen G. Fech, 1966 Feb. 26 • Deacon Alfred W. Katzer, 1998 Feb. 27 • Father John A. Kelly, 1891; Father Leo M. Cox, 1957; Deacon Thomas H. Cater, 2018 Feb. 28 • Msgr. Bernard T. O’Connell, 1917; Msgr. John J. Sweeney, 1942; Father Anthony J. Huber, 1978; Father Marcian J. Kandrac, OFM, Conv., 1986; Father Joseph F. Sheehan, 1988; Deacon Anthony D. Mustillo, 2007; Father Roman Modino, 2018

APRIL April 1 • Father Daniel F. Houlihan, 1955 April 2 • Bishop Michael O’Farrell, 1894; Father Stanislaus Danielou, 1897; Father Stephen Lyons, 1914; Father Anthony Klyanowicz, 1931; Msgr. Maurice P. Griffin, 1983; Father James B. Coyle, 1993; Deacon Joseph A. Glukowski, 2003; Father Philip T. Matera, 2013; Msgr.

MARCH March 1 • Father Thomas F. Nolan, 1969 March 2 • Deacon Joseph A. Lynch, 2009; Deacon John Joseph O’Donnell, 2020 March 4 • Father James J. Heaney, 1914; Bishop John C. Reiss, 2012 March 5 • Father Robert J. Graham, 1956; Father Edmund G. Murphy, C.SS.R., 1961; Father Patrick G. Fitzpatrick, 2008 March 6 • Msgr. Edward D. Henry, 1999; Father Ramon P. Farre, 2008 March 7 • Father William H. Murray, 1962; Deacon Jay G. Freiday, Jr., 2009; Father Victor Butler, S.V.D., 2015 March 8 • Father John Gammell, 1932 March 9 • Deacon James Buchanan, 2010 March 10 • Father Ernest Wildemann, O.S.B., 1970 March 12 • Father Peter Wieczorek, 1957; Father Edward J. Shelley, 1960 March 14 • Father Jeremiah B. Murphy, 1955; Msgr.

Richard T. Crean, 1956; Father Francis J. Dwyer, 1986 March 15 • Father Donald O’Brien, 2005 March 16 • Father Garrett J. Fitzgerald, 2006 March 17 • Deacon Garret Hogan, 1995; Msgr. William J. Dailey, 2001 March 18 • Msgr. Thaddeus Hogan, 1918; Deacon Herman Mosteller, 2020 March 19 • Father William E. Barna, 1986; Deacon William F. Burke, 1997; Deacon Charles A. Perkins, 2011

12 THE MONITOR MAGAZINE  November 2020

Monitor file photo

Continued from 11

March 20 • Father Bartholomew Carey, 1903 March 21 • Father Rayner Schramm, O.F.M.C., 1983; Deacon John W. Czarnecki, 2009; Deacon Gene Moir, 2020 March 22 • Father Thomas F. Reynolds, CSSp., 1970; Father John J. Churak, 1993 March 23 • Msgr. Joseph a. McGrath, 1935; Father Cornelius J. Kane, 1978 March 24 • Father James A. Healy, 1918 March 25 • Father Louis C. Andler, 1936; Father Alfonso Palombi, 1941; Deacon William R. Heard, Jr., 2011 March 26 • Deacon John A. Gilchrist, 2002 March 27 • Father John P. Mackin, 1873; Msgr. William P. Cantwell, 1926; Father John Kielb, 2013 March 28 • Father Laszlo Szarvady, 1960; Deacon Leonard F. DeMarco, 1999 March 29 • Msgr. Thomas R. Moran, 1900; Father Leopold D. Mosonyl, 1940; Father Francis X. Degnan, 1946; Father Charles B. Poltorak, 1968; Father Bernard A. Coen, 1984; Deacon James D. Magee, 2003; Father Severin Dietrich, O.F.M., Conv., 2013 March 30 • Father Robert Yudin, O.F.M.C., 1977; Father Evasio DeMarcellis, 1997

Edward D. Strano, 2014 April 3 • Father James J. Duffy, 1967; Msgr. James T. Connell, 1984; Deacon Timothy Moore, 2014; Deacon Bernard J. Kane, 2017 April 4 • Father Michael E. Kane, 1891; Father Cornelius P. McGonigle, 1948 April 5 • Father Charles A. Dusten, 1944; Deacon James N. Butler, 1989; Deacon Alfred Groh, 2015 April 6 • Father Michael A. O’Reilly, 1900; Father William P. Treacy, 1906 April 7 • Msgr. Joseph V. Kozak, 1971; Deacon Joseph F. McCormack, 1999; Msgr. Robert T. Bulman, 2001; Deacon Ralph H. Imholte, 2007 April 8 • Father Bernard Carlin, 1964; Father Sigismund Edmund Zalewski, 1994; Father James Coley, 2013 April 10 • Father James F. Hendrick, 1928 April 11 • Father Gerard Cristiano, 1946; Deacon John Moore, 1991; Deacon Joseph J. Malloy, 2008 April 12 • Father Francis J. Quinn, 1938; Msgr. Charles G. McCorristin, 1966; Msgr. Pasquale Mugnano, 1971; Deacon William J. Dunn, 1995 April 14 • Father Matthew P. Waldron, 1937; Deacon John J. Hehir, 1984; Father Edward J. Dougherty, 2011 April 15 • Father William H. Orams, 1889; Bishop Moses E. Kiley, 1953; Father Joseph Doran, 1964; Deacon William M. Carragher, 1996 April 16 • Father Joseph A. Keuper, 1919; Father James F. Child, 1985 April 17 • Deacon Aloysius J. Mankowski, 1989; Deacon Stephen R. Vagrin, 2012 April 18 • Father Urban W. Bronder,S.V.D., 1965 April 19 • Father Anaclete Tarchy, O.F.M., 1958; Father Charles L. LaCavera, 1977 April 20 • Msgr. Francis M.J. Thornton, 1960 April 22 • Father John A. Lawrence, 1918; Msgr. Peter J. Teston, 1976; Deacon Thomas J. McKeever, 1996 April 23 • Father Martin F. Casey, 1933; Msgr. Anthony L. Capitani, 2004 April 24 • Msgr. Frederick Kivelitz, 1930; Deacon Manuel Bojorge, 1994; Deacon John Monier, 1995 April 25 • Deacon Pedro Hilerio, 2006 April 26 • Msgr. William Leahy, 1965; Father William P. Gardner, 2010 April 28 • Father Eugene V. Davis, 1999; Father Christopher Balas, 2012 April 29 • Father John P. McKeon, 1951; Father Thomas Brennan, 2016 April 30 • Father John L. Meerwald, 1939 MAY May 1 • Father Secundino Pattie, 1897; Father Patrick J. Powers, 1918; Father Mitchell J. Cetkowski, 1969 May 2 • Msgr. John J. McGovern, 1987 May 3 • Msgr. Edward J. Dunphy, 1948; Msgr. Linus A. Schwarze, 1952; Father Albert A. Tomaszewski, 1960 May 4 • Father Anthony Billy, O.F.M.C., 1967; Deacon Michael Collins, 2019 May 5 • Father William Tighe, 1925; Father James A. Sheridan, 1947; Father M.A. Konopka, 1971; Bishop George W. Ahr, 1993 May 7 • Father John J. Kerr, 1919; Msgr. Thomas A. Roche, 1941; Father Stephen A. Buszka, 1974 May 8 • Msgr. John W. Norris, 1928; Msgr. John B.

McCloskey, 1945 May 9 • Father Harry E. Cenefeldt, 2013 May 10 • Deacon Thomas P. Daily, 2006; Father Norman St. John, S.V.D., 2009; Deacon George M. Carlin, 2014; Deacon Norbert J. Klimaszewski, 2016; Deacon William J. Murray, 2016; Deacon John Hughes, 2019 May 11 • Father John J. McGrath, 1937; Msgr. Edward A. Cahill, 1949; Father Christian Wojciechowski, 2006 May 12 • Father Charles R. O’Shaughnessey, 1994 May 13 • Deacon Edward F. White, 2016 May 14 • Father Alphonse Lehrscholl, , O.F.M.C., 1929; Msgr. Michael H. Callahan, 1948; Msgr. John F. Baldwin, 1964 May 15 • Father Neil McManamin, 1926 May 16 • Father Peter Dermis, 1920 May 17 • Father John A. Scully, C.SS.R., 1965; Deacon Juan A. Rivera, 2006; Deacon Paul E. Honer, 2008 May 18 • Father Peter M. Telese, S.J., 1962 May 19 • Deacon Richard J. Eby, 2002; Deacon John J. Walsh, 2008 May 20 • Father William F. Quinn, 1962; Father Campion Langan, O.F.M.C., 1969 May 22 • Msgr. Aloysius Pozzi, 1937; Msgr. John J. Foley, 1970; Deacon Allan T. Parr, Sr., 2011 May 24 • Father Richard Kerr, 1902 May 25 • Father James A. Reynolds, 1914; Father Thomas L. Flynn, 1980 May 29 • Father Jerome Hedly, O.F.M., 1934 May 30 • Deacon Manuel F. Inglesias, 2012 May 31 • Father Michael J. Brennan, 1909; Father Robert Emmett Driscoll, 1939; Father Charles P. Lyons, O.F.M., 1976 JUNE June 1 • Father Paul A. Grieco, 1967 June 2 • Father Dominic Sonnabend, O.F.M., 1937 June 3 • Deacon Stephen P. Rasi, 2002; Deacon Frank Giglio, 2018 June 4 • Father Walter Leahy, 1938; Father Francis X. McGuinness, 1966; Deacon Robert A. Wolfe, 2004 June 5 • Deacon James S. Rowland, 2001 June 6 • Father Thomas F. Hennessy, 1947; Bishop Thomas J. Walsh, 1952; Msgr. William A. Margerum, 1983; Deacon Joseph J. Kupin, 2014 June 7 • Father Joseph Thurnes, 1902; Deacon James Edward McKeon, 2018 June 8 • Father Sebastian Carmel Arayathinal, 1995 June 9 • Father James F. Devine, 1918; Father Patrick F. Larkin, 1956; Father Bernard Kowalski, 1975 June 10 • Father Edward J. Heil, 1941; Father John C. Petri, 2011 June 11 • Msgr. Edward C. Griffin, 1941; Father Thomas J. O’Connor, 2008; Deacon Daniel C. Earley, 2008 June 12 • Father John W. Murphy, 1918; Father D.A. Simcoe, 1956; Father Joseph W. McLaughlin, 1973 June 14 • Father John J. Mackin, 1972 June 15 • Father Joseph N. Szabo, 1943; Father Julius A. Kish, 1964; Father John J. Quinn, 2003; Deacon Edward Herr, 2018 June 16 • Bishop James A. McFaul, 1917 June 17 • Msgr. Francis J. Yunger, 1962 June 18 • Father Felice Morelli, 1923; Father George D. Quigley, 1942; Deacon John F. Groffie, 2010

June 20 • Father John A. Spisak, 1984; Father Victoriano Sandoval, 2002 June 21 • Father Henry Martins, 1889; Msgr. William F. Dittrich, 1938; Father Bernard Chicca, O.SS.T., 1967; Deacon Joseph T. Lang, 1990; Deacon Anthony P. Tunney, 1994; Deacon John D. Kiely, 2002 June 22 • Father Walter T. Doyle, 1980 June 23 • Father Matthew Adackapara, 2014 June 24 • Deacon Arnaldo Vilches, 2010 June 25 • Msgr. Francis A. Kasprowicz, 1967; Deacon George C. Hooker, 2013 June 26 • Father David A. Adams, 2006 June 28 • Father Charles J. Farren, 1951; Father John J. Meehan, 1986; June 29 • Father Joseph M. Sutliff, 1956 June 30 • Father Leo S. Schwarze, 1941; Father Raymond S. Bianchi, 2015 JULY July 2 • Father Robert E. Burke, 1922 July 3 • Father John V. Bowden, 2019 July 5 • Msgr. Paul F. Bradley, 2005 July 6 • Father Edward P. Blaska, 1969; Msgr. John E. Grimes, 1990; Father Vincent J. Donadio, 2011; Msgr.

Thomas Luebking, 2014 July 7 • Father Henry W. Russi, 1934; Father Michael F. O’Keefe, 1966; Father Joseph S. Rucinski, 2008 July 8 • Father James G. Harding, 1951; Father Peter J. Johnson, 1989; Father Vincent A. Lloyd, 1998; Deacon James W. Palsir, 2016 July 9 • Father Joseph F. Hughes, 1928; Father Neil A. Mooney, 1942; Father Thomas M. Flaherty, 1950; Father Frederick J. Halloran, 1952 July 10 • Father John Rogers, 1887; Father John E. Canton, 1944 July 11 • Father John Adamowski, 1970; Msgr. Francis J. Sullivan, 1973 July 12 • Father Raymond T. Hurley, 1983 July 13 • Father Thomas F. Kearns, 1933; Father James J. Egan, 1941; Father Timothy Traina, O.F.M., 1942; Father Alexander Zdanewicz, 1983; Msgr. William J. Carton, 2013 July 14 • Father Andrew J. Sakson, 1959 July 15 • Deacon Gerard J. Kole, Sr., 2002; Deacon John D. Grant, 2015; Deacon James Gonzalez, 2018 July 16 • Father John F. Budziak, 1956 July 18 • Father Michael Dolan, 1931; Msgr. Henry S. Bogdan, 2010 July 20 • Father Michael J. Hegarty, 1919; Father Martin Van den Bogaard, 1915; Father Stephen B. Getlik, 1997; Deacon Matthew Stap, 2016 July 21 • Father Ignatius Bembenek, 1967; Deacon Brent McNally, 2013 July 22 • Father John A. Flynn, C.M., 1965 July 23 • Father William A. Barron, 1963; Deacon Edward J. Moresco, 2010 July 25 • Msgr. John Wilus, 2007; Deacon Joseph C. Billbrough, 2014 July 26 • Father James F. Gough, 1932; Father Aladar Kiss, 1928; Father Martin E. Gounley, C.SS.R., 1964 July 27 • Father Joseph Wust, 1905 Continued on 14

November 2020  THE MONITOR MAGAZINE 13

In Focus

Remembering with Gratitude Continued from 13

July 28 • Father Bernard Schweitzer, O.F.M.C., 1923; Father John C. Farrell, 1953; Deacon E. Michael Monaghan, 1987; Deacon Albert Schwind, 2011 July 29 • Father Raymond R. Cosgrove, S.J., 1990; Father John H. MacDonald, 1996 July 30 • Msgr. John Goch, 1964 AUGUST Aug. 1 • Father Walter A. Radziwon, 1974 Aug. 3 • Father James A. Mackenzie, 1981; Msgr. William E. Maguire, 2004 Aug. 4 • Father William J. Bohnsack, 1985; Father John P. Burke, 1950 Aug. 5 • Father Arthur J. St. Laurent, 1980; Deacon Philip J. Mylod, 2015 Aug. 6 • Father Thomas Rocca, O.SS.T., 1976; Father Frank McGuinness, 1991; Deacon Frank Sherpensky, 2014 Aug. 7 • Father Joseph L. Remias, 1996; Deacon Frank Sherpensky, 2014; Father David Delzell, 2016 Aug. 8 • Father Joseph A. Regney, 1934; Father John H. Horan, 1982; Father Joseph T. Wade, 1990 Aug. 9 • Father Patrick J. Quinn, 1916; Father Pasqual Parente, 1971; Deacon Dennis R. O’Brien, 2010 Aug. 11 • Father Anthony Smith, 1888 Aug. 14 • Deacon Joseph L. Suarez, 1987 Aug. 15 • Father Thomas B. Hagerty, 1924; Father Daniel Lyons, O.F.M.C., 1966; Deacon Gerald E. DeMauro, 2011 Aug. 16 • Deacon Frank Sherpensky, 2014 Aug. 17 • Father Joseph F. Ketter, 1957; Father Julius Toth, O.F.M., Conv., 2005 Aug. 18 • Father Edward J. Whalen, 1944; Father Thomas A. Kane, 1953; Deacon Richard Glogoza, 2018 Aug. 19 • Msgr. Martin A. Madura, 1974; Deacon Kenneth M. McKenna, 2009 Aug. 20 • Father Gerald Celentana, 1992; Deacon James R. Petry, 1994; Father Emmett Carroll, OFM. Conv., 2018 Aug. 21 • Msgr. Joseph A. Mulligan, 1972 Aug. 22 • Deacon Nicholas Marino, 1987; Deacon Joseph D. Carroll, 2004; Deacon James Anthony Lacey, 2016 Aug. 23 • Father Edward W. Hughes, 1992; Deacon Joseph DePaolis, 2012 Aug. 24 • Msgr. Martin J. Lipinski, 1969 Aug. 25 • Deacon Normand C. Bailey, 2018 Aug. 26 • Father James F. Morrison, 1916; Father Joseph J. Connolly, 1974 Aug. 27 • Father William Lynch, 1921; Msgr. Charles A. McGee, 1984 Aug. 28 • Msgr. Edmund W. Kregere, 1996 Aug. 29 • Father Thomas B. Dennen, 1974; Father Joseph Kim, 1996; Msgr. Richard L. Tofani, 2013 Aug. 30 • Msgr. William J. Wrinn, 1967; Father Walter M. Slattery, 1968 Aug. 31 • Father Robert T. Evers, S.S., 1996; Msgr. James P. McManimon, 2000; Deacon Donald P. Doyle, 2007

SEPTEMBER Sept. 1 • Father Stephen I. Buividas, 1962 Sept. 2 • Father Donald O’Meara, O.F.M.C., 1962; Father Julian C. Rucki, 1979; Father William Kokoszka, 1992; Deacon Myron J. Novitsky, 2006; Deacon Robert John Klein, 2018 Sept. 3 • Father George A. Welsh, 1956; Father Medard J. Medveczky, 1966; Deacon James David Fursman, 2008 Sept. 4 • Father Michael F. Bakaisa, 1983 Sept. 5 • Father John Sullivan, 1929; Father George M. Albano, 2010; Deacon Thomas White, 2001 Sept. 6 • Deacon Joseph L. Durkin, 1994; Rev. Lawrence K. Kunnel, 2016 Sept. 7 • Father Francis X. Donovan, 1965; Deacon John J. Gerard, 2004; Deacon William P. Sulzmann, 2016 Sept. 8 • Father James Carney, 1860 Sept. 9 • Father Nicholas Freeman, 1895 Sept. 10 • Msgr. Leonard R. Toomey, 2008 Sept. 11 • Father Leonard Patrick, C.SS.R., 1946 Sept. 12 • Father Clement Kacpzrynski, O.F.M.C., 1966; Msgr. Alfred D. Smith, 2011 Sept. 13 • Father Lawrence Horvath, 1957; Father James P. Quinn, 2001 Sept. 14 • Father William H. Miller, 1914; Father Joseph A. Linnane, 1929 Sept. 15 • Father Gerald J. Callahan, 1989; Msgr. James S. Foley, 2002; Deacon Ronald J. Ulmer, 2007; Deacon James Mark Micali, 2018 Sept. 16 • Father Edmond S. Scerrati, O.Cist., 1965 Sept. 17 • Father Thomas J. O’Hanlon, 1920; Father Thomas Triggs, 2020 Sept. 18 • Deacon Aloysius Kevin Quinn, 1995 Sept. 19 • Father John J. Nowak, 1977; Deacon John P. O’Connor, 2009 Sept. 20 • Father John J. Grady, 1924 Sept. 21 • Father Thomas Degnan, 1891; Father Thomas B. Nolan, 1905; Deacon Donald F. Miller, 1986; Deacon Robert D. Machion, 2010; Father Michael Waites, 2017 Sept. 22 • Father Lewis A. Hayes, 1971; Msgr. Joseph L. Ferrante, 1999; Father Louis W. Kralovich, 2012; Father James J. McConnell, 2012 Sept. 24 • Deacon Frank J. Sowa, 2008 Sept. 25 • Father Charles Hoff, 1928; Msgr. John A. Kucker, 1963; Father Stephen A. Rybacki, 1976; Msgr. Walter F. Urbanik, 1978; Father James A. Reilly, 1982; Father Francis J. Lyons, 1985; Deacon August J. Cacioppo, 1991 Sept. 26 • Msgr. Thomas U. Reilly, 1953; Deacon John E. Gormley, 1998; Deacon Albert Pacitti, 2019 Sept. 27 • Father Joseph W. Tierney, C.M., 1918; Father Denis S. Kelly, 1923; Father Russell E. Loughman, 1978; Deacon Francis X. Howard, 1994 Sept. 28 • Msgr. John E. Kelly, 1970 Sept. 29 • Father R.J. Roger Smith, C.M., 1937; Father Joseph S. Keenan, 1967 Sept. 30 • Father James J. Powers, 1918; Father James M. Forker, 1994; Msgr. Thaddeus J. Wojciehowski, 2005

14 THE MONITOR MAGAZINE  November 2020

OCTOBER Oct. 1 • Father John A. Carroll, 1924; Msgr. James A. Harding, 1989; Deacon David A. Wilson, 1996 Oct. 2 • Father Paul J. Kane, 1967; Father William C. Anderson, 2010; Deacon Michael P. Grogan, 2011; Father Vincent J. Coppola, CSC, 2020 Oct. 3 • Father B.A. Calewski, 1924; Father James A. Thompson, 2014 Oct. 4 • Father Ignatius Kusz, O.F.M.C., 1938 Oct. 5 • Father Richard J. O’Farrell, 1932; Father Peter J. Kelley, 1942; Father Michael T. Babalya, 2002; Deacon Richard Johnston, 2017 Oct. 6 • Father Thomas P. Ridge, 1997; Deacon Herbert J. Schwarz, 2005; Msgr. Thomas A. Coffey, 2007 Oct. 7 • Father William J. Campbell, 1997 Oct. 8 • Father William F. Dunphy, 1901; Father Gabriel Ivascu, 1983; Deacon John F. O’Brien, 1998; Father Justin J. Herbst, 2005 Oct. 9 • Father Joseph J. Zimmer, 1923; Father Paul J. Connors, S.V.D., 2005 Oct. 10 • Father Peter B. Carr, 1924; Deacon Francis J. Eberhardt, Jr., 2001; Father Francis J. Porazzo, 2009 Oct. 11 • Father Francis Czernecki, 1941; Msgr. Emilio A. Cardelia, 1994 Oct. 12 • Msgr. William J. Lannary, 1970; Father Edward P. Atzert, 2002 Oct. 13 • Deacon John Cook, Sr., 2002 Oct. 14 • Father John Betani, 1882; Msgr. Edward J. O’Keefe, 1987; Deacon G. MacCarrick, Sr., 2007 Oct. 15 • Father Michael E. Glennon, 1900; Father Edward J. Draus, 1957; Deacon John V. Lonegran, 1983 Oct. 16 • Father Edward Burgard, O.F.M.C., 1934 Oct. 17 • Msgr. Thomas C. Ryan, 1977 Oct. 18 • Father William H. McKenna, 1972; Msgr. Bernard C. DeCoste, 1993; Father Vincent E. Keane, 2001; Deacon Anthony Jack D’Agostino, 2001 Oct. 19 • Father Columbino L. Galassi, 1933; Father Anthony J. Pluta, 1994; Deacon Edward Maier, 2001; Father William McLaughlin, 2011; Father Gerard McCarron, 2017 Oct. 20 • Father Joseph F. Mahoney, 1949; Msgr. John E. Rura, 1949; Father Alexander A. Burant, 1974; Deacon Joseph A. Caulfield, 1978; Father Ladislas Rakvica, 1982 Oct. 21 • Deacon Anthony M. Tarala, 2000 Oct. 22 • Father John M. McCloskey, 1898; Father John J. Lucitt, 1944 Oct. 23 • Father Francis J. Piccollelo, 1990; Father Anthony Joseph Stringile, 1995 Oct. 24 • Father James J. Powers, 1918; Father Thomas A. Gribbin, 1959 Oct. 25 • Father Joseph A. Leddy, 1937; Father George E. Duff, 1962; Deacon Robert Gallagher, 1980 Oct. 26 • Deacon William Barlow, 1993; Father John P. Byrnes, 2011 Oct. 27 • Father Godfrey Wolf, O.F.M.C., 1976 Oct. 28 • Father Amedeo Russo, 1953; Father Arthur Conlon, 2015; Deacon Paul Serafino, 2016 Oct. 29 • Father Peter Dermis, 1897; Father John Connelly, 1991; Father Bernardino Esguerra, 2014 Oct. 30 • Father Joseph Smith, 1891; Father John J. O’Connor, 1894; Father Stanislaus Bethel, O.S.B., 1941; Father Stephen Korthas, O.F.M.C., 1967; Father Edward A. Corrigan, 1971; Msgr. Francis L. Zgliczynski, 1991

In Focus

With faith,

it’s possible to achieve

sense of peace

even during darkest hour

10 TIPS

BY MARY NEARY  Special Contributor

A

s we enter the month of November, we pause as a Church to remember our brothers and sisters who have died and their loved ones who are left behind grieving their loss.

Our faith teaches us that even in times of great pain and sorrow, a peace that transcends all understanding can be found in the presence of God. In his presence, we are made aware of a God who loves and cares for each one of us beyond what we could ever imagine.

He has promised that one day, “He will wipe away  There is no every tear from our eyes and there will timetable to no longer be any grieving.  death; there will no longer be any mourning or crying or pain (Rev 21:4),” and we will once again be reunited with those we love.

There is no timetable to grieving, and we must be patient with ourselves as we move through the pain and begin to breathe again. During this time, be kind to yourself, take time to rest, take walks, reflect and share the wonderful memories that bring a smile to your face and maybe even a chuckle or two.

Do not be afraid to seek help if the grief and sadness become overwhelming.

During Jesus’ darkest hour the night before he was to be crucified, he needed his friends to be with him. Our God gave to us the gift of our humanity, and we need never to be afraid to seek the support of

our family, friends and parish community during our darkest hour.

Every parish must make it a priority to form and train a team of people who will reach out to their brothers and sisters who have lost family members. As the Body of Christ, we are his hands, we are his ears to listen with compassion and his feet to go whenever and wherever he sends us.

“Grief never ends. But it changes. It is a passage, not a place to stay. Grief is not a sign of weakness or a lack of faith. It is the price of love.” ~ unknown Mary Neary is a motivational speaker, retreat leader and member of Sacred Heart Parish, Riverton, who has served in bereavement ministry.

FOR THOSE WHO ARE GRIEVING  Trust that grief is part of the process  Set healthy boundaries  Allow yourself to feel the emotions  Leave your past to the mercy of God  Trust your future to the providence of God  Start a new tradition for the holidays  Ask for help  Reach out and support and help others  ALWAYS take time for prayer, read Scripture  Receive the Eucharist as often as possible

Importance of an act of remembrance Continued from 10

seen but to the things that are unseen.

For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal. (2 Cor 4:17-18).”

Even those experiencing temporary losses can benefit from a ritual of remembrance, as Arriola experienced personally growing up in Guatemala.

“My dad was a bullfighter and was out of the family for many days each

month,” he said. “Every time he left, it was challenging, so my mother … made [me and my sister] cut beautiful flowers from her garden; each flower carried a message to my dad, and we would put each flower on the river with the message. My mother told us that those flowers would get to my dad and give him our message. I clearly remember that ritual and the peace that it brought [us].”

November 2020  THE MONITOR MAGAZINE 15

Viewpoints A doctor in Los Angeles cares for a coronavirus patient in May. A reported decline in the number of Catholic medical ethicists will have an impact on the effort to bring moral understanding and clarity into places where modern medicine is practiced. CNS photo/Lucy Nicholson, Reuters

Catholic medical ethicists are needed more than ever before LIVING WELL Maureen Pratt Catholic News Service

T

he ongoing pandemic has exposed significant disparities in the availability and quality of health care throughout the world and, on a personal level, has highlighted the often-tough decisions people face about their or their loved ones’ care, especially with regard to end-of-life considerations.

In the midst of these very real-world challenges are important ethical and moral considerations, and it is into this milieu that the Catholic medical ethicist seeks to bring moral understanding and clarity.

But, at a time when the need for ethics to inform health care has never been greater, some statistics reveal a stark reality: The number of trained Catholic medical ethicists is decreasing.

Nathaniel Blanton Hibner, director of ethics for the Catholic Health Association said, “The most recent survey data from two years ago found that there are about 80-90 ethicists across the United States, mostly employed by a health care facility or organization. The survey also showed that, among these, one-third plans to retire in the next five years, and another third plans to retire in six to 10 years.”

This sharp decline in the number of medical ethicists will have significant impacts on many areas where modern medicine and Christian living intersect.

Medical ethicists work in a variety of places, including hospitals, hospital systems,

research and public policy development.

They might assist patients, their families and physicians in individual cases, such as with advanced care planning, or work at the organizational level of Catholic health care institutions, where mission (how the institution reflects its Catholic values in the work it does within its buildings and in the community) is critical.

Genetics counseling, end-of-life issues and development and testing of new drugs are some of the areas in the field of health care that are rapidly growing, and often have serious moral implications that can benefit from the input of a trained Christian medical ethicist.

 “Catholic health care is a ministry, too. It’s not just a delivery of medical services.”  “We are trying to promote the values that we see inherent within faith-based health care,” said Hibner. “We’re helping to navigate those difficult decisions in light of the values that we hold.”

In the past, most medical ethicists have come from a variety of backgrounds, such as law, medicine, philosophy or theology, but there have been few formal training programs.

Today, people entering the field may still have had entirely different first careers, but experts advise that the growing ethical complexities in health care and

16 THE MONITOR MAGAZINE  November 2020

society at large make specific training and study a must.

A master’s degree or doctorate in theology with a focus in ethics is a helpful course to take, particularly if it offers clinical experience, where what is learned can meet what is happening in today’s world of health care.

With a first doctorate in genetics, Paul Scherz, associate professor of moral theology at The Catholic University of America, is an example of someone who chose medical ethics as a second career.

Scherz said, “There were all kinds of ethical debates in the first (area). I wanted to bring the theological end into these problems and use my expertise to engage in the debates.”

The field of Catholic medical ethics is not easy, said Scherz. “Moral theology questions are tough questions.”

But the ability to combine ethics, faith and a heart for health care can be powerful.

“Catholic health care is a ministry, too,” said Scherz. “It’s not just a delivery of medical services.”

Information about programs and careers in Catholic health care ethics is available at https://www.chausa.org/ ethics/overview. A collaboration between the CHA, The Catholic University of America and Georgetown University offers a certificate and a master’s degree in clinical Catholic health care ethics, entirely online: https://trs.catholic.edu/ academics/online/certificate-in-catholic-clinical-ethics/index.html.

Pratt’s website is www.maureenpratt.com.

Diocese

Pastoral process moves forward with delegates from Diocese

BY MATTHEW GREELEY  Associate Director, Office of Communications and Media

S

imilar to how the eyes of the disciples were opened when they encountered Christ on the road to Emmaus, it has been the mission of the national pastoral process called V Encuentro to lead faithful to having their own close encounters with the Lord on their journeys of faith.

Such was the focus Oct. 9-10 when 20 delegates from the Diocese of Trenton joined with their colleagues from 123 dioceses from across the United States for a Virtual Encuentro, during which they had opportunities to network, share their faith, hear keynote addresses and even a special video message from Pope Francis – who encouraged the delegations to focus on the Gospel as they explore and respond to the priorities and realities facing Hispanic Catholics in the United States.

The V Encuentro began in 2017 when episcopal regions began conversations about the realities faced by Hispanic Catholic communities in the Church nationwide. Those initial conversations filtered down to individual dioceses, including the Diocese of Trenton, and then to the parish communities themselves.

The Diocese of Trenton currently has 18 parishes designated as Centers for Hispanic Ministry, along with three named for Brazilian/Portuguese and Haitian ministries. The cultural communities of those parishes are the focus of the V Encuentro, looking at all they contribute to wider Church community, and how, or if, their specific ministerial needs are met.

“It means opening our hearts, ears and eyes to feel, listen and see the reality in which our brethren are living,” shared Sandra López, diocesan coordinator for His-

panic ministry initiatives and point person for the diocesan Encuentro delegation.

Especially considering the current pandemic, López pointed out, the Hispanic community “feels isolated, [there is] anxiety and fear given the economic strain this situation has caused, not to mention the racism and immigration system directly affecting our communities.”

The purpose of the national event was to complete the sixth milestone of the V Encuentro process: to visualize the future of Hispanic/Latino Ministry, help dioceses and organizations identify, create, or fine-tune their pastoral responses at the local level, rejoice in the fruits of the V Encuentro and the Catholic faith, be sent forth once again as joyful missionary disciples. Encuentro is Spanish for “encounter.”

The diocesan team focused on four specific priorities in articulating practical ideas for a future pastoral plan for Hispanic ministry – family life, youth ministry, leadership and pastoral forma-

tion, and immigration – with plans to continue the conversations begun during the Encuentro process.

Young adults in the Trenton delegation took part in conversations with bishops from around the nation discussing how to more successfully engage their

 “The reality that 2020 has lain bare is the vulnerability of humanity.”  age group in the life of the Church.

Reflecting on her participation in the virtual diocesan Encuentro, Eneida Perez of Jesus the Good Shepherd Parish, Beverly, said, “The reality that 2020 has lain bare is the vulnerability of humanity. We need to see with the eyes of Christ, listen with the ears of Christ and, if we truly want to live in communion with Christ and our neighbor.”

Diocesan #GivingTuesday accepting donations for Catholic schools The annual #Giving Tuesday campaign is taking on a sense of urgency this pandemic year – particularly for Catholic schools in the Diocese of Trenton.

Set annually for the Tuesday after Thanksgiving, #Giving Tuesday falls on Dec. 1. Donations are being accepted now at www.leadinfaith. org, where donors can find more information and search for a particular Catholic school in the Diocese to support. All funds raised will go to directly to participants’ school of choice.

Dr. Vincent Schmidt, diocesan superintendent of schools, noted that during COVID, support for Catholic schools is more important than ever.

“We have students that need more financial support now than in past years,” he explained in a letter to Catholic school alumni. “Our schools have had to step up spending for health-related costs due to COVID protocols. As a result, budgets are tight.

“Your support, along with many of your

classmates, will ensure our Catholic schools are here today and tomorrow,” Dr. Schmidt continued.

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

The Diocese has participated in #Giving Tuesday since 2016, and donations are already being accepted through the Lead in Faith website.

The site will also soon feature a new #Giving Tuesday video, links to Facebook coverage and a livestreamed event from the Chancery.

“Realizing that these are difficult financial times for many, we encourage the use of the Say a Prayer or Volunteer options available [as giving options] on the website,” said Christine Prete of the diocesan Department of Development. “Volunteering may also be an obstacle, but we can always help build a volunteer list for the future! Help is always needed!” #GivingTuesday is a global generosity movement created in 2012 as “a day that encourages people to do good.”

By EmmaLee Italia, contributing editor

November 2020  THE MONITOR MAGAZINE 17

Diocese

MOUNT CARMEL GUILD, CCDOT VIRTUAL GALAS EXCEED EXPECTATIONS

Courtesy photo

Marlton DRE honored with award for excellence in catechetical leadership

I

n her 24 years as a catechetical leader in St. Joan of Arc Parish, Marlton, Linda Mueller has developed a deep appreciation for what it means to form people of all ages in the Catholic faith.

“For our young, they need a starting point to know about God and how he wants us to live our lives. For our teens, especially in our world today, they need a moral compass to follow so that they learn the truth and how to make good moral decisions in their lives,” Mueller said. “Catechesis is learning and living our Catholic faith so we can be the people God wants us to be.”

Mueller has been named the recipient of the 2020 “Chick” McGinty Award for Excellence in Catechetical Ministry. She was presented with an award Oct. 18 during a parish Mass in St. Joan of Arc Church by Denise Contino, diocesan director of the Department of Catechesis, and Msgr. Richard LaVerghetta, parish pastor.

Presented by the diocesan Department of Catechesis, the award is given in recognition of an outstanding parish catechetical leader who is designated by the ministry. The award is named after Rosemarie “Chick” McGinty, who was diocesan director of the Office of Catechesis from 1986 to 2003. McGinty holds the distinct honor of being the first laywoman to serve as a parish director of religious education and the first laywoman to be director of a diocesan office in the Diocese.

By Mary Stadnyk, associate editor

18 THE MONITOR MAGAZINE  November 2020

Pandemic restrictions might have changed the nature of this fall’s fundraising events for both Mount Carmel Guild and Catholic Charities Diocese of Trenton – but it didn’t seem to hamper the response of dedicated supporters.

Both organizations saw funds exceed their financial goals for the livestreamed events. Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M., spoke in pre-recorded messages for each event.

“The number of registrants was 125 – less than the normal attending our in-person event – but we know that people watched in groups and that people still are watching,” said Mary Inkrot, the Guild’s executive director. Although the Guild is still calculating its proceeds, “we definitely surpassed our goal,” she noted.

Catholic Charities’ virtual Guardian Angel Benefit of Hope also experienced exceptional support. “The 90-minute, livestreamed event raised $310,000 – exceeding its $260,000 goal – that will support more than 60 programs we offer in Burlington, Mercer, Monmouth and Ocean Counties,” CCDOT reported.

“It was a spectacular event that expanded our reach and shined attention on our honorees in a mighty way,” said Marlene Laó-Collins, CCDOT executive director.

To watch the Mount Carmel Guild virtual gala, visit mtcarmelguild.org. For the CCDOT, visit www.catholiccharitiestrenton.org.

By EmmaLee Italia, contributing editor

DIOCESE, RENEW TEAM UP FOR GRIEF WORKSHOPS Diocesan staff have partnered with RENEW International to develop a webinar series geared specifically for those who work in bereavement ministries in the Diocese of Trenton.

“It is so important to support our pastoral care ministers right now,” said Terry Ginther, diocesan chancellor and executive director of Pastoral Life and Mission, explaining that grief during COVID-19 is the main focus of the programs.

The workshops are designed for clergy, parish staff and bereavement ministers.

Ginther said the webinar presenters all have first-hand experience with grieving or accompanying those who are grieving during the pandemic, including a physician, pastor, spiritual director, pastoral minister and bereavement group facilitator. The workshops will be online and interactive, allowing time for group discussions.

The workshops are: Nov. 4, “Grief in the Time of COVID-19: A Parish Response,” from 2 to 3 p.m. (register at https://pages. renewintl.org/trenton-grief-in-the-time-of-covid); and Nov. 5, 12 and 19, “Grief in the Time of COVID-19: A Pastoral Care Minister’s Response,” from 2 to 3:30 p.m. (register at https://pages.renewintl. org/trentonpastoralcare).

By Mary Stadnyk, associate editor

Diocese

Annual appeal for retired religious set for Dec. 12-13

BY EMMALEE ITALIA  Contributing Editor

Global Mission

Missions art contest winners recognized at Oct. 18 WMS Mass. See story, page 54

Father Peter James Alindogan, diocesan mission director and pastor of St. Veronica Parish, Howell, celebrates the diocesan observance of World Mission Sunday Mass Oct. 18 in St. Jerome Church, West Long Branch. “God’s mission is present in what we do and what we share,” he said. “We are missionaries of God the Father.” Concelebrants were Father Sheldon Amasa, pastor of Our Lady of Hope Parish, and Father Daison Areepparampil, parochial vicar of St. James Parish, Red Bank, who has served in missionary work. Vic Mistretta photo

(ARCH)DIOCESES ACROSS STATE COLLABORATE ON VIRTUAL FAITH FORMATION CONFERENCE FOR LEADERS, FAMILIES Recognizing how families, parishes and dioceses have been affected by the pandemic, the Archdiocese of Newark, in collaboration with the Dioceses of Trenton, Camden, Metuchen and Paterson, is calling ministry leaders, catechists and families to a Faith Formation Virtual Conference, Nov. 5-8. The conference is designed to empower, educate and inspire attendees to be confident educators in the faith both at home and in parishes.

Two speakers for the conference are from the Diocese of Trenton – parish catechetical leaders Jessica Donohue, Sacred Heart, Mount Holly, who will speak on “Finding Joy and Encouragement as a Catechist during the Pandemic,” and Mark Russoniello, St. Leo the Great, who will discuss “Social Media & Social Justice: Re-engaging Catholic Teens.”

Denise Contino, director of the diocesan Department of Catechesis, stressed that the conference “will offer parents a variety of sessions to assist them in their role as the primary educator of their children.”

A key component of the conference is the opportunity to make connections to enhance both professional and spiritual life. Live inter-parish and inter-diocesan collaboration sessions will afford a chance to build new diocesan contacts, both locally and across neighboring dioceses.

The virtual conference will be open with on-demand recorded presentations available from Nov. 5-8, with additional live opportunities on Nov. 6 and Nov. 7. The schedule includes: Nov. 5, all on-demand video presentations are made available to registrants for 90-days; Nov. 6, inter-diocesan and inter-parish collaborative roundtable opportunities; Nov. 7, multiple live sessions for connecting with presenters and collaborating in live workshops.

In addition there will be virtual prayer room opportunities for intercessory prayer, adoration breaks, and praise and worship.

For more information, or to register, visit virtualcatholicconference.com/newark2020.

Registration fee is $25 per participant.

By Mary Morrell, contributing editor

T

he annual national appeal for the Retirement Fund for Religious, set for Dec. 12-13, takes on new importance this year amid COVID-19 – namely in the impact the economy has had on potential donors.

“We hope we will meet what we did last year, but some people are in [dire] straits, and we do realize that,” said St. Joseph Sister Rose McDermott, diocesan delegate for Consecrated Life.

Approximately 300 religious women and men from nearly 30 different orders are currently living and serving in the Diocese of Trenton. And when members of those communities face retirement, they do so completely in the hands of the generous faithful. Without a lifetime income from which to draw Social Security and personal savings, they must rely on donations for retirement living expenses.

“The fund began in 1988 with a layman. He was in the food store behind some sisters paying with food stamps,” Sister Rose explained. “He waited for them outside and found out that while they received small stipends for their teaching, nursing and social service ministries, they received no health or retirement benefits.”

The concerned layman brought this to the attention of the U.S. population via the Wall Street Journal, and the national bishops’ conference met with the major superiors to address the situation. They created the National Religious Retirement Office in Washington, D.C., to address the deficit over many years.

“I remember at the time I was concerned, wondering how the Sisters of St. Joseph were paying for everything,” Sister Rose reflected.

The fund provides financial support to more than 32,000 religious solely Continued on 45

November 2020  THE MONITOR MAGAZINE 19

Diocese

Father Vincent Coppola warmly remembered for love of priesthood, concern for others Priests from the Diocese as well as those from the Holy Cross religious community surround Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M., as he celebrates a Mass of Christian Burial for Holy Cross Father Vincent Coppola. The Mass was held Oct. 8 in St. Joseph Church, Toms River. Joe Moore photos

BY MARY STADNYK  Associate Editor

T

he love, affection and respect that was shown for Holy Cross Father Vincent J. Coppola was made apparent by the long line of people that formed around the perimeter of St. Joseph Church, Toms River, the morning of Oct. 8. Father Coppola died Oct. 2 following a lengthy illness.

Wearing masks and keeping a social distance, mourners waited to pay their last respects and participate in the Mass of Christian Burial celebrated for the 57-year-old parochial vicar of St. Pio of Pietrelcina Parish, Lavallette, and Sacred Heart Parish, Bay Head.

“When someone whom we love suffers, it is difficult to stand by and accompany them. We do it out of love,” said Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M., principal celebrant of the Mass and homilist.

“When the Lord calls our beloved one home, our hearts break. We want their suffering to end, but we don’t want to say goodbye,” Bishop O’Connell said, directing his words to Father Coppola’s family in attendance – mother Madeline Mooney, brother Michael and sister Barbara Devine – as well as some 250 faithful, most of whom were from the two parishes where Father Coppola last served as parochial vicar and his earlier assignment in St. Maximilian Kolbe, Toms River.  “He smiled.

“Today we come together to pray for Father Vincent and for those who He laughed. He remain behind at Holy Mass, the prayer listened – and he loved so much to celebrate,” Bishop O’Connell said. in all of that, he Bishop O’Connell was joined at the altar by Father Scott Shaffer, pastor of loved.”  St. Joseph Parish, and Father Joseph Hlubik, pastor of St. Pio of Pietrelcina and Sacred Heart Parishes, who were principal concelebrants. Other concelebrants included a contingent from the Trenton Diocese as well as confreres from the Holy Cross community of which Father Coppola had been a member since his priestly ordination 19 years ago.

“I know that his profession as a Holy Cross religious and his ordination were transforming moments that took all the love he 20 THE MONITOR MAGAZINE  November 2020

received from his mother, his family, his teachers up to that point and his friends and Holy Cross confreres; all the grace that he received in the Sacraments; all the talents and refinement that he developed – ordination took all these things and made Father Vincent the son, the brother, the friend and the colleague, the priest, the preacher, the confessor, a gift of God Father Vincent J. to others,” Bishop O’Connell said.

Coppola “He brought the Word of God to life for them and among them,” Bishop O’Connell said. “He smiled.

He laughed. He listened – and in all of that, he loved. Our little part of the world, our lives were truly changed because he was a part of them, and they now change again because he has left us.

We are saddened by his going forth but so grateful for that gift of his life as a priest.”

Prior to coming to the Diocese of Trenton, Father Coppola served as parochial vicar of Sacred Heart St. Francis de Sales Parish, Bennington, Vt.; pastor of St. Brigid Parish and St. Stanislaus Kostka Parish, both West Rutland, Vt., and administrator and then pastor of Holy Cross Parish, South Bend, Ind. In the time they served together in St. Maximilian Kolbe Parish, Father Carlos Castilla, parochial vicar, told The Monitor that he had come to regard Father Coppola as a mentor and brother.

“He was my guardian angel,” Father Castilla said, noting that it was a privilege for him to visit Father Coppola during his last days in the hospital and administer the Sacrament of Anointing of the Sick.

Father Coppola’s family reflected warmly on some of the priest’s characteristics and achievements, such as his enjoyment of making others laugh through his impersonations of famous celebrities like Elvis Presley. They also spoke of his love for dogs, his winning an award for ballroom dancing and his being an avid athlete.

He was always attentive to his siblings, said his mother, Madeline Mooney, recalling how, as a three-year-old, he wanted nothing more than to help care for his newborn brother. “He was like that,” she said, “always thinking of others. I love him so much.”

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November 2020  THE MONITOR MAGAZINE

21

Marriage

TO WATCH A REPLAY of the Holy Hour for Marriage, visit www.youtube.com/user/trentondiocese

For Love of God & Spouse Holy Hour for Marriage incorporates virtual participants

BY ROSE O’CONNOR  Correspondent

“We can enjoy this virtual Holy Hour for ather James Grogan had an important message for all the Marriage livestream couples who participated in the Holy Hour for Marriage. throughout the Diocese,” “As we gather to celebrate wedding anniversaries, each Bishop O’Connell conof you are living testaments to the sacred dignity of marriage,” he tinued. “Calling to mind said. “You witness the Gospel in your life and in your love.” all the joys and challengThe Holy Hour, which was held Oct. 25 in Nativity Church, es of your married lives Fair Haven, where Father Grogan serves as pastor, drew 50 martogether during the past ried couples from the parish community and beyond, allowing for one, 25, 50 or more years, social distancing among the congregation, and even more couples I invite you to join me online. The event was livestreamed on Nativity Parish’s Facebook in prayer,” he said, and page; it was viewed more than 120 times on the diocesan Youoffered an anniversary Tube channel, and the Diocese’s Facebook page saw nearly 700 blessing for the couples. reached with 240 engagements. There were more than 120 views The Holy Hour on the Diocese’s Spanish-language Familia Facebook. included Exposition of The Holy Hour for Marriage was organized by the diocesan Deidre and Andrew Morris of Nativity Parthe Blessed Sacrament, Department of Evangelization and Family Life after COVID-19 liturgical music, a homily ish, Fair Haven, celebrating one year of forced the postponement of the annual Bishop’s Anniversary marriage, read the Prayers of the Faithful

by Father Grogan, and Blessings Mass to 2021. as they represent couples celebrating that praise and worship.

Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M., shared his congratulations milestone anniversary. Jeff Bruno photo Prayers of the Faithful and an anniversary blessing to couples in a pre-recorded message. were read by couples “Each year as Bishop of the Diocese of Trenton, I look forward celebrating those milestone anniversaries. to celebrating milestone anniversaries of marriage with couples “As we gather to celebrate wedding anniversaries,” Father Grofrom throughout the four counties of the Diocese,” he said. “As with gan said, “each of you, here in person and participating over the so many other things livestream, are living testaments to the sacred dignity of marriage. this year that have been You witness the Gospel in your life and in your love.” a regular part of Church Patricia Meyer-Cuje and Walter Cuje of Nativity Parish met life, the annual diocesan each other at church and celebrated their fifth wedding annivercelebration of the blesssary this year. They had both been married for a number of years ing of married couples on before their spouses passed away. Walter Cuje had even received a their first, 25th, 50th will 50th anniversary blessing with his first wife before she passed. be different this year. Al“We’re oldies but goldies,” Patricia Meyer-Cuje joked. though we cannot be The couple said it was important for them to be at the Holy physically present with Hour, as their faith is at the center of their marriage. each other as we have “We met here and were married here,” Patricia Cuje shared, in the past, please know then offered her words of advice in keeping a sacramental marthat you are not far from riage. “Always keep God present.” my mind and heart. I One of the couples who participated virtually was Grace offer you my prayers and and Hugh Brennan from Catharine-St. Margaret Parish, Spring heartfelt congratulations Lake. The Brennans have been married for 63 years. on this beautiful occasion “The Holy Hour was wonderful, the singing was beautiful,” in your lives.

Grace remarked and credited her faith for the longevity of her marriage. “We have a large family – six children, 28 grandchildren Kathleen and John Henand five great-granddrick lean into each other For more photos and children. We are very during the Holy Hour for extended coverage, visit blessed.”

TrentonMonitor.com Marriage. Jeff Bruno photo

F

22 THE MONITOR MAGAZINE  November 2020

Marriage

Burlington couple winners of

Longest Married Couple Project

BY ROSE O’CONNOR  Correspondent

W

hen Warren and Elaine Lipka learned they were New Jersey State winners of Worldwide Marriage Encounter’s Longest Married Couple Project, Warren acknowledged, “It definitely took us by surprise.”

“I just went around from room to room shaking my head in disbelief. We were just so honored. We’re so humbled,” Elaine Lipka said.

She recalled the words of Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M., during the annual Anniversary Blessings Mass in St. Mary of the Assumption Cathedral, Trenton, four years ago, sharing that those words continue to resonate with the couple.

“Bishop O’Connell said that the key to a long marriage was perseverance and persistence. That made me feel like a million dollars. I thought, ‘Oh, yeah. I guess it really is perseverance and persistence,” Elaine Lipka said. The Lipkas were observing their 50th anniversary at that Mass.

The couple, who reside in Florence Township and are parishioners in St. Katharine Drexel Parish, Burlington, celebrated 54 years of marriage on Oct. 22. They have participated in Marriage Encounter since 1989 and are currently members of the South Jersey chapter of the group. Over the years, they have not only participated in WWME experiences on their own, but have also mentored fellow married couples.

According to the WWME website, the organization began in 1952 “when a young priest in Spain, Father Gabriel Calvo, developed a series  “You of conferences for married couples.” left there Since that time, WWME has offered “married couples the opportunity to feeling spend time together away from the ‘busyness’ of the world to focus on each other. like you It offers tools for building and mainwanted to taining a strong Christian marriage in today’s world. The Marriage Encounter make it as a experience is also available to priests and religious to enhance their sacraments.” couple.”  On Oct. 10, the Lipkas were celebrated virtually with members of their WWME circle, including Mary and Ed Cook, the South Jersey leaders who nominated the couple for the award, as well as family and friends.

“We were truly honored,” Warren Lipka said of being both nominated for and selected as the longest married couple in the Garden State.

“It was very moving,” Elaine Lipka agreed, considering all the kind words shared by family and loved ones who attended the virtual recognition. “I told them I needed to hang up now because I was going to start crying,” she said.

She reflected on the beginning of their 30-year journey with

When Warren and Elaine Lipka discovered Worldwide Marriage Encounter, they knew immediately they wanted to be involved. The other couples, they said, “were on a cloud, and you could see the love between them.” Photo courtesy of the Lipkas WWME and recalled seeing how acquaintances were seemingly changed after returning from a Marriage Encounter weekend retreat.

“I remember thinking, I want some of that. They were on a cloud and you could see the love between them,” she said.

Warren Lipka recalled their first Marriage Encounter weekend, saying, “It was a wonderful experience.”

“It was like a shot in the arm. You left there feeling like you wanted to make it as a couple,” his wife added.

And make it they did. The couple has resided in the Burlington area for years, where they raised their children and participated in the life of All Saints Parish, which eventually went on to merge with St. Paul Parish, Burlington, and became St. Katharine Drexel Parish.

“We were blessed with two children after 13 years of marriage – a boy and a girl,” Elaine Lipka shared, noting they are now grandparents to twins, a boy and a girl, and another grandson who resides in California.

The couple, who continue to participate in the Marriage Encounter meetings virtually, encourage couples who want to strengthen their marriages to explore a Marriage Encounter retreat weekend.

“It’s certainly something to look into if you want to strengthen your marriage and enter into loving communication daily with your spouse,” Elaine Lipka stated, echoing the words shared by her husband, “It’s just a wonderful, wonderful experience.”

November 2020  THE MONITOR MAGAZINE 23

Vocations

Bishop, vicar spend time in prayer, fellowship with Diocese’s seminarians FROM STAFF REPORTS

B

ishop David M. O’Connell, C.M., and Msgr. Thomas Mullelly, vicar for clergy and director of seminarians, traveled to St. Charles Borromeo Seminary in Philadelphia Oct. 7 to conduct their annual visit with the Diocese of Trenton’s seven seminarians studying for the priesthood there.

“I always enjoy the opportunity to meet with our seminarians and to encourage and get to know them better,” related the Bishop. “They are our future priests, and it is important that the Diocese show its support for them, and that they see and feel that.”

After greeting the seminarians, the Bishop and Msgr. Mullelly met with seminary rector Bishop Timothy Senior, who shared the seminary’s impression of each seminarian. “Our Trenton seminarians are good men,” observed Msgr. Mullelly, “and Bishop Senior’s comments readily affirmed that.”

 “It is important that the Diocese show its support for them, and that they see and feel that.”  Bishop O’Connell added, “I have great confidence in both the academic and spiritual formation programs offered by St. Charles Seminary. The rector and faculty serve the Diocese of Trenton very well in the priestly training they provide.”

After this initial meeting concluded, the seminarians met as a group with the Bishop and Msgr. Mullelly. “We love the Bishop,” remarked one of the seminarians.

“It’s always good to see him.”

In a 40-minute exchange filled with laughter and good spirit, Bishop O’Connell addressed each seminarian individually, inquiring about their studies – “What’s your favorite class? What’s your least favorite?” – and how the year was progressing in the midst of the pandemic. “It was a little strange at first, very different from

Seminarians from the Diocese of Trenton enjoy dinner with members of the community of St. Charles Borromeo Seminary, Wynnewood, Pa., and Msgr. Thomas Mullelly, diocesan vicar for clergy and consecrated life and director of seminarians (third from left). Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M., was principal celebrant of a Mass at the seminary. Staff photo last year,” observed another of the seminarians. “But, you get used to the masks and the distancing and all.”

The Bishop updated the group on the state of the Diocese and entertained some questions. “They were very interested in my thoughts about the current election,” the Bishop recalled, “especially how to evaluate the moral implications of the candidates’ points of view for our country.”

The Bishop concluded the conversation by encouraging the seminarians to avoid isolation by building good, healthy friendships as their vocations matured. He also shared his own personal experience of growing in prayer through the years.

Bishop O’Connell was the principal celebrant and homilist at Mass with the entire seminary community in the campus’ St. Martin’s Chapel. He preached on the day’s Feast of Our Lady of the Rosary, encouraging all present to make the Rosary a part of their daily prayer life. Msgr.

Mullelly concelebrated with the seminary priest faculty. Trenton Deacon Rjoy Ballacillo assisted the Bishop as deacon at Mass, and the Trenton seminarians were servers at the altar.

Following Mass, the Bishop and Msgr.

Mullelly joined the seminary community for the Rector’s Dinner, sitting with the Trenton seminarians, although socially distant. Bishop O’Connell described the gathering as “enjoyable and lots of fun.”

Trenton seminarian Anthony Gentile

24 THE MONITOR MAGAZINE  November 2020

was asked to give the customary Seminarian’s Address after dinner, speaking enthusiastically about his own vocation story. The meal ended as usual with the seminary community chanting “Salve Regina” before heading off to their studies, meetings and other evening activities.

Vocations in Diocese

BY EMMALEE ITALIA Contributing Editor

A

s far as God is concerned, vocations to the priesthood, diaconate and religious life are on his timetable, irrespective of any global pandemic or civil unrest. Thanks to his timing, the process of discernment has continued steadily in the Diocese of Trenton.

Father Jason Parzynski, diocesan director of vocations, has been able to work with his diocesan vocations team for several months in spite of COVID-19, organizing a number of meetings and media to help promote God’s ongoing call, and how that call can be answered in central New Jersey.

“One thing we restarted in October were our small group discernment gatherings,” he explained, noting that the gatherings had been taking place on and off for years in the Diocese of Trenton.

Vocations

SEMINARIAN REACHES MILESTONE AS NEWLY INSTITUTED ACOLYTE William Clingerman, a seminarian from the Diocese of Trenton, received the Ministry of Acolyte from Auxiliary Bishop Juan M. Betancourt Torres, SEMV, of the Diocese of Hartford, Conn., during a special ceremony Oct. 17 in Mount St. Mary Seminary, Emmitsburg, Md. The institution of acolytes is part of the formation for diaconate ordination. Acolytes are instituted to serve at the altar and to assist the priest and deacon, and as special ministers to give Holy Communion to the faithful at the liturgy and to the sick.

Clingerman is in his third year of theology and is on a path to be ordained a transitional deacon this May.

Vocations Awareness Week a chance to renew faith during COVID FROM STAFF REPORTS

N

ovember’s weeklong celebration of vocations will highlight the beauty of a call to the priesthood, diaconate and consecrated life – a call that transcends even global pandemics.

National Vocation Awareness Week will take place Nov. 1-7 in the Catholic Church across the country.

Marked by promotion of vocations through prayerful support of those in discernment, the annual event is an opportunity for prayer and communicating the necessity of vocations in the Church. Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, the normal vehicles of large celebrations have had to be reimagined.

“We’re limited as to what we can do, since we can’t have our diocesan gathering,” said Father Jason Parzynski, diocesan director of vocations. “So we’ve sent materials to all of our diocesan priests and parishes to help bring vocations to people’s attention.”

Those materials include special prayers of intercession added to Masses, a prayer for vocations to post on parish websites and to have available in parish Eucharistic Adoration chapels, and an invitation for people to discern or to recommend to their parish priest young people who they think might have a call to the

Courtesy photo

Continued on 65

being furthered through small groups, plans for new website “These discernment gatherings center around three parts. First, we gather for evening prayer, and that’s an opportunity for us to expose those discerning to the breviary and explain how that form of prayer works.

Dinner follows evening prayer and is a great opportunity for the guys to get to know one another better and to recognize they are not alone in their discernment of God’s call in their lives. This fellowship is an important part of the gatherings as it becomes easier to recognize God’s plan for us when we are in community.”

The second half of the small group gatherings is focused around the presentation of one of the chapters of Cardinal Timothy M. Dolan’s book– “Priesthood for the Third Millennium.”

“At each gathering, a different priest from the Diocese is invited to present the chosen chapter from the book and to share their own vocation story and experiences of being a priest,” Father Parzynski said.

“That way, the guys discerning would get

to meet and talk to several priests of the Diocese.”

This year, partly in light of COVID-19, and also wanting to make the gatherings easier for more to attend, they split into two groups.

“We decided to have a Mercer and Burlington County group meet the third Tuesday of every month at the Frasatti

 “It’s important to keep vocations alive for the health of the Church.”  House of Discernment in Lawrence Township,” Father Parzynski explained, “and on the second Tuesday of every month at Villa Saint Dominic in Point Pleasant for Ocean and Monmouth Counties.”

The hope was that the two locations would keep the gatherings smaller for those exercising an abundance of caution as well as provide for easier travel.

About five young men were interested in each gathering, Father Parzynski noted. “We have overall 30 active discerners; some are in the initial stages, and we assist them in identifying a priest for spiritual direction. Those who are a bit more serious and actively thinking about the priesthood tend to like the small group gatherings. They get to meet priests of the Diocese and ask a lot of questions.”

Participants came out of the Called

by Name campaign run in the Diocese’s parishes last fall, in which parishioners were invited to use cards in church pews to submit names of young men ages 16-35 whom they thought might have a vocational calling. Some 200 names were collected and invited by the Diocese to seek more information.

“The Called By Name program is definitely having an influence,” he said. “We currently have two guys in application for entrance to seminary next fall, both Continued on 67

November 2020  THE MONITOR MAGAZINE 25

Advent & Christmas

Preparing for

Christmas during COVID

T

he COVID pandemic will not take away Christmas 2020! It will, however, change the way we celebrate it, especially in our churches and parishes, if current circumstances continue as they are or worsen.

Because COVID is a A Message from highly contagious BISHOP DAVID M. airborne virus, the O’CONNELL, C.M. prospect of large (or larger than usual) crowds gathering indoors this winter for long periods of time without ample ventilation and proper social distancing – as well as the necessity to sanitize churches between Masses – means that Christmas Eve and Christmas Day Mass schedules will be affected, especially in parishes where there is only a single pastor or priest assigned.

The COVID pandemic’s maximum one-third occupancy restrictions in churches coupled with the need for social distancing will limit the space available for parishioners to attend Christmas Mass as usual. Church schedules will  Parishes will also have to accommodate required cleaning. do their very Parishioners in the Diocese of Trenton have been dispensed from best to assist the holy day obligation because of the faithful in the COVID pandemic this year. In addition to the restricted “in church” celebrating occupancy with required social distancing at Christmas Eve and the Lord’s Christmas Day Masses, parishes will birth.  also offer live-streamed Christmas Masses along with those broadcast on television to support the faith of those who cannot attend church this year. Those who are not feeling well or who are in a high-risk category should remain at home and take advantage of the on-line or televised celebrations of Christmas Mass.

26 THE MONITOR MAGAZINE  November 2020

Parishes will determine the number and times of Christmas Masses they will be able to offer this year. Please listen for announcements or check parish websites for schedules.

None of us want the restrictions or adjustments we have had to make because of the COVID pandemic. Please God, it will end soon. Although different from past Christmases, parishes will do their very best to assist the faithful in celebrating the Lord’s birth with faith and joy.

Thank you for your understanding and patience.

Advent & Christmas

ADVENT RETREAT FOR PARISH MINISTERS IN ALLENTOWN Those who serve in parish ministry will have an opportunity to enhance their observance of the Advent season during a retreat Dec. 1 from 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Hosted by Francis House of Prayer, Allentown, the retreat will use the theme, “Preparing to Respond with an Open Heart,” and will be offered in-person and online. Sister of St. Joseph Kathy Burton will guide participants in their reflection on the mystery of Christmas by focusing on the Annunciation, “Being Attentive”; Joseph’s Dream, “Saying Yes”; The Nativity, “Birthing Christ in the World,” and The Magi, “Proclaiming Christ to the World.”

Donation is $20 if participating online or $25 if participating in-person, and lunch is included.

To register, call 609-877-0509 or email: FHOP@verzion.net (necessary for online participants).

To register through the website, www.FHOP.org, click on “Our Programs” and then “One Day Offerings.” To register by mail, send form and payment to Francis House of Prayer, 84 Walnford Road, Allentown, N.J. 08501.

Staff reports

‘WHERE ARE YOU, GOD?’ WEBINAR TO OFFER PANDEMIC SUPPORT

This stained glass window depicting the Nativity of Our Lord is found in Our Lady Star of the Sea Church, a worship site of Christ the King Parish, Long Branch. File photo

In preparation for the Advent and Christmas seasons, the diocesan Office of Pastoral Life and Mission will present “Where Are You, God?” – a webinar for parish leaders – with Father Chris Walsh, a priest of the Philadelphia Archdiocese.

The virtual program will be offered at 3 p.m.

Nov. 23. Any parish minister can register for the event, which include all persons involved in various types of pastoral, catechetical, liturgical and formational ministry. To register, visit www. dioceseoftrenton.org/webinar.

The webinar will offer practical methods of bringing 2020 into prayer. It will include three periods of reflection, with a brief time for discussion groups in between. Father Walsh will begin with some thoughts on God’s search for his people. The second part is guided prayer about where God has been this year. The final piece will help parish ministers focus on where God desires to meet them in the coming seasons of Advent and Christmas.

Terry Ginther, diocesan chancellor and executive director of Pastoral Life and Mission, said that in today’s times, one of the most frequently asked questions by people of faith is, “Where is God in all of this?”

“As a pastoral minister, if you are not asking these questions yourself, someone is asking them of you – and expecting you to answer,” she said.

By EmmaLee Italia, contributing editor

ADVENT, CHRISTMAS MUSIC CD

BY LOCAL CANTOR, ORGANIST



When Dr. Carly York responded to what she describes as “a true calling to sing and record music for Advent and Christmas” in fall 2019, she had no idea she would be creating an inspirational oasis for a year of pandemic.

“The actual album was not ready for the public until the spring. It seems that God had a plan in mind all along for the timing of this music,” she reflected. “My hope is that this album will be soothing, calming, and uplifting for people this Advent and Christmas season.”

The collection of classic hymns and chants, including favorites like “O Come O Come Emmanuel” and “Creator of the Stars of Night” was recorded in Holy Cross Church, Rumson, where Dr. York and her husband are parishioners. She collaborated with organist Elena Brandt of Nativity Parish, Fair Haven; the two had been making music together throughout 2019, and Dr. York really wanted to take on a recording project with her.

Dr. York is K-12 supervisor of visual and performing arts for Wall Township public schools, and adjunct professor of music at Georgian Court University, Lakewood. She holds a master’s degree in liturgical music from Catholic University of America, Washington, a master’s degree in Vocal Music Performance from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, and a doctorate in education from Seton Hall University, South Orange. She has been singing and recording since 1993.

The CD is now live on iTunes and many other streaming services. Links to all of the main channels can be found on https://carlyyork.hearnow.com/, and YouTube videos at Dr. York’s channel, Renew and Transform: www.youtube.com/ channel/UCOjRcZDDZFcMk6ATUSB4SAg.

By EmmaLee Italia, contributing editor November 2020  THE MONITOR MAGAZINE 27

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Pope Francis

Pope Francis leads the Angelus from the window of his studio overlooking St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican Oct. 25.

CNS photo/Vatican Media

MORE FROM POPE FRANCIS ONLINE:

Love of God is always measured by

 Pope: Catholic Church needs to rediscover its maternal heart

love of neighbor

BY CAROL GLATZ

Catholic News Service

VATICAN CITY • The proof of being on a path of conversion and holiness always consists in loving one’s neighbor, Pope Francis said.

“As long as there is a brother or sister to whom we close our hearts, we will still be far from being disciples as Jesus asks us,” he said before reciting the Angelus prayer with those gathered in St. Peter’s Square Oct. 25.

The Pope reflected on the day’s Gospel reading (Mt 22:34-40) in which Jesus said the greatest commandment was loving the Lord with all one’s heart, soul and mind, and the second commandment was loving one’s neighbor as oneself.

With this, “Jesus establishes two essential principles for believers of all times,” the Pope said.

The first is that love – not anxious or contrived obligation – must always be the driving force behind following God’s commandments, he said.

“The second fundamental principle is that love must tend together and inseparably toward God and toward one’s neighbor,” the Pope said.

“This is one of the major innovations

of Jesus’ teachings, and he helps us understand that it is not true love of God if it is not expressed in the love of the other,” and, vice versa, it is not true love of the other if it is not rooted in one’s relationship with God, he said.

Love for God is expressed most of all in prayer and adoration, Pope Francis said, and love for one’s neighbor is expressed by being close to people, listening to them, sharing and caring for others.

“So often we overlook listening to others because it is boring or because it takes up my time,” he said; such feelings even arise when someone else needs someone close during times of trial or sorrow.

“However, we always find time to gossip. All the time! We don’t have time to comfort the afflicted, but lots of time for gossiping. Be careful!” he said.

Communion is a gift “to be invoked each day, but also a personal commitment so that our life is not left to become enslaved by the idols of the world,” he said.

“The proof of our journey of conversion and holiness always consists in love of neighbor,” the Pope said.

God’s mercy “does not allow us to be discouraged, but rather calls us to begin anew each day to live the Gospel consistently,” he added.

 True prayer leads to concrete acts of love, Pope says  Pontiff: Educational alliance needed to overcome inequality, division

In a recent address, Pope Francis encouraged faithful to “ask Jesus to strengthen your prayer.” CNS video screenshot

 Kindness frees us from the cruelty that at times infects human relationships, from the anxiety that prevents us from thinking of others. 

@PONTIFEX SEPT. 27, 2020

November 2020  THE MONITOR MAGAZINE 29

Church Pope Francis is pictured in a file photo meeting with the College of Cardinals in the Vatican’s Clementine Hall. CNS photo/L’Osservatore Romano

Pope announces new cardinals,

including first U.S. African American cardinal

BY CINDY WOODEN, Catholic News Service

VATICAN CITY ­• Pope Francis announced he will create 13 new cardinals Nov. 28, including Archbishop Wilton D. Gregory of Washington.

The Pope made the announcement at the end of his Angelus address Oct. 25, telling the crowd in St. Peter’s Square the names of the nine cardinals under the age of 80, who will be eligible to vote in a conclave, and the names of four elderly churchmen whose red hats are a sign of esteem and honor.

In addition to Cardinal-designate Gregory, who will be the first African American cardinal from the United States, the Pope chose as cardinal electors two officials of the Roman Curia and bishops from Italy, Rwanda, the Philippines, Chile and Brunei.

Speaking soon after the announcement with the Catholic Standard, Washington’s archdiocesan newspaper, Cardinal-designate Gregory said he was “deeply humbled” and he knows that “I am reaping a harvest that millions of African American Catholics and people of color have

planted. I am deeply grateful for the faith that they have lived so generously, so zealously and with such great devotion.”

Another U.S. citizen is among the new cardinals; retired Italian Archbishop Silvano M. Tomasi, 80, a former nuncio and a member of the Scalabrinian missionaries, holds dual citizenship. He completed his studies for the priesthood in the United States and taught there for years.

He also was director of pastoral care at the U.S. bishops’ Migration and Refugee Services from 1983 to 1987 when he was named secretary of the Pontifical Council for Migrants and Travelers.

Once the consistory is held in late November, there will be 128 cardinals under the age of 80 and eligible to vote in a conclave. Pope Francis will have created just over 57 percent of them. Sixteen of the cardinals created by St. John Paul II will still be under 80 as will 39 of the cardinals created by Pope Benedict XVI; Pope Francis will have created 73 of the electors.

U.S. Cardinal Donald W. Wuerl, retired archbishop of Washington, will celebrate his 80th birthday Nov. 12, before the consistory. Italian Cardinal Angelo Becciu, whom the Pope dismissed

30 THE MONITOR MAGAZINE  November 2020

Cardinal-designate Wilton D. Gregory, the archbishop of Washington, celebrates Mass Oct. 25 in Maryland on the day he learned Pope Francis named him a cardinal. CNS photo/Andrew Biraj, Catholic Standard

as prefect of the congregation for saints in late September, is 72 but renounced the rights of a cardinal, including the right to enter a conclave to elect a new Pope.

MORE ONLINE For related stories about the newly named cardinals and the upcoming consistory, go to TrentonMonitor.com and click on NEWS>CHURCH.

Church

Diocese’s gem within a gem featured in new video series

‘Beauty Heals’

BY MARY CLIFFORD MORRELL Contributing Editor

H

aving long rested quietly atop Mary’s altar in the beautiful and iconic Sacred Heart Church, Trenton, a 600-year-old work of art is getting new attention as part of a national video series on the healing power of beauty.

Rich in color and texture, “The Nativity” was painted on wood by Italian artist Gentile da Fabriano, portraying the graceful figure of Mary at the birth of Christ.

The painting is the subject of a video titled “Hidden in Plain Sight,” which is narrated

by Bishop David M. O’Connell, C. M., for the series curated by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops.

The series’ title, “Beauty Heals,” was inspired by Pope Francis who uttered the words while touring Palazzo Miglori, a 19th century palace which he ordered repurposed into a homeless shelter last year.

“Beauty Heals,” features short videos in which bishops tell the stories of meaningful works of art in their dioceses. In an introduction to the series, the creators explain that the initiative is a response to a reported uptick in incidents of vandalism against houses of worship and symbols of faith: “The recent vandalism of churches and their sacred art gives us the opportunity to bear witness to our hope in the Lord whose beauty is revealed on the Cross. ‘Beauty Heals’ invites us to learn about works of devotional art significant to local churches and how they inspire Catholics to live beautifully.”

Bishop O’Connell was among the first bishops to respond to an invitation from Archbishop Thomas G. Wenski of Miami, who serves as acting chairman of the USCCB Committee for Religious Liberty, to submit a video sharing the significance of a sacred work of art, through which, wrote Archbishop Wenski, “we can testify to God’s grace, overcome ignorance of our great

Above, “The Nativity,” a 600-year-old wood painting in Sacred Heart Church, Trenton, was featured in the video “Hidden in Plain Sight” recorded by Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M., shown left, for a new series curated by the USCCB. Frank Lettieri Jr. photo saints and other aspects of our faith, and – indirectly – defend our Church.”

The insight of Archbishop Wenski and Archbishop Paul S. Coakley of Oklahoma City, chairman  “We can of the USCCB Committee on Domestic Justice and Human Detestify to God’s velopment, served to guide the project according to Dan Balserak, USCCB grace ... and Director of Religious Liberty and defend our Assistant General Counsel. He stated, “Whatever the cause of these attacks on Church.”  our churches and their sacred art, they are a sign of a society in need of healing.

Of course, healing the wounds of sin and bringing us closer to God and to each other is in a sense what all of the Church’s work is about. This initiative is a tiny contribution to that work.”

Continued on 64

November 2020  THE MONITOR MAGAZINE 31

World & Nation Activists take part in a “Walk for Freedom” to protest human trafficking.

CNS photo/Fabrizio Bensch, Reuters

As trafficking law turns 20, Rep. Smith fears pandemic fosters child exploitation

BY JULIE ASHER  Catholic News Service

WASHINGTON • As the Trafficking Victims Protection Act of 2000 marked its 20th year Oct. 28, the Catholic congressman who wrote it – and four other anti-trafficking laws in the intervening years – celebrated the historic legislation that holds every nation on the globe “to account on human trafficking matters.”

But in celebrating the law’s anniversary, Rep. Chris Smith, R-New Jersey, and member of St. Gregory the Great Parish, Hamilton Square, also expressed serious concern the ongoing pandemic is putting more children and young people at risk of exploitation.

With restrictions in place to stop the spread of COVID-19, they are spending so much more time on the internet, he said.

“Some of today’s challenges, such as how ever-evolving technology is being utilized by predators to lure children into trafficking, could  “Thousands not have been anticipated 20 years ago,” Smith said. of human “Today, due traffickers to COVID-19 restrictions, young have been people are spending more time on prosecuted.” line and evidence suggests a huge spike in predators’ access to children on the internet and the rise of online grooming and sexual exploitation while children are isolated and ‘virtually’ connected to the world,” he added.

In his home state alone, he said, reports

Rep. Chris Smith, R-N.J., one of the authors of the Trafficking Victims Protection Act of 2000, speaks Oct. 28 near the U.S. Capitol in Washington. Courtesy photo of online child exploitation are up 75percent, according to the Asbury Park Press daily newspaper. “(This) can lead to human trafficking and other abuses,” Smith said.

He made the comments in an op-ed he distributed to media around the country, including Catholic News Service.

The law he wrote “to aggressively combat sex and labor trafficking both within the United States and around the world,” he said, “created a new, well-funded whole-of-government domestic and international strategy and established numerous new programs to protect victims, prosecute traffickers and to the extent possible, prevent human trafficking in the first place.”

“Thousands of human traffickers have

32 THE MONITOR MAGAZINE  November 2020

been prosecuted and jailed pursuant” under the landmark law, he said, including Jeffrey Epstein, a wealthy financier and convicted sex offender who federal prosecutors charged in 2019 with creating a sex trafficking operation involving dozens of underage girls.

Before he could face trial on the charges, Epstein was found dead Aug. 19, 2019, in his cell in a federal prison in New York, the victim of an apparent suicide.

Smith also pointed to Keith Raniere and Allison Mack as examples of others prosecuted under the TVPA. Raniere was the leader of NXIVM, an organization he described as a self-help group but what prosecutors called a sex cult. He was convicted in June 2019 on charges including sexual exploitation, forced labor and sex trafficking. This October, on Oct. 27, he was sentenced to 120 years in prison by a federal court in Brooklyn, New York.

Mack, a TV actress known for her role in “Smallville,” was a high-ranking member of Raniere’s organization and faces multiple charges for allegedly being involved in a scheme to turn women into sex slaves. She pleaded guilty to racketeering charges in April 2019 and is awaiting sentencing.

Smith said the TVPA “included a number of ‘sea change’ criminal code reforms including treating as a victim – and not a perpetrator of a crime – anyone exploited by a commercial sex act who had not attained the age of 18 and anyone older where there was an element of force, fraud or coercion.”

Continued on 64

World & Nation

CATHOLIC CHARITIES OF BALTIMORE ENDS INTERNATIONAL ADOPTION PROGRAM

Judge Amy Coney Barrett holds her hand on the Bible as she is sworn in as an associate justice of the U.S. Supreme Court by Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas at the White House in Washington on Oct. 26.

CNS photo/Tom Brenner, Reuters

AMY CONEY BARRETT CONFIRMED, SWORN IN TO THE SUPREME COURT WASHINGTON • A divided Senate, in a 52-48 vote, confirmed Amy Coney Barrett as a justice for the Supreme Court Oct. 26 and soon afterward she was sworn in by Justice Clarence Thomas at a White House ceremony. “The oath that I’ve solemnly taken tonight, means at its core that I will do my job without any fear or favor and that I will do so independently of both the political branches and of my own preferences. I love the Constitution and the democratic republic that it establishes and I will devote myself to preserving it,” Barrett said after the outdoor ceremony.

The 48-year old, who has been on the Chicago-based U.S. Court of Appeals for the 7th Circuit since 2017, said it was a privilege to be asked to serve on the Supreme Court. She said she was “truly honored and humbled” to be stepping into this role, which is a lifetime appointment. Barrett is now the 115th justice for the Court, replacing Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, who died Sept. 18.

She is the sixth Catholic justice on the current bench.

BALTIMORE • After more than 75 years helping form families through international adoption, Catholic Charities of Baltimore has closed its international adoption program. The agency cited changing circumstances within other countries and a “negative stance” toward international adoption from the U.S. government. Ellen Warnock, who has worked in the international adoption program for 36 years, called the Sept. 30 decision “heartbreaking” but necessary due to a dramatic decline in the number of children annually entering the United States for adoption. In the early 2000s, more than 23,000 children came into the country each year for adoption. In 2019, that number declined to just 2,900. “Some of the countries are either unwilling to send children overseas because it’s a national pride issue or because the infrastructure that they have is such that it cannot meet the documentation standards of our government’s immigration process,” said Warnock, associate administrator at Catholic Charities’ Center for Family Services.

– Catholic News Service

READY TO TAKE THE NEXT STEP?

FRENCH BISHOPS ORDER ‘DEATH KNELL’ AFTER THREE KILLED IN NICE BASILICA MANCHESTER, England • French bishops ordered a “death knell” to ring from every Church of their country Oct. 29 after three people were hacked to death in a basilica in the southern Mediterranean city of Nice. Churches were asked to chime their bells at 3 p.m. in an act of mourning for three people who were killed in Nice’s Notre Dame Basilica while preparing for morning Mass. Pope Francis sent a tweet expressing closeness to the people of Nice. “I pray for the victims, for their families and for the beloved French people, that they may respond to evil with good,” it said. Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Vatican secretary of state, sent a similar message from Pope Francis in a telegram to Bishop André Marceau of Nice. “Entrusting France to the protection of Our Lady,” Pope Francis “wholeheartedly gives his apostolic blessing to all those affected by this tragedy,” the telegram added.

The French Council of Muslim Worship condemned the killings and asked Muslims to express their “mourning and solidarity with the victims and their relatives” by cancelling all celebrations of the birthday of Muhammad, which this year is marked by Sunni Muslims Oct. 29.

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COVID UPDATE

Keep Holy the

Lord’s Day

W

hen the dispensation from the obligation to attend Mass on Sundays and holy days of obligation issued by bishops for their dioceses during the COVID pandemic is finally lifted – and it will be – Catholics will be required again to “return to church.” Canon law defines “dispensation” as a “relaxation of a merely ecclesiastical law in a particular case” that “can be granted by those who possess executive power (canon 85).” The Mass obligation referred to above is an “ecclesiastical law” A Pastoral Message from presented in the 1983 Code of Canon Law: “On Sundays BISHOP DAVID M. O’CONNELL, C.M. and other holy days of obligation, the faithful are obliged to participate in Mass (canon 1247).” Its history is much older than that.

Deriving from the Third of the “Ten Commandments” mentioned in the Old Testament Books of Exodus and Deuteronomy as given by God to Moses – “keep holy the Lord’s Day” – the “obligation” to attend and participate in Sunday Mass was evident in the Church’s experience and history as early as the time of the emperor, Constantine (272-337 AD). Early Church Council documents from the fourth century on also contain references to this obligation and by the sixth 34 THE MONITOR MAGAZINE  November 2020

century, required attendance at Mass on Sundays and certain other holy days was universally normative.

The Mass obligation is present in the “Precepts of the Church,” as we have come to know them, gradually developed throughout the Church in the Middle Ages: “You shall attend Mass on Sundays and on holy days of obligation and rest from servile labor.” The first Code of Canon Law promulgated in 1917, the “Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy” of the Second Vatican Council (1962-65), and, as mentioned earlier, the 1983 Code of Canon Law all affirm the nature of attendance and participation at Mass on Sundays and certain holy days as obligatory.

WE NEED THE EUCHARIST AND MASS The Catechism of the Catholic Church promulgated by Pope St. John Paul II in 1992 states: The precept of the Church specifies the law of the Lord more precisely: “On Sundays and other holy days of obligation the faithful are bound to participate in the Mass.” “The precept of participating in the Mass is satisfied by assistance at a Mass which is celebrated anywhere in a Catholic rite either on the holy day or on the evening of the preceding day (CCC 2180).”

century onwards (as at the Council of Elvira of 300, which speaks not of an obligation but of penalties after three absences) and most especially from the sixth century onwards (as at the Council of Agde in 506). These decrees The Sunday Eucharist is the foundation of local Councils led to a universal practice, and confirmation of all Christian practice. For the obligatory character of which was taken this reason, the faithful are obliged to particias something quite normal. pate in the Eucharist on days of obligation, unTo “go to Mass” as the Church requires, less excused for a serious reason (for example, therefore, is not a negligible or arbitrary illness, the care of infants) or dispensed by their matter, something that Catholics should own pastor. Those who deliberately fail in this take lightly. If intentional, missing Mass obligation commit a grave sin (CCC 2181). on Sundays and holy days of obligation Participation in the is considered gravely communal celebration of sinful. But there are the Sunday Eucharist is a  Catholics gather circumstances when testimony of belonging and missing Mass is not together as a of being faithful to Christ only understandable and to his Church. The the better course of community to offer but faithful give witness by this action. The virulently to their communion in faith spiritual support to contagious coronavirus and charity. Together they that resulted in a worldone another.  testify to God’s holiness and wide pandemic infecting their hope of salvation. They over 37 million people strengthen one another under the guidance of and killing over 1 million since the early the Holy Spirit (CCC 2182). part of 2020 is certainly such a circumThe Catechism helps us, as Catholics, stance. Personal illness or disability have recall that there is much more to attendalways been considered valid excusing ing Mass on Sundays and holy days of factors, but a deadly contagion on such obligation than the fulfilling of a “merea massive scale has made missing Mass ly ecclesiastical law.” Catholics gather advisable and necessary, especially for the together as a community of faith to offer elderly and those with other underlying spiritual support to one another, to hear health conditions.

God’s Word, to receive the Lord Jesus’ A CHALLENGING DECISION Body and Blood and to renew their sacraTO MAKE mental commitment to live the Christian life. The Holy Eucharist is, as the Second Diocesan bishops are the spiritual leadVatican Council reminded us, its “source ers and pastors of the regions and people and summit.” that the Church has entrusted to their Pope St. John Paul II also wrote about care. With respect to their dispensation the Sunday Mass obligation in his 1998 power, canon law states the “diocesan apostolic letter Dies Domini, “On Keeping bishop, whenever he judges that the Lord’s Day Holy:” it contributes to their Even if in the earliest times it was not spiritual good, is judged necessary to be prescriptive, the Church able to dispense has not ceased to confirm this obligation of the faithful conscience, which rises from the inner need from unifelt so strongly by the Christians of the first centuries. It was only later, faced with the half-heartedness or negligence of some, that the Church had to make explicit the duty to attend Sunday Mass: more often than not, this was done in the form of exhortation, but at times the Church had to resort to specific canonical precepts. This was the case in a Monitor file photo number of local Councils from the fourth

 A livestream Mass in Our Lady Queen of Peace Church, Hainesport, allows faithful viewing from home to make a Spiritual Communion. Staff photo

versal and particular disciplinary laws issued for his territory or his subjects by the supreme authority of the Church (canon 87.1).” As far as the subject matter of the current dispensation is concerned, canon law continues to state that there must be “a just and reasonable cause, after taking into account the circumstances of the case and the gravity of the law from which dispensation is given (canon 90.1).” Issuing a dispensation from the requirement of Church law to attend and participate in Mass on Sundays and holy days of obligation during the COVID pandemic certainly constitutes “a just and reasonable cause” for dispensation.

In a recent letter issued by Cardinal Robert Sarah, prefect of the Vatican Congregation for Divine Worship and Discipline of the Sacraments, the Cardinal wrote about dispensing the Mass obligation in times of pandemic: In listening to and collaborating with civil authorities and experts, bishops and episcopal conferences were prompt to make difficult and painful decisions, even to the point of suspending the participation of the faithful in the celebration of the Eucharist for a long period. This Congregation is deeply grateful to the bishops for their commitment and effort in trying to respond in the best possible way to an unforeseen and complex situation.

The duration of the dispensation clearly falls within the authority of the diocesan bishop, as does the time for its end. To assist him in that determination, the diocesan bishop must depend upon the best advice of professional scientific and medical experts as well as civil authorities Continued on 36

November 2020  THE MONITOR MAGAZINE 35

COVID UPDATE

 Let us wait and pray with patient anticipation for the time when Catholics can “return to the normality of Christian life.” 

Getting back to Mass and Eucharist Continued from 35

elected to protect and preserve the common good. His spiritual and pastoral decision should not be arbitrary or without a strong foundation, especially when public health is at risk. He should establish and communicate clear and reasonable spiritual and pastoral directives for the faithful (clergy, religious, laity) of his diocese.

FAITHFUL TO THE FAITH What do the faithful do in the meantime until the dispensation regarding attendance and participate in Mass on

Father Richard Osborn, parochial vicar of St. Mary Parish, Middletown, administers Holy Communion during an outdoor Mass Bishop O’Connell celebrated on parish grounds in September. John Batkowski photo

Sundays and holy days of obligation is lifted? The commandment to “keep holy the Lord’s Day” is not merely “ecclesiastical law,” it is divine law. The faithful should honor that command as best they can during COVID restricted circumstances. If Mass is scheduled in parish churches under occupancy limits with wearing masks and observing social distancing required, or if Mass is offered outdoors, in parking lots, etc., the faithful may consider attending but only as long as age or underlying health conditions do not dictate otherwise. Follow all diocesan protocols and directives. Mass is also readily accessible online or on television.

Spiritual communions can be made. Participate that way. Personal and family prayers are easily obtained and offer opportunities for spiritual strength and comfort as does reading the Scriptures.

It must be emphasized again, the elderly and people with underlying, compromising health conditions making them particularly susceptible to COVID infection should avoid crowds and stay home until the pandemic ends.

The COVID pandemic has introduced into our Catholic spiritual life the need for adapting our traditional, even required, spiritual practices to the current health crisis. Such adaptation will continue until the pandemic is under control. So will the dispensation from Mass obligations “until further notice.” It may even include Christmas this year and we should prepare ourselves for what may be inevitable.

But the dispensation discussed here will NOT be forever and our current practice will end. Once the dispensation

36 THE MONITOR MAGAZINE  November 2020

Many parishioners of the Diocese have made the decision to return to in-person Masses, following mask-wearing and social distancing protocols. Joe Moore photo is lifted – and it will be – Catholics will be expected and obliged to attend Mass on Sundays and holy days, as the Church has required since its earliest days. We should not become lax or in any way complacent, presuming that a return to Mass is no longer necessary for Catholics.

Again, Cardinal Sarah wrote in the aforementioned letter, As soon as circumstances permit, however, it is necessary and urgent to return to the normality of Christian life, which has the church building as its home and the celebration of the liturgy, especially the Eucharist, as “the summit toward which the activity of the Church is directed, at the same time it is the font from which all her power flows (Sacrosanctum Concilium, 10).”

Aware that God never abandons the humanity he has created, and that even the hardest trials can bear fruits of grace, we have accepted our distance from the Lord’s altar as a time of Eucharistic fasting, useful for us to rediscover its vital importance, beauty and immeasurable preciousness. As soon as is possible, however, we must return to the Eucharist with a purified heart, with a renewed amazement, with an increased desire to meet the Lord, to be with him, to receive him and to bring him to our brothers and sisters with the witness of a life full of faith, love, and hope.

As faithful Catholics, then, let us wait and pray with patient anticipation for the time when Catholics can “return to the normality of Christian life.”

COVID UPDATE

An Ongoing Journey Whether online or in church, Mass always ‘enriched with the Word of God’

BY EMMALEE ITALIA  Cntributing Editor

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fter an unprecedented hiatus from the obligation to attend Sunday Mass in person during COVID-19, the Diocese of Trenton – like those across the world – have undertaken committed measures for the faithful to return to the Sacraments safely.

Parishes have continued to follow diocesan precautions such as limiting numbers of Mass attendees, sectioning off pews for social distancing and sanitizing the church between each service.

Catholics, meanwhile, have had a personal choice to make: whether  For extended they and their families coverage of this should return to Mass article and to in person, or continue to hear from those participate remotely. who have not “Certainly, as yet returned Catholics, the Mass is to church, visit the ‘source and summit’ TrentonMonitor. of our life of faith, so com the return to Mass is like coming home,” said Father Garry Koch, pastor of St. Benedict Parish, Holmdel. “Returning to Mass [is important] as a sign of the return to something ‘normal’ in our lives. … Besides the ability to again share in the Body and Blood of Jesus Christ, [it] connects the individual to the Body of Christ, the Church.”

While some have expressed the discomfort of wearing face masks, Father Koch said, “Everyone has been happy to be back.”

To those who have not yet returned, Father Koch offered reassurance. “We know that grace works on many levels in our lives. Please stay connected through prayer and the desire to encounter Jesus Christ.”

He continued, “Keep on participating in Mass through [your] parish website. They are still enriched with the Word of God and can make a Spiritual Communion.”

Returning to parish life a comfort for LBI couple

BY JENNIFER MAURO  Managing Editor

F

or Jeanette and Bob Poole, returning to in-person Mass has been an opportunity to reconnect with the Church and its sacramental graces. But it has also been about the need to give back to their parish community, too.

“It’s like a circle: We get to go to church, our hearts and souls get fed, and then we can share that with others,” Jeanette said. “It’s spirit, community, friendship and learning more about God’s Word.”

The Pooles have been members of St. Francis of Assisi Parish, Brant Beach, for more than 10 years, a community that has walked with them in good times and serious injuries. For months during the pandemic, they practiced their Catholic faith through viewing livestreamed Mass. But when the church’s doors once again swung open in late June, the Pooles were in the pews and Jeanette was there to resume her duties as a parish reader.

“We missed the community of Church and being there with people you have come love – those who have become part of your family,” Jeanette said.

“The spirit of God that we feel and the spirit within the people when we are in church – the Sign of Peace, even if it’s

a nod or an elbow bump – it’s wonderful,” added Bob. As a reader, Jeanette said she had been missing her routine of preparing for her ministerial duties, which includes practicing her delivery and studying the Scripture so that it “speaks to me even more.”

“When I read, I try to convey the story,” she said. “[In the Bible passages] these are people speaking to us to let us know what God’s thoughts were, what the Holy Spirit was saying. Without inflection, it can be just words.”

“It helps me spiritually to understand the day’s Reading because I can feel it,” she continued, adding that it’s an honor to stand at the ambo.

The Pooles say it is important to help the Church and parish, as they have always felt supported in kind. “Church gives us so much spiritually, that for us, it is important to give back,” Jeanette said.

Added Bob, “Because not everyone is back in-person, we’ve increased our weekly offerings, like many others. If everyone can do something like that, our Church will still stand financially.”

Jeanette Poole has served as a reader in St. Francis of Assisi Parish, Brant Beach, for years.

Jennifer Mauro photo

November 2020  THE MONITOR MAGAZINE 37

Knights of Columbus

‘In Service to One, In Service to All’

T

he Knights of Columbus (KOC) of the Diocese of Trenton rejoiced with their brother Knights throughout the world at the Vatican announcement that their founder, Venerable Father Michael J. McGivney, would advance one step closer to canonization with his beatification on October 31, 2020, in St. Joseph Cathedral in Hartford, Connecticut. His Eminence, Cardinal Joseph W. Tobin, CSSR, Archbishop of Newark, has been appointed by Pope Francis as his delegate to preside at the Mass of Beatification.

A statue of Father Michael J. McGivney is seen at The Catholic University of America in Washington. The founder of the Knights of Columbus was beatified Oct. 31 during a Mass in St. Joseph Cathedral in Hartford, Conn. CNS photo/ Tyler Orsburn

That this historic moment takes place on American soil is most fitting since Father McGivney, born in Waterbury, Connecticut, in 1852 and ordained in Baltimore in 1877, founded the Knights in New Haven, Connecticut, in 1882. He was the first-born son of Irish immigrants and grew up in a poor family. He was a good student but left school at age 13 to take a job and contribute to his struggling family. Three years later, he began his path to the priesthood in Montreal, then at the Vincentian-run seminary of Our Lady of the Angels in Niagara Falls, New York, and then back to Montreal, where he entertained thoughts of joining the Jesuit order, which sponsored the seminary. Father McGivney’s seminary studies were interrupted twice, the second time due to the death of his father in 1873.

The Bishop of the Diocese of Hartford accepted Father McGivney as a seminarian and supported his studies at the Sulpician sponsored St. Mary’s Seminary in Baltimore until 38 THE MONITOR MAGAZINE  November 2020

his ordination at the A Message from Cathedral there on December 22, 1877.

BISHOP DAVID M. As a seminarian O’CONNELL, C.M. and a priest, Father McGivney was regarded as a pious, good-natured and dedicated young man. He began his first pastoral assignment in New Haven on Christmas Day that year and was quickly recognized for his hard work and pastoral zeal. He was drawn to young people, the poor, the immigrant and those with special needs. Connecticut was considered an anti-Catholic state at the time, and Father McGivney devoted himself to teaching the Catholic faith with clarity and precision. The presence of many “secret societies” in the region prompted him to establish the St. Joseph’s Young Men’s Total Abstinence and Literary Society to confront rampant alcoholism and the lack of adequate Catholic education among Irish immigrants and their families.

The Catholic publication “Our Sunday Visitor” recently noted that: Father McGivney took a keen interest early on as a priest in helping the young men of the parish. Their problems became his concerns, and he looked for ways to help them find hope amid much of the darkness in their lives. These problems stemmed from substance abuse to unemployment, compounded by a loss of faith.

Father McGivney began organizing men of the region into a Catholic fraternal organization that would become the Knights of Columbus, with mutual fraternal support, promotion of the Catholic faith and charity as its defining purposes. With 2 million members worldwide, the Knights of Columbus are currently the largest Catholic fraternal organization in the world, contributing almost $200 million annually to various charitable and Catholic causes. The Knights have also donated over 77 million (and growing!) hours of service each year in pursuit of their mission.

In 1889, an influenza pandemic gripped the world and found its way into New England. Father McGivney, while serving the stricken faithful of his parish, was infected and died of pneumonia on August 14, 1890, at the age of 38.

His reputation for personal holiness and apostolic zeal spread quickly throughout the region as the Knights of Columbus grew in number. In 1996, Father McGivney’s native Archdiocese of Hartford introduced his cause for canonization to the Holy See. He was recognized for his “heroic virtue” by Pope Benedict XVI in 2008 and declared “Venerable.” A miracle was attributed to his intercession in 2013, and Pope Francis approved his beatification on May 27, 2020, during the COVID-19 pandemic, a curious coincidence given his own death from a coronavirus pandemic 130 years earlier.

For more information on the Knights of Columbus and Father Michael McGivney, see www.kofc.org.

Knights of Columbus

Diocese to commemorate McGivney beatification, honor Knights FROM CATHOLIC NEWS SERVICE AND MONITOR REPORTS

K

nights of Columbus councils throughout the United States have joyfully looked forward to Oct. 31, the day that their founder, Father Michael J. McGivney, was to be beatified. In the Diocese of Trenton, that long-awaited event will be commemorated two weeks later during a Mass of Thanksgiving and the presentation of a special gift to the local Knights councils.

The Vatican announced the beatification in May, when Pope Francis signed the decree recognizing a miracle through the intercession of Father McGivney. That cleared the way for his beatification, which took place during a Mass celebrated in St. Joseph Cathedral in Hartford, Conn.

by Cardinal Joseph W. Tobin of Newark.

Attendance was limited, but a video of the Mass is available on www.kofc.org.

 “They need to fill their ranks with young men eager to participate in parish life.”  Locally, Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M., will celebrate a Mass of Thanksgiving for the Beatification of Blessed Father Michael J. McGivney Nov. 14 at 10:30 a.m. in St. Robert Bellarmine Co-Cathedral, Freehold. Due to COVID restrictions, attendance will be limited to Knights and their families, and will be by invitation only, with all safety and health protocols observed. The Mass will be livestreamed by the Diocese and can be viewed at youtube.com/trentondiocese.

The celebration will include the in-

MORE ONLINE To read about the life and legacy of Blessed Michael McGivney and for beatification coverage, go to TrentonMonitor.com and click on NEWS>CHURCH.

which the Knights attend.

In an interview with The Monitor, Bishop O’Connell emphasized the valuable work and impact of the Knights across the Diocese, noting, “They are very present in many parishes, offering support and assistance in the spirit of Father McGivney and the first Knights.”

The Bishop also mentioned the presence of the Knights at “so many diocesan and parish events, giving witness to the important role of Catholic laymen.” He especially cited the Knights’ support of parish priests and vocations, their pro-life activism and example and their deep sense of patriotism.

He also offered a plug for membership, saying, “The Knights have been a great ‘arm of the Church’ in so many ways. They need to fill their ranks with young men eager to participate in parish life, the next generation.”

The installation of the portrait has been warmly received by council leadership. State Secretary James E. Stoever, reflected, “I was Portrait of Father McGivney, painted very impressed the Bishop

by Rev. Peter Gray PSS thought so highly of the Knights to do this; it is quite an honor.” stallation and blessing by Bishop O’ConStoever, a member of Epiphany Parish, nell of a portrait of Blessed Michael Brick, said of his fellow Knights, “It’s an McGivney as an expression of appreciahonor to work with these men in our tion for the Knights of Columbus in the Diocese who rise to the occasion to do Diocese. The Bishop commissioned the 24x28 reproduction painted by Sulpician things we never thought possible.”

Calling the Mass “a once-in-a-lifetime artist, Father Peter Gray, and directed experience,” fellow Knight John Flynn, that it be installed in the Co-Cathedral, Continued on 44 where many diocesan events are held November 2020  THE MONITOR MAGAZINE 39

Knights of Columbus

Church’s ‘strong right arm’ supports

BY CHRISTINA LESLIE  Correspondent

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lay organization designed to aid families of men enduring dangerous factory working conditions now stands two million brothers strong behind tenets of charity, unity, fraternity and patriotism. The Knights of Columbus, founded in 1881, has withstood anti-Catholic sentiment, two World Wars, a Great Depression, countless challenges, even a pandemic or two, but has remained true to its mission to serve the Church, community and family with God’s divine direction.

CHARITY AND VIRTUE The national Knights of Columbus website, KofC.org, proudly outlines its 139-year history from its roots in Connecticut to its growth into an organization with worldwide reach and influence.

Father Michael J. McGivney, a 29-year-old assistant pastor in St. Mary Church, New Haven, Conn., gathered a group of men in his parish Oct. 2, 1881, to establish a lay organization with a

three-fold purpose: to prevent Catholic men from entering the anti-Church secret societies prevalent in the area; to support the families of the parish whose male breadwinners had died, and to serve the Church with charity and virtue. To illustrate that their loyalty to their country need not interfere with their faith, the order chose Christopher Columbus, a devout Catholic, as the fraternal group’s patron.

Father McGivney issued a dioce-

Providing outreach to people in need has been a longtime priority for Knights of Columbus Councils. Here, members from the St. John Council in Lakehurst are shown organizing the donations received during a winter coat drive. Courtesy photo 40 THE MONITOR MAGAZINE  November 2020

san-wide appeal to his fellow priests for new Knights, and men were drawn to its works of charity. In 1892, 6,000 Knights marched in the New Haven Columbus Day parade to celebrate the 400th anniversary of their patron’s discovery of the New World. The organization received a blessing from Archbishop Francesco Satolli, apostolic delegate to the United States, for the “merits of this splendid Catholic organization” in 1895.

 “... the Knights of Columbus number some two million members in 16,242 councils ...”  The Knights of Columbus grew exponentially at the beginning of the 20th century in response to needs in U.S. communities and beyond. By 1910, groups of Knights, known as councils, were chartered throughout the U.S., Canada, Mexico, the Philippines, Cuba and Panama. Striving to involve men of faith studying at colleges and universities, in 1904, the order presented The Catholic University of America in Washington with a grant to establish a Knights of Columbus chair of American history; fundraising efforts over the next nine years resulted in a $500,000 permanent endowment to the school.

Over the course of its 139 years, the Knights of Columbus has supported individual and societal needs regardless of creed, sex or status. The order offered education and employment services to servicemen returning from World War I; worked to overcome racial prejudice by the Ku Klux Klan; backed legislation to permit children to attend religious schools; fought fascism and communism following World War II, and successfully lobbied to add the words “under God” to the Pledge of Allegiance. Referencing their

TRENTON DIOCESAN FEDERATION KNIGHTS of COLUMBUS

faith, charity in action contributed a invaluable to Catholicism glob18 years of of age the and practicing Theassistance Trenton Diocesan Federation KnightsCathoof Columbus, referred to as the record-setting ally, Pope John Paul II referred to them as lic men. According to its 2020 Annual Federation, ofReport 4 individual Chapters representing each inCounty within $187.7 million the “strong right arm” of is thecomprised Church. of the Supreme Knight released donations, while its the Diocese of Trenton: Burlington, Mercer,theMonmouth, and Ocean. this summer, worldwide, Knights of STRENGTH IN NUMBERS members performed 76.7 Columbus number some two million million hours of service. Sports compeThe basic unit of the Knights of members in 16,242 councils, nearly 400 Theis the objective ofBased the inFederation to promote unity of action among its member titions, essay contests and letters to semColumbus local council. of them is located on college and universiinvolve youngest Catholics, parishesChapters, or out in the community, each is a united and to foster bondNew ofJersey spiritual, fraternal,inarians social, andthecivic action ty campuses. counts 59,700 while philanthropic programs ease burheadedamong by a Grandthe Knight and under the member Knights in 377 councils, while clergy and laity within the Diocese of Trenton. Due to the vision and dens for communities undergoing crisis. spiritual guidance of a chaplain, or local the Diocese of Trenton numbers some foresight of Venerable Father Michael J.73McGivney, the Founder Knights of$1.8 Knight-led of foodthe drives have reaped priest. Districts comprise several groups of 11,736 members in councils. in donations and 540,381 local councils and are ledthe

by District DepColumbus, Federation is well-positioned to be able to million conduct programs and donors PROGRAMS TO ASSIST ALL have donated a pint of blood to aid their uties. State Councils report to the Supreme provide outreach to our neighbors and Parishes within theneighbors.

Diocese.

Councils raised $7.8 million in There are nearly as many charitaCouncil, the Knights officers located at scholarships and grants for the deserving ble programs and initiatives performed the organization’s international headquarstudent, they regularly “adopt” priests byinKnights of Columbus as there are ters in New Conn. The present ThisHaven, includes participating the annual Diocesan Our Lady of and Guadalupe Torch and seminarians to ease the financial member Knights.

The Annual Report Supreme Knight is Carl A. Anderson.

Celebration, hosting the biannual Bishop's Appreciation Dinner and our annual Continued on 42 discloses that in fiscal 2019, the Knights Knights of Columbus must be at least

Pride In Our Priests Banquet, conducting the annual Nativity Blessing at the State House, sponsoring the Send A Hero Home Program which honors our service men and women by sending them home for the Holidays, and sponsoring the Shoulderto-Shoulder Program which provides support for our law enforcement community.

TRENTON DIOCESAN FEDERATION It is with great pride the Federation joins in the celebration of the Beatification KNIGHTS ofthatCOLUMBUS of Father McGivney, and continues to further the mission of the Knights of Columbus, the world’s foremost Catholic Fraternal Organization.

T

he Trenton Diocesan Federation of the Knights of Columbus, Vivat Jesus! referred to as the Federation, is comprised of 4 individual Chapters representing each County within the Diocese of Trenton: Burlington, Mercer, Monmouth, and Ocean.

The objective of the Federation is to promote unity of action among its member Chapters, and to foster a united bond of spiritual, fraternal, social, and civic action among the clergy and laity within the Diocese of Trenton. Due to the vision and foresight of Venerable Father Michael J. McGivney, the Founder of the Knights of Columbus, the Federation is well-positioned to be able to conduct programs and provide outreach to our neighbors and Parishes within the Diocese.

This includes participating in the annual Diocesan

Our Lady of Guadalupe Torch Celebration, hosting the biannual Bishop’s Appreciation Dinner and our annual Pride In Our Priests Banquet, conducting the annual Nativity Blessing at the State House, sponsoring the Send A Hero Home Program which honors our service men and women by sending them home for the Holidays, and sponsoring the Shoulder-to-Shoulder Program which provides support for our law enforcement community.

It is with great pride that the Federation joins in the celebration of the Beatification of Father McGivney, and continues to further the mission of the Knights of Columbus, the world’s foremost Catholic Fraternal Organization.

Vivat Jesus!

Knights of Columbus Chapters in the Trenton Diocese Burlington County – Mercer County - Monmouth County - Ocean County November 2020  THE MONITOR MAGAZINE 41

Knights of Columbus

A competitor eyes the hoop before attempting a basket during the diocesan finals of the 2017 Knights of Columbus Free Throw Tournament in Holy Family Parish, Lakewood. The competition, created by the international Catholic fraternal organization in 1972, invites boys and girls from 9 to 14 years old to compete against others in their age and gender groups.

Winners in each age group at the local council level progress to the district level, then go on to compete in the Trenton Diocese finals. The field is further winnowed to send only the top-scoring boy and girl in each age group, one from each of New Jersey’s five Catholic (arch)dioceses, to compete for the state trophies. In 2017, the Knights of Columbus estimated that some 350,000 athletes participate in local rounds nationwide each year. Joe Moore photo

Knights take pride in their charity works Continued from 41

burdens of their education.

OTHER EXAMPLES INCLUDE: Ultrasound initiative: Their strong anti-abortion stance has led Knights to raise $60 million to place 1,255 ultrasound machines at pro-life pregnancy centers across the United States and Canada.

K of C Coats for Kids: Launched in 2009, this program has reaped the donation of 124,211 coats to help keep the disadvantaged warm.

Christian refugee relief: Bringing awareness and support to those persecuted for their faith, especially in the Middle

East, Knights raised $3.3 million last year, and $25.8 million since 2014.

Partnerships: Knights have partnered with Special Olympics ($4.5 million), Habitat for Humanity ($810,000) and the Global Wheelchair Mission (8,109 chairs last year, 99,979 since 2003) among

KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS AT A GLANCE: Worldwide membership: 2 million members Councils: 16,242 (with 300+ on college campuses)

CHALLENGED TO LEAVE NO ONE BEHIND Knights of Columbus, themselves impacted by COVID-19, nonetheless Continued on 44

Source: 2020 Annual Report of the Supreme Knight

In fiscal 2019, the Knights of Columbus made a record-setting $187.7 million in donations, while its members performed 76.7 million hours of service. The diverse programs supported by the Knights of Columbus, and the amounts donated, include:

Program grants: $ 18.25M

Marian devotion, family life, pro-life, vocations, evangelization

New Jersey (as of 6-30-20): 59,700 members, 377 councils

Community grants: $ 7.73M

Diocese of Trenton (as of 7-7-20): 11,736 members, 73 councils

Church grants: $ 7.25M

Burlington County: 2,483 members Mercer County: 1,812 members Monmouth County: 3,400 members Ocean County: 4,041 members

others, to aid those who aid others.

Includes partnerships with the Global Wheelchair Mission, Special Olympics and Habitat for Humanity, as well as Christian refugee relief and aid to food banks Vatican, Bishops’ conferences, Catholic dioceses/parishes, other religions’ charities

Youth grants: $ 3.82M

Schools, Native American aid, Coats for Kids

Council grants: $ 1.47M

Scholarships, The Catholic University of America

Educational grants: $ 704K

Grammar, high schools and universities

42 THE MONITOR MAGAZINE  November 2020

In the spirit of Fr. Michael McGivney, the Knights of Columbus Burlington County Chapter Councils continue to carry out his mission to do good works.

Our Councils dedicate thousands of hours of their time to support causes such as: Cathedral Kitchen (over 5,000 sandwiches in 2020), Coats for Kids, St. Vincent DePaul, local parish projects, Interfaith Hospitality Network, First Way of Burlington County, Good Counsel Homes, New Lisbon Developmental Center, Red Cross Blood Drives, Send a Hero Home for Christmas, School Scholarships, Deborah Heart & Lung Center, Special Olympics, Roses for Life, Youth Basketball Free Throw Contest, March for Life, Folds of Honor, New Jersey’s Mission of Honor, Trenton Soup Kitchen, Trunk or Treats and many more activities.

Knights of Columbus Burlington County Councils Burlington • 589 Moorestown • 1082 Sacred Heart • 5337 Our Lady of Perpetual Help • 5714 St. Mary of the Lakes • 6520 Fr. John P Wessel • 6530

Our Lady of Fatima • 7755 Tabernacle • 8733 St. Francis of Assisi • 10994 St. Kateri Tekakwitha • 12229 Our Lady Queen of Peace • 12592 St. Ann • 17430

The councils in the Ocean County Chapter are some of the most dedicated and compassionate Knights.

Through the programs the Knights of Columbus support, our brothers have compiled thousands of hours of service and substantial funds to many projects; from Simon’s Kitchen in Seaside Heights serving thousands of meals to those less fortunate and in need, to the Send a Hero home for the Holidays program raising tens of thousands of dollars to send military personnel stationed in New Jersey home to be with family for Christmas.

With our support of the Interfaith hospitality, we assure that those in need – no matter what their personal faith is – are helped; after all, we are all God’s children. The resilient support to “THE RIGHT TO LIFE” initiative sending hundreds of parishioners to march on Washington and our commitment to support the unborn child with the OPEN DOOR PREGNANCY CENTER IN TOMS RIVER is unwavering. We clothe hundreds of those in our communities with Coats for Kids, we feed hundreds weekly with our support for St. Vincent DePaul and our food pantries. Our treasurer each year raises thousands of dollars for the Special Olympics through the POLAR PLUNGE. From the support of programs like basketball Free Throw, the Giving Tree for Christmas, blood drives for the Red Cross, food deliveries to the elderly, and assisting families in need in our parishes along with the many other programs and services, you will find our brotherhood giving 100%.

The mission that was sent forth by Fr. Michael McGivney lives strong within our chapter and all the councils of the KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS WORLDWIDE. VIVAT JESUS !!!!!

Knights of Columbus Ocean County Chapter Councils: Manchester: Fr. James A. Thompson 9134 Brick: Msgr. John F. Baldwin 836 Beach Haven: Annunciation 3826 Whiting: Our Lady of the Pines 9852 Toms River: St. Joseph 4969 Manchester: Fr. Emil Kapaun 10022 Jackson: Rev. Mitchell Cetkowski 6201 New Egypt: Assumption 10900 Forked River: Fr. Capodano 6522 Lakewood: St. Mary of the Lake 10527 Point Pleasant: St. Martha 7926 Jackson: St. Monica 10529 Brick: Epiphany 8160 Little Egg Harbor: St. Theresa 14615 Seaside Park: Rev. Gebhard Braungart 8415 Toms River: St. Maximilian Kolbe 10899 Bayville: St. Barnabas 8603

The Monmouth County Chapter continues to carry on the works of our founder, Father Michael J. McGivney with charity, unity & fraternity!

The Councils that comprise the Monmouth Chapter continue to honor our founder during these uncertain times of pandemic as they continue to selflessly donate time and money to the many charities and causes our order has long supported including, but not limited to: • Hosting food drives throughout the county to help many food banks • Shopping for groceries & prescriptions and delivering food to seniors • Raising large funds of money to be active in the “Coats for Kids” drive • Supporting the “Send a Hero Home for the Holidays” campaign • Actively getting onvolved in the “Keep Christ In Christmas” initiative • Spending Christmas Eve at the hospital with terminally ill children • Supporting our local Birthright locations • Supporting the “40 Days for Life” ministry • Getting involved with the St. Paul Street Evangelization Ministry • Supporting the Arc of Monmouth County • Hosting monthly meetings for parents & guardians of special needs children • Supporting persecuted Christians in the Middle East

“And now these three remain: faith, hope and love.

But the greatest of these is love.” Corinthians 13:13

The NJ Knights of Columbus Monmouth County Chapter 335 Long Branch 525 Red Bank 816 Neptune 1672 Freehold 2858 Bayshore

3187 Fair Haven 3231 Manasquan 3402 Keyport 5324 Matawan 5611 Spring Lake

5903 Englishtown 6392 Lincroft 6552 Middletown 10005 Howell 11349 Holmdel

11660 Highlands 12232 Keyport 12620 Eatontown 15703 Farmingdale 15964 Marlboro

Honoring the works of our founder, Father Michael J. McGivney

Father McGivney’s beatification Mass will take place on Oct. 31, 2020, at the Cathedral of St. Joseph in Hartford, Connecticut.

This is a time of great joy and celebration for Knights all over the world.

We will celebrate with Bishop O’Connell at a Mass in St. Robert Bellarmine Co-Cathedral on November 14, commemorating the beatification of Fr. Michael McGivney.

The Central New Jersey Centennial Chapter is proud of all our councils accomplish in their communities. As a Chapter, we host an annual Chapter Baby Shower in support of local Right-to-Life organizations. Our councils support and run many Faith-InAction (Faith, Family, Community and Life) programs. During the pandemic, councils in our chapter have run blood drives and supported local food banks. As a chapter, we are proud of the generosity of our councils to support charities like Special Olympics and participate in the Coats for Kids program. Finally, councils have raised funds in support of our active service men and women through the Send A Hero Home program which helps active service men and women get home to their families for Christmas.

The Central NJ Centennial Chapter Councils Trenton Council • 355 Bordentown Council • 570 Princeton Council • 636 Ewing Council • 3756

Hamilton Council • 6213 Hightstown Council • 6284 Lawrence Council • 7000 Hopewell Council • 7103

St. Hedwig Council • 7244 St. John the Baptist • 7333 St. Gregory The Great • 7677 St. David the King • 14716

November 2020  THE MONITOR MAGAZINE 43

Knights of Columbus

Principles keep Knights focused on mission Continued from 42

are increasing their efforts to serve the needy via two new initiatives. “Leave No Neighbor Behind” urges members to support their brother Knights and parishes while taking steps to strengthen the community by replenishing food banks and participating in blood drives.

Providing religious education materials reliant on the writings of St. John Paul II through the organization’s Catholic Information Service is integral in “Building the Domestic Church,” that is, strengthening the family unit.

Supreme Knight Carl A. Anderson addressed the challenges encountered by the Knights during the pandemic in the organization’s annual report. He noted, “This year was unlike any the Knights of Columbus has ever faced. Never before have so many people had so many urgent needs, and never before have we done so much to help, guided by our principles of charity, unity, fraternity and patriotism.

“It has been said that ‘where there’s a need, there’s a Knight,’” Anderson continued, “and we proved it once again…

In countless ways, large and small, we have stepped up to help those around us, living out our faith more fully…

Membership in the Knights of Columbus is not a casual commitment. It is a commitment to being a brother.”

Anderson’s entreaty to the organization’s two million members echo those of the newly beatified Father McGivney to a small group of parishioners gathered in the church basement 139 years ago.

“When we invite a man to join the Knights of Columbus, we are not simply inviting him to do something. We are inviting him to be someone,” said Anderson. “We are inviting him to be a man of charity, unity and fraternity. But being who we are means that we must act. As Catholic men committed to charity, we are compelled to act. We are a community of brothers who see all those who suffer and all those who are in need as our brothers and sisters.”

This 2018 photo shows members of the St. Mary of the Lakes Council, Knights of Columbus, Medford, standing atop the 72-foot wheelchair wooden ramp they built to help a paralyzed veteran from Tabernacle gain access to his home. Prior to the construction of this ramp, the council had assisted four other families with similar projects. Courtesy photo

Beatification, Mass set for Fr. McGivney Continued from 39

a district deputy in Monmouth County and member of Our Lady of Perpetual Help - St. Agnes Parish, Highlands, continued, “Father McGivney founded the order, thought outside the box, and his vision was ahead of his time.”

“By attending the Mass, I will be able to pay tribute to our founder, and continue to strengthen the bond between the clergy and laity that Father McGivney had the vision and foresight to establish over 139 years ago,” said Edward Michalak, president of the Knights’ Trenton Diocese Federation and parishioner in Our Lady of Good Counsel, Moorestown. “[The commissioned painting] will serve as a lasting testament to the importance and success of the Knights of Columbus.”

Daniel Rossi, a member of St. Gregory the Great Parish, Hamilton Square, serves as Supreme Director of the Knights. He said, “I always knew [Bishop O’Connell’s] appreciated and supported the Knights of Columbus, however, the commissioning

44 THE MONITOR MAGAZINE  November 2020

of this icon is a marvelous way to express his appreciation to the Knights through the honoring of our founder. Its placement in the Co-Cathedral will send a message to countless others of the impact Blessed Father McGivney has had on our Church and its people.”

Rossi noted his pride with “both the joyful recognition of our founder through his beatification and the amazing response that the Knights have provided during the current pandemic… I am honored to be invited to this Mass and to be able to personally witness this wonderful tribute to a humble parish priest who understood the importance of laymen strengthening their faith through living the principles of our Order – charity, unity, and fraternity,” he concluded. “His vision was remarkably ahead of its time, decades prior to Vatican II, and so vital as we face unprecedented challenges to our Church and our world today.”

Correspondent Christina Leslie contributed to this report.

Capital Singers Of Trenton

Religious rely on retirement support Continued from 19

for retirement use and also offers the assistance of financial counselors who can advise religious on how best to set aside money to plan for retirement.

Sister Rose said that this past spring, Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M., received a letter from the executive director of the office expressing gratitude to the people of the Diocese for their very generous response of more than $300,000 to the collection.

“I just think it’s wonderful that people have such regard for the sisters. [We are] sincerely grateful for our people for their goodness,” Sister Rose said.

Funds are distributed based on needs and can be used to assist retired religious in nursing homes and communities, and be directed to specific items – such as wheelchairs or installing an elevator.

The concern during the pandemic, Sister Rose noted, is “parishioners not being able to attend and donate in person.” But she has faith that “people are kind and generous and give often of what they have.”

The retired religious are made aware of the donations contributing to their retirement, Sister Rose said.

“In my own congregation, every day the sisters pray for their benefactors,” she said. “[They know] people are helping them when they can no longer serve – and they are prayerful. Every time I go into the chapel, there are sisters there, praying.”

If unable to attend Mass during the Dec. 12-13 appeal weekend, donors can send their contribution to their parish office or by mail to Retirement Fund for Religious, P.O. Box 96988, Washington, D.C. 20090-6988.

Presents

Winter Songs XIV:

Lessons & Carols Sunday, December 6, 2020 - 4 PM

Join us for a virtual experience of these classic songs at www.capitalsingers.org

Featured Selections

“What Sweeter Music” – John Rutter “Magnificat” – Arvo Pärt “Mary Had A Baby” – Roland Carter Additional Selections Include

“A Christmas Canticle” – Adolphus Hailstork “Christmas Carols of David Wilcox” ...and Others!

Vinroy D. Brown, Jr.

Artistic Director & Conductor

Special Guests:

Ellen J. Dondero

Associate Conductor

Spenser R. Gallo

Principal Accompanist

Zackary D. Ross Accompanist

Trenton Children’s Chorus Training Choir • Mariel Johnson, Director Reverend William N. Heard, Guest Soloist

The Choral Voice of

the Capital Region

connect...inspire...perform Capital Singers of Trenton is a 501(c)(3) not for profit organization.

Donations are tax deductible. This program is made possible in part by the Mercer County Cultural and Heritage Commission through funding from Mercer County Board of Chosen Freeholders and the New Jersey State Council on the Arts.

VISIT A PLACE OUR STUDENTS PROUDLY CALL THEIR SECOND HOME. Join us in the Lion’s Den and get to know your Georgian Court family, interact with students and counselors, ask questions, and explore our campus—all from the comfort of your own home. Family and friends are welcome!

VIRTUAL OPEN HOUSE Wednesday, November 11, 3 pm Thursday, December 3, 6 pm To register, visit georgian.edu/open-house

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

November 2020  THE MONITOR MAGAZINE 45

Un Nuevo Encuentro Con El Resucitado ENEIDA PÉREZ-VARGAS Feligrés de la Parroquia Jesús el Buen Pastor, Beverly, y delegada diocesana para el V Encuentro

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uando comencé con el V Encuentro en el 2016, veía tan lejos el 2021. Con mis achaques de salud, el trabajo, la familia y ciertas resistencias cuando uno sirve al Señor, pensé que yo no podría llegar a este momento tan importante para la Iglesia Católica de los Estados Unidos. En la Diócesis, comenzamos a prepararnos para llevar los encuentros a las parroquias, a mí me tocó presentar en algunas ocasiones la Lectio Divina. Luego se dio comienzo a los encuentros parroquiales, en las familias, las parejas, los hijos, porque todos de una manera u otra, se fueron envolviendo con lo que estaba aconteciendo en sus parroquias.

Se comenzaron a experimentar cambios positivos, aunque, tristemente, con algunas resistencias también, pero ¡algo estaba sucediendo!

En el Encuentro Diocesano, pude vivir y escuchar muchos ecos, pues la mayoría de las parroquias y/o centros hispanos, presentaban las mismas historias dentro de un contexto sociedad-iglesia donde la ética cristiana estaba en tela de juicio. Suena duro, pero era lo que los ecos, en mi perspectiva, gritaban por doquier.

Este fin de semana en el taller virtual del V Encuentro para las Diócesis de los Estados Unidos, pude participar, vivir, escuchar y volver a tener un encuentro personal con El Resucitado.

Créanme, que yo estaba con la

El papa Francisco tuvo un mensaje especial para los delegados diocesanos del V Encuentro.

Imagen grabada de pantalla del Encuentro Diocesano virtual

ceguera de los discípulos de Emaús. Las rutinas tienden, en ocasiones, a ser una especie de virus espiritual, que nos hace perder los sentidos: ver, escuchar, oler, tocar y saborear a Cristo. Escuché los mismos ecos anteriores pero con posibles mejoras y soluciones. Surgieron hermosas ideas para ayudar a nuestras diócesis y parroquias a desarrollar trabajos pastorales que puedan servir de puentes y puertas abiertas que nos permitan dar el amor de Dios a todos, los que están dentro y los que están afuera en las periferias.

Y todo comienza desde Galilea (Mt. 4,12), desde nuestras parroquias. Los contextos del 2020, nos dan una nueva visión sobre la vulnerabilidad de la humanidad. Miremos con los ojos de Cristo, escuchemos con los ojos de Cristo y si en verdad queremos vivir en comunión con Cristo-prójimo, debemos quitarnos las vendas de los ojos y dejar que Su Amor nos queme por dentro. Amemos al inmigrante, démosle acogida y no le pongamos tantos “PERO”… surgieron muchas ideas que esperamos elaborar en los meses por venir.

Se finalizó este encuentro con la

46 REVISTA EL MONITOR  Noviembre 2020

celebración de la Santa Misa virtual. Ahí, en esa Cena Maravillosa, donde me dejé seducir por el Señor. Por eso canto yo, ¡SALGAMOS, SALGAMOS TODOS, CANTANDO HIMNOS DE AMOR!

Salgamos a la calle CANTO POR ENEIDA PÉREZ Salgamos a la calle A llevar el mensaje Que Cristo nos ha dado En la celebración Nos pide que amemos A todas las personas Que seamos uno En comunión Salgamos, salgamos todos Cantando himnos de amor Que en todos los rincones Se siente la alegría Que el resucitado A nosotros regaló Que reine en los hogares Y en toda la tierra La paz y la justicia Que da el Señor

El arzobispo Nelson Pérez sirvió como director del comité principal del V Encuentro y participó en conversaciones virtuales sobre el ministerio con jóvenes adultos durante el Encuentro Diocesano virtual en octubre. Imagen del video grabado

MOMENTO DE ORACIÓN - La delegación diocesana de Trenton se reunió virtualmente varias veces durante el Encuentro Diocesano virtual con un espíritu de entrega, creatividad y fe. Delegados representan las parroquias designadas como centros de ministerio hispano en la Diócesis. Llamada Zoom

V Encuentro impulsa diálogo sobre ministerios hispanos Por MATEO GREELEY  Director asociado de comunicaciones

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“

ignifica escuchar el llamado que Jesús nos hace de llevar su mensaje de amor y esperanza a muchos en la jornada de la vida”, compartió Sandra López sobre el proceso pastoral nacional del V Encuentro. La coordinadora diocesana de ministerios hispanos ha guiado los esfuerzos de la Diócesis de Trenton en la iniciativa del V Encuentro desde su comienzo en el 2017.

“Invitar a más obreros a la viña del Señor y poner en práctica las palabras del papa Francisco ‘ser una iglesia en salida’ y como Jesús: optar por los más vulnerables.

Todos somos llamados a un encuentro con Jesús y poner en práctica lo que el Evangelio nos enseña”.

Eso es la clave de esta fase actual del V Encuentro que ahora impulsa a las diócesis estadounidenses a elaborar planes pastorales para los ministerios hispanos en sus propias parroquias desde la

perspectiva de las conclusiones del proceso hasta ahora. La delegación de la Diócesis de Trenton participó en un Encuentro Diocesano virtual el 9-10 de octubre para investigar las conclusiones y empezar a soñar sobre lo que se podría hacer e implementar en la Diócesis.

Para Jorge Montana, delegado de la Parroquia San José, Toms River, meterse en el proceso del Encuentro ha brindado luces y pistas, una base sólida de que avanzar.

“La misma metodología del ‘Encuentro’ nos lleva a plantear soluciones que son realizables para la problemática de nuestra comunidad y esto conlleva a tener altas expectativas por comenzar con las metas planteadas”, expresó Montana. “Así que estamos prestos a empezar y mi esperanza es que en el mediano plazo podamos tener la satisfacción de decir: ‘Fue un reto formidable y difícil, pero LO LOGRAMOS’”. ¿Cómo lograr ese reto?

“Abrir nuestros corazones, oídos y ojos para sentir, escuchar y ver la realidad que viven nuestros hermanos”, dice López, los hermanos “que experimentan soledad, angustia, temor, sumando a todo esto el sufrimiento que ha causado la pandemia, la situación económica de muchos, el racismo y la inmigración son cosas que están afectando a nuestras comunidades y es allí donde nos necesitan”.

Entre las muchas prioridades que existen para servir a la comunidad católica hispana, la delegación escogió cuatro de las más importantes: el desarrollo de liderazgo y capacitación pastoral, pastoral juvenil, pastoral familiar e inmigración. Durante el Encuentro Diocesano virtual en octubre, la delegación se dividió en grupos para enfocarse y visionar sobre estos temas.

Buscaron ideas prácticas y “soñaron” sobre lo que “podría ser” para la familia de fe de la Diócesis de Trenton en cuanto respuestas.

Las discusiones fueron pasos importantes que llevarán la Diócesis a crear un plan pastoral que puede guiar a las comunidades parroquiales en los próximos cinco años.

“Es necesario poner todo nuestro esfuerzo en seguir la metodología del Encuentro y no permitir que la llama que nos une ahora se apague de ninguna forma”, dijo Montana. “Hay mucho trabajo por hacer pero somos suficientes para realizarlo”.

www. PecesdeTrenton.com

NOTICIERO DIGITAL EN ESPAÑOL DE LA DIÓCESIS DE TRENTON

Noviembre 2020  REVISTA EL MONITOR 47

El Anzuelo

Con el signo de la fe Reflexión del

OBISPO DAVID M. O’CONNELL, C.M.

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on el comienzo de la Fiesta de Todos los Santos (1 de noviembre) y la Conmemoración de Todos los Almas (2 de noviembre), el mes entero de noviembre ha sido dedicado a los fieles difuntos, “que nos han precedido con el signo de la fe y duermen ya el sueño de la paz” (Plegaria Eucarística 1). El “signo de la fe” es la “marca indeleble” que acompaña el Bautismo según lo que enseña la Iglesia Católica. La santa Teresa de Kolkata una vez reflexionó que “durante todo este mes, les damos amor y ternura extra a través de orar a ellos y por ellos”.

En la Iglesia Católica, esta tradición litúrgica tiene origen en las oraciones y recuerdos de las comunidades católicas del Tiempo Medio (siglos 6-10). Sin embargo, la idea es mucho más antigua, encontrada en el Antiguo Testamento; “Pero, como tenía en cuenta que a los que morían piadosamente los aguardaba una gran recompensa, su intención era santa y piadosa. Por esto hizo ofrecer ese sacrificio por los muertos, para que Dios les perdonara su pecado” (2 Macabeos 12:46).

La Iglesia celebra a los “santos” porque cree que son “los triunfantes de la Iglesia”, habitando con Dios en la eternidad. Los “penitentes de la Iglesia” son las almas de los bautizados fallecidos quienes esperan en el purgatorio para pasar a la vida eterna en el cielo. Los “militantes de la Iglesia” son personas dentro de la Iglesia Católica que esperan su muerte aquí en la tierra, su juicio ante Dios y su transición a la eternidad.

El Catecismo de la Iglesia Católica enseña que: La muerte pone fin a la vida del hombre como tiempo abierto a la aceptación o rechazo de la gracia divina manifestada en Cristo. El Nuevo Testamento habla del juicio principalmente en la perspectiva del encuentro final con Cristo en su segunda venida; pero

también asegura reiteradamente la existencia de la retribución inmediata después de la muerte de cada uno como consecuencia de sus obras y de su fe. La parábola del pobre Lázaro y la palabra de Cristo en la Cruz al buen ladrón, así como otros textos del Nuevo Testamento hablan de un último destino del alma que puede ser diferente para unos y para otros (CIC, 1021).

Cada hombre, después de morir, recibe en su alma inmortal su retribución eterna en un juicio particular que refiere su vida a Cristo, bien a través de una purificación, bien para entrar inmediatamente en la bienaventuranza del cielo (CIC, 1022).

Los que mueren en la gracia y en la amistad de Dios, pero imperfectamente purificados, aunque están seguros de su eterna salvación, sufren después de su muerte una purificación, a fin de obtener la santidad necesaria para entrar en la alegría del cielo (CIC, 1030).

Este “estado” se conoce como el “purgatorio” y las oraciones de los vivos ayudan a las “almas en el purgatorio”. El papa san Juan Pablo II nos recordó que orar por las almas en purgatorio “es el acto supremo de la caridad supernatural”.

Celebrar la Fiesta de Todos los Santos es un reconocimiento de la “comunión de los santos” que viven en la presencia eterna de Dios con quien gozamos una relación seguida en la virtud de nuestro Bautismo común. Los católicos creemos que los santos interceden por nosotros ante Dios.

48 REVISTA EL MONITOR  Noviembre 2020

 “...creemos que los santos interceden por nosotros ante Dios.”  Orar por las santas almas en el purgatorio también expresa nuestra relación duradera con ellas a través del Bautismo que compartimos con quienes “nos han precedido con el signo de la fe”, para que “Dios les perdonara su pecado”. Aunque el mes de noviembre está designado como el “mes de las santas almas en el purgatorio”, orar por ellas de por todo el año es “una idea santa y buena”. En realidad, es una responsabilidad para todos los católicos.

El venerable arzobispo Fulton J. Sheen nos animó, “al entrar al cielo, las veremos, tantas, que se acercarán para darnos las gracias. Nosotros las preguntaremos quienes son y nos dirán ‘un alma humilde en el purgatorio por quien Usted oró’”.

Santos de Dios, ayúdenlos. Vayan, Ángeles del Señor, a encontrarlos.

Concédeles, Señor, el descanso eterno.

Brille para ellos la luz perpetua.

Descansen en paz. Que las almas de todos los fieles difuntos por la misericordia de Dios descansen en paz. Amén.

El Anzuelo

Foto archivada de CNS

Preparándonos para Navidad 2020 con COVID ¡La pandemia del COVID Mensaje del no quitará Navidad 2020!

Sin embargo, cambiará OBISPO DAVID M. O’CONNELL, C.M. la manera de cómo la celebramos, especialmente en nuestras iglesias y parroquias, si las circunstancias actuales siguen tal como son o se empeoren. Dado que el COVID sea muy contagioso y transportado por el aire, la idea de unir a mucha gente adentro este invierno durante periodos extensos sin ventilación ni distanciamiento social adecuado, además de la necesidad de desinfectar las iglesias entre las Misas, los horarios de Misa en Noche Buena y Navidad estarán afectadas. Estarán especialmente afectadas en parroquias donde solo hay un párroco o sacerdote. El límite de cupo de 1/3 la capacidad de la iglesia durante la pandemia junto con la necesidad de mantener el distanciamiento social limita el espacio para los feligreses durante las celebraciones navideñas.

Los horarios tendrán que guardar tiempo para la limpieza requerida también.

Los feligreses en la Diócesis de Trenton tienen una dispensa de la obligación de ir a Misa a causa de la pandemia este año. Además del límite de cupo para las Misas navideñas y el distanciamiento social, las parroquias transmitirán las Misas virtualmente para apoyar la fe de las personas que no puedan asistir en la iglesia este año. Personas que no se sienten bien o de salud delicada deben mantenerse en casa y aprovechar de las transmisiones virtuales disponibles de las celebraciones navideñas.

Cada parroquia determinará la cantidad y horario de Misas navideñas que puede ofrecer este año. Por favor, escuchen por los anuncios o averigüen en la página web parroquial para los horarios.

Ninguno de nosotros quiere estas restricciones o ajustes que hemos hecho para responder a la pandemia del COVID. Dios sabe cuándo terminará. Aunque esta Navidad será diferente que las pasadas, las parroquias harán todo lo posible para apoyar a los fieles a celebrar el nacimiento del Señor con fe y alegría.

Gracias por su comprensión y paciencia.

La escultura, “Ángeles sin saberlo”, representa a un grupo de migrantes y refugiados en un barco, y es una réplica de la original que el papa Francisco estreno en la Plaza de San Pedro en el Vaticano durante la Jornada Mundial de los Migrantes y Refugiados de 2019.

Foto CNS/Tyler Orsburn

Las marcas principales que vendemos son Exmark, Stihl, y RedMax. Se vende y se arregla otras marcas de equipo.

Se puede financiar todo tipo de equipo.

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Noviembre 2020  LA REVISTA MONITOR 49

Spiritual Life

Saints Among Us NOV. 1  TODAY IS A DAY FOR REMEMBERING ALL THE SAINTS

THE WORD

Readings for the Solemnity of All Saints: Rev. 8:2-4, 9-14; 1Jn. 3:1-3; Mt. 5:1-12A

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here are saints and then there are saints. Although the exact number of recognized saints is uncertain – perhaps somewhere around 10,000 – it is not those saints who are the focus of the Mass on this holy day.

The Gospel for today draws our focus to the great Beatitudes, which outlines the very basic virtues that all Christians are called to develop in their lives. When we think of the great saints, we can see how these virtues manifested in their lives.

Some of them experienced dramatic calls to conversion in life, such as Augustine, Francis of Assisi and Ignatius of Loyola.

We think of the great martyrs of every age and generation: the Apostles, Polycarp, Thomas More, and Oscar Romero as

 ... we can see how these virtues manifested in their lives..  examples of martyrdom. We think of the long-suffering faithful saints, Marguerite Bourgeoys, Martin de Porres and Rita of Cascia. We might also remember the great missionary saints such as Francis Xavier, Maryanne Cope and Frances Cabrini.

Some are known for their work among the poor and suffering like Vincent de Paul, Teresa of Kolkata and Damian of Molokai.

But it is not those saints that we are called to honor today, but rather those who followed after them, those who through the ordinariness of their lives lived an heroic faith yet who will never be called upon in a Great Litany nor have their banner hung in St. Peter’s Square. Today we re-

Father Garry Koch

member the many hundreds of thousands of people who have suffered indignity and persecution for their faith and yet never wavered from the path.

NOV. 8  THE RESPONSIBILITY WE HAVE TO KEEP OUR OWN LANTERN BURNING 32nd Sunday in Ordinary Time: Wis. 6:1216; 1Thes 4:13-18

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very boy who was involved in Scouting knows the first and most simple of all rules, the motto: “Be Prepared.” Preparing for the tasks that we do in life help to make those tasks both simpler and, usually, even more enjoyable.

It is also very easy to assign certain personal tasks to others that we don’t pay any real attention to ourselves. When the spouse makes all of the appointments, or handles all of the tasks in the house, it can become an unnecessary and overwhelming burden when that same spouse is not able to for whatever reason.

If this is true in our professional and personal lives, how much more so can this be true in our spiritual lives?

Today Jesus tells a parable that hits at the heart of the lack of preparation and sense of relying on others to do the tasks that we ought to handle ourselves. Simply, there are 10 virgins with lamps awaiting the arrival of the bridegroom, but only five of them have enough oil on hand. As the bridegroom is delayed in coming, the other five, sensing the direness of their situation, try to borrow oil, but prudence dictates that the five who have enough do not share it with them. As they are then forced to leave to purchase more oil, the bridegroom arrives and they are locked out of the feast.

50 THE MONITOR MAGAZINE  November 2020

Our spiritual life, attendance at Mass and reception of the Sacraments, is our work, and should never depend on the work of others. We do not know when we will encounter the bridegroom ourselves and so we need to have the proper amount of oil – the grace of the Sacraments – in order to meet him with lamps alight.

Otherwise, we will have to say to the Lord: “My wife/husband took care of that, I didn’t know I needed to do it on my own.”

NOV. 15  BOLDNESS FOR THE SAKE OF THE KINGDOM REFLECTS A FAITH GUIDED BY WISDOM 33rd Sunday in Ordinary Time: Prv 31:1013, 19-20, 30-31; 1Thes 5:1-6; Mt 25:14-30

I

n yet another kingdom parable, Jesus speaks of a wealthy man who entrusts three of his servants with varying sums of money. Two of the three invest the money wisely and each manages to double the investment. The third, concerned that he might fail and wishing not to lose any of the master’s money, buried it underground so that he might return it safely to his master.

Within the broader context of the parable section from Matthew’s Gospel, Jesus is instructing the crowds about wisdom in patience and patience with wisdom. Experience has also taught that we need to be patient and allow circumstances to unfold so that we can gain the larger picture.

The first two servants in the parable took bold risks, biding out the time they had, and did well. We can only imagine the timeline that the parable might cover. We can assume that Jesus does not want us to have the impression that they were somehow reckless with the money entrusted to them, but that they acted with foresight and prudence. It is they whom we are called to emulate.

The third servant is short-sighted and lacks a sense of boldness. Yet, he does not perceive himself that way and seems to be genuinely shocked that he is judged to have made a wrong choice. He protected the investment and, by burying it, assumed no responsibility for it. Had the others failed he would have looked smart. He was counting on the failure of the others instead of investing in his own success.

 TO READ expanded versions of Father Koch’s columns or TO LISTEN to Podcast messages on Catching The Word, visit TrentonMonitor.com This is not an unusual human response, and while it might work in some circumstances, this is not the way of the Kingdom.

We are called to boldness in action, fueled with the wisdom that comes from a life of faith, as we proclaim the Gospel in the world.

Shutterstock photo

NOV. 22  CHRIST IS KING OF THE VISIBLE AND INVISIBLE REALMS Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe: Ez 34:11012, 15-17, 1Cor 15: 20-26, 28, Mt 25:31-46

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e are all aware how important a well-ordered and functioning government is for the maintenance of civil order and an overall sense of security. In these days of political turmoil, and with all of the variables at play within our nation and throughout the world, this Solemnity of Christ the King provides us with a sense of balance and hope.

The celebration of this feast was inaugurated by Pope Pius XI in his encyclical Quas Primas (Dec. 11, 1925). In paragraph 19 he writes: “When once men recognize, both in private and in public life, that Christ is King, society will at last receive the great blessings of real liberty, well-ordered discipline, peace and harmony. Our Lord’s regal office invests the human authority of princes and rulers with a religious significance; it ennobles the citizen’s duty of obedience… If princes and magistrates duly elected are filled with the persuasion that they rule, not by their own right, but by the mandate and in the place of the Divine King, they will exercise their authority piously and wisely, and they will make laws and administer them, having in view the common good and also the human dignity of their subjects. The result will be a stable peace and tranquility, for there will be no longer any cause of discontent. Men will see in their king or in their rulers men like themselves, perhaps unworthy or open to criticism, but they will not on that account refuse obedience if they see reflected in them the authority of Christ God and Man. Peace and harmony, too, will result; for with the spread and the

universal extent of the kingdom of Christ men will become more and more conscious of the link that binds them together, and thus many conflicts will be either prevented entirely or at least their bitterness will be diminished.”

It was Pius’ intent then and our hope now, that this feast will help us all to come to understand the primacy of Christ in our lives, our minds, and our institutions, so that we might all be kept safe for eternal life.

NOV. 29  THE SIGNS OF THE TIMES ARE PATHS OF REVELATION FROM GOD First Sunday of Advent: Is 63:16B-17, 19B; 64:2-7; 1Cor 1:3-9; Mk 13:33-37

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s we begin the Season of Advent, and enter into our journey through Mark’s Gospel this coming liturgical year, we are hit immediately with the need for “watchfulness” and “to be alert.” Given the circumstances under which we live at the moment, these two challenges are taking on even more significant meanings.

Jesus is, of course, reminding us of the immanence of the coming of the Kingdom.

While we know that the kingdom will be made manifest at the end of history; we all also have our own eschatological moment – the hour of death – when we are called to give accounting to the Lord.

But watchfulness and alertness are essential Christian values as we pay attention to the signs of the times. Jesus often challenges his listeners to pay attention to what

is going on around them. The Lord of history continually makes his will known through historical events and moments.

The ancient Israelites knew this, even if they often rejected it. The disciples knew it. The early Church also knew it.

We have lost a sense of this reading the signs of the times. For many of us we have given this over to superstition. We continue to chase after astrologers, seers, tarot readers and Ouija boards, much as did the men and women of ancient and medieval times, to discern what is going to happen.

What we often fail to recognize is how forthrightly and clearly the Lord speaks his will to us. He comes to us continually as we read his Word in Sacred Scripture, heed the teaching of the Church, and see the events of our lives and our world through the lens of faith.

This call to watchfulness and being alert has also taken on a new dimension in our days. The on-going pandemic and needing to follow the protocols of mask-wearing and social distancing have made us more keenly aware of our own “space” and our health and security. The political turmoil in our country has made us more attentive to the important social and economic issues which our country faces and needs to address.

Our challenge is always to seek where God is in all of this.

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

November 2020  THE MONITOR MAGAZINE 51

Spiritual Life

Blasphemy against the Holy Spirit; What is true forgiveness?

Recently I read an article in the Catholic press about the sin of blasphemy against the Holy Spirit, and it has caused me to worry about something that happened long ago. I am now 45 years old and when I was in the seventh grade, this is what happened. I really liked a boy in my class and I prayed and prayed that he would like me. But it turned out that he liked another girl instead.

I was upset, especially since I had prayed so hard, and I decided (and said) that I didn’t need the Holy Spirit. I regretted it right away and went to Confession, but I’m not sure that the priest really heard what I was saying and that he understood. (He seemed busy and somewhat rushed.)

Recently I went to Confession and brought it up again, but I didn’t go into all the details. Now, I’m a huge mess. I do pray to the Holy Spirit, asking him for guidance in tough situations, and I believe that the Spirit does help me. But I’m not sure that I’ve ever been forgiven for that sin long ago, and I wonder where I really stand with God. (Philadelphia)

Q

Help us keep the Light of the Gospel shining in 2021.

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Now we need YOU to help us keep this light shining brightly.

Please join us on December 2, 3 & 4 for our Radiothon 2020

Please relax QUESTION CORNER and be at Father Kenneth Doyle peace. First of Catholic News Service all, you didn’t “blaspheme against the Holy Spirit.” To do so means to refuse to accept God’s forgiveness, leading to final impenitence. (See Catechism of the Catholic Church, No. 1864). You didn’t do that at all; as a seventh-grader, you were just mad at God because the boy you liked turned out not to like you.

Second, you’ve already confessed that sin – twice. (If the priest didn’t fully understand, that’s his fault, not yours.) Your question makes me think that you may be prone to the tortures of scrupulosity. You may want to talk to a friendly priest who will assure you both of God’s love and of your own goodness.

A

Does it count as true forgiveness if you don’t hate the person, if you pray for their well-being, yet purposely avoid them because you’ve seen enough to know that they won’t change their ways (gossiping, etc.)?

Q

Forgiveness is essential to the Christian way of life. We have only to think of St. Stephen, the first Christin martyr.

Stoned outside the city of Jerusalem, he died praying for his executioners. He took his example, of course, from Jesus, who said from the cross, “Father, forgive them, they know not what they do” (Lk 23:34).

Earlier, after giving us the Lord’s Prayer, Jesus had said: “If you forgive others their transgressions, your heavenly Father will forgive you” (Mt  “He died 6:14). So, a willingness to forgive those who have offended us is a Christian praying for his imperative. executioners.”  At the same time, though, the Church does not dictate whom you have to “hang out” with. In your own case, I believe that you have done everything you are obligated to do: You do not hate the one who offended you, and you continue to pray for his or her well-being.

To continue to fraternize with that person may not only be unpleasant for you; it could also “pull you down” into the world of gossiping. You are justified, I would think, in keeping your distance.

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

A

Like us at: Trenton Monitor 52 THE MONITOR MAGAZINE  November 2020

Markus Winkler photo

Spiritual Life

Remembering to leave the corners of our fields for others

A

fter making a very long and frenzied 10 hour drive to visit my family, I was anticipating my stop in a favorite motel along the way.

Once there, I dropped my bags near THINGS MY FATHER TAUGHT ME Mary Clifford Morrell

the dresser and sat in the desk chair for a few minutes to catch my breath and review the take-out menus given me by the staff.

I was interrupted by loud “whoosh whoosh” sounds coming from behind the hotel. My room backed up to a large field of crops, hemmed in with trees on one side and fencing on the others.

“Now what?” I thought, thoroughly exhausted and looking forward to a quiet evening of rest.

Pulling back the curtains that covered my windows, I was stunned to see a black helicopter landing within feet of my room. Two men dressed in black jackets got out, undertaking some kind of maintenance, before slipping away beyond my sight. I was fascinated, with myriad mystery scenarios running through my mind as the sun set on this rural patch of North Carolina.

I was also amazed at how the helicopter landed so perfectly, so close to the fences, without damaging anything

until I realized that a corner of the field where they set down seemed to have been reserved for them. I wondered if that was just fortuitous, or if it was planned.

It also brought to mind the lesson of Leviticus: “When you reap the harvest of your land, you shall not reap all the way to the corner of your field, or gather the gleanings of your harvest. You shall not pick your vineyard bare, or gather the fallen fruit of your vineyard; you shall leave them for the poor and the stranger …”

Leaving the corner of the field for the good of the poor and stranger is an example of “tzedakah,” a Hebrew word for justice and referring to righteous behavior expected of every Jewish person.

 We are limited only by our resistance and our imagination.  In Jewish thought, giving to those in need is the right and honorable thing to do.

Their crops, or for those who live in the city, their money, belong to God who generously entrusted it to them, and is meant to be shared with his children in need.

Our Jewish roots as Catholics ensure that we also have a similar calling presented in the teachings of Jesus, who entrusted us with the Corporal Works of Mercy – feed the hungry, give drink to the thirsty, shelter the homeless, visit the sick, visit the prisoners, bury the dead and give

alms to the poor.

How can we, who have no fields so to speak, leave the corners of our abundance for the poor, the widow or orphans, or the hungry? We are limited only by our resistance, and our imagination.

I learned from the example of my dear friend, Joan – a mother of two sons and a young widow – who gave abundantly from her table. At every holiday, no matter the financial struggles, she brought us all together in celebration and sent us home with more than we came with, both with love and a bag of leftover culinary delights. When I was sick, she regularly brought home cooked meals to help feed my very large family.

Her home and her heart were like an ever present cornucopia – a horn of plenty overflowing with all the physical, spiritual and emotional nourishment you could need.

So it came as no surprise to me when I checked on the etymology of the word corner to discover it comes from the Old French, corne and Latin, corna – both of which mean horn.

With the holidays upon us, especially in the middle of a pandemic, may we find ways to leave the corners of our fields for those in need so all may know the joy and security of God’s horn of plenty.

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 2020  THE MONITOR MAGAZINE 53

Young Catholics

Merry Missions

Students’ Christmas artwork garners national recognition

BY MARY STADNYK  Associate Editor

S

tudents, teachers and staff in St. Jerome School, West Long Branch, had two good reasons to start their celebration of the Christmas season a little early when it was announced that fifth-graders Nina Bruno and Frank Marcantonio were named winners in the 2020 Missionary Childhood Association’s annual Christmas artwork contest. drawing was inspired by a beloved family tradition. Each year, once the Nativity is set up, she and her family pass the various figures around to each other and “we think about all that Jesus has done for us.”

“I am overwhelmed with pride for the accomplishment of Nina and Frank’s outstanding work,” said Filippini Sister Elizabeth Seton Dalessio, principal.

Bruno shared her sentiments about the important work of the missions, saying, “Helping others ... makes me feel like I am following in Jesus’ footsteps.”

Marcantonio also stressed the value of mission awareness within the school. “It helps me remember that we should contribute when we can, because not every-

. Vic Mistretta photo

The MCA, one of four Pontifical Mission Societies, promotes mission and global awareness while encouraging children to share their faith through their prayers and generosity. Every year, the MCA invites children in Catholic schools and parishes nation-wide to submit their Christmas-themed drawings for the contest.

Marcantonio explained his entry, saying, “The Three Kings caught my attention because it was a simple picture with a powerful meaning. It shows compassion, love and generosity toward others. The Three Kings brought gifts to welcome Jesus into the world. I love giving gifts to others because it puts a smile on their faces.”

Bruno shared that her Holy Family

one in the world is as lucky as I am to have a roof over my head, food on my table and receive a Catholic education,” he said.

Fourth grade teacher Janene Hubbard explained, “At SJS we try to help children become aware of the needs of people around the world. We teach them compassion, love and generosity, and we explain customs, and cultures of other countries.”

Sister Elizabeth noted that students also learn about and raise money to support the work of the Religious Teachers Filippini serving in Ethiopia, even becoming pen pals with their Ethiopian peers.

Hubbard said she is “beyond grateful” to have two students recognized, and how proud she is of all who submitted entries.

Bruno and Marcantonio were honored at the World Mission Sunday Mass celebrated Oct. 18 in St. Jerome Church, part of Our Lady of Hope Parish, West Long Branch.

 “Helping others ... makes me feel like I am following in Jesus’ footsteps.”  Traditionally, the 24 contest winners would have their artwork displayed in the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, D.C. during Advent and Christmas, with an awards ceremony at the Shrine for all finalists and their families. This year plans are currently being considered for alternative opportunities to highlight the winners.

The artwork of two grand prize winners will appear as the official Christmas card of the National Director of the Pontifical Mission Societies, Oblate Missionary of Mary Immaculate Father Andrew Small. Every winner also receives a plaque, and each of the winning art pieces will be available to view online at missio.org/ resources. A link will be available on the website which allows viewers to send any of the winning images as an e-greeting.

Frank Marcantonio and Nina Bruno, fifth-graders in St. Jerome School, Long Branch, hold their award-winning artwork. Behind them are Father Daison Areepparampil, parochial vicar of St. James Parish, Red Bank, Father Peter James Alindogan, diocesan missions director, and Father Sheldon Amasa, pastor of Our Lady of Hope Parish, West Long Branch. Vic Mistretta photo We would like to thank TOSHIBA, exclusive provider of copier services in the Diocese of Trenton Chancery building, for their sponsorship of this page.

54 THE MONITOR MAGAZINE  November 2020

In Memoriam Mario Minervini speaks about pro-life issues and the Rosary to people walking along the boardwalk in August 2019. Jennifer Mauro photo

 “He was good at sidewalk counseling.”  clinic] shut down. After that, he started to go to Shrewsbury.”

The effort expanded when the group got involved with the 40 Days for Life campaign.

There were meetings with diocesan Respect Life staff, a letter-writing campaign to parishes throughout Ocean County, and eventually, “a majority of parishes in Ocean County got involved,” said Kosikowski, noting that Minervini was a longtime member of the Ocean County and NJ Right to Life.

He was a mentor to many in the prolife movement, including Susan Higgins, who met Minervini early in her journey to the faith at St. Barnabas Parish, Bayville. She said she came to regard him as a role model and friend. Higgins described his outreach efforts to those in crisis pregnancies as notable for their sensitive and caring approach.

Indeed, Minervini could be seen all over Ocean County and beyond handing out age-appropriate educational materials and discussing pro-life issues such as abortion, adoption and physician-assisted suicide. He was quoted as saying, “Education is key in pro-life work.”

In addition, he was known for speaking and praying with women entering clinics for an abortion. “If we can help these women with their problems, they see a way out,” he once said. “Help the women, save the baby.”

Humility was the quality cited by Father James O’Neill, Ocean County Respect Life chaplain, when talking about Minervini’s efforts, especially his sidewalk outreach. “Humility is the most crucial

Toms River’s Mario Minervini remembered as champion for life

BY LOIS ROGERS  Correspondent

W

ords don’t fail Respect Life champions in the Diocese when they reflect on the life of Mario Minervini, who died Sept. 28 at age 96.

They recall Minervini, of St. Joseph Parish, Toms River, as an “incredible man” devoted to protecting life at all stages.

From 2008 to 2016, he led the daily vigil outside a Route 37 abortion facility in Toms River until it finally closed. He later stood vigil outside Planned Parenthood in Shrewsbury, inspiring faithful in Monmouth County to take part in their own Respect Life ministries. He was also committed to a range of pro-life efforts including “40 Days for Life.”

All the while, he was capable of reaching out to those seeking abortion in ways that changed hearts and saved lives.

“He was good at sidewalk counseling,” said Al Kosikowski, also of St. Joseph Parish, who got to know Minervini more than 10 years ago when Minervini was looking for volunteers to join him at the vigil he started after his wife, Teresa

Ann, died.

“He decided to go on his own to the [Toms River] clinic and pray in front of it,” Kosikowski said.

“He didn’t just go for a half-hour; he went from opening Mario Minervini to closing, and they were open six days a week. He was by himself at first.”

Gradually, others joined in.

Albert Deltufo, a member of the Knights of Columbus in St. Mary Parish, Barnegat, praised Minervini’s devotion.

“There wasn’t a day he wasn’t out there, whether in rain or snow,” Deltufo said.

“He was solely responsible for keeping the group together. I always said he was the main reason for getting [the Toms River

Continued on 56

November 2020  THE MONITOR MAGAZINE 55

In Memoriam N REMEMBRANCE, a listing of priests and deacons of  Ithe Diocese of Trenton who have died, can be found on

TrentonMonitor.com>News>Obituaries

SISTER PATRICIA O’BRIEN, SERVED IN MOUNT HOLLY SCHOOL Immaculate Heart of Mary Sister Patricia O’Brien, formerly known as Sister M. Nivard, died Oct. 14 in Our Lady of Peace Residence, Scranton, Pa. Born in 1929 in Baltimore, Md., and given the name Frances Patricia, she entered the Sisters, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary congregation Sept. 8, 1947. She made her temporary profession of vows May 8, 1950, and final profession of vows Aug. 2, 1953. She received a bachelor of arts degree in English/social studies and a master of science degree in counselor education from Marywood College, Scranton, and a master of social work degree from the University of Maryland.

Her ministry in education included teaching in Mount Holly Regional Catholic School, Mount Holly, from 1950 to 1953. Other schools where she taught or served as principal included New York, Pennsylvania and Maryland. She also served as a social worker from 1973 to 1975, and the social work coordinator from 1976 to 2000, at Spring Grove Hospital Center in Baltimore, Md. Sister Patricia is survived by nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews, and by the members of her religious community.

Interment was in St. Catherine Cemetery, Moscow, Pa.

Minervini’s respect for life Continued from 55

to sidewalk outreach. He was not in your face.”

Father O’Neill, pastor of St. John Parish, Lakehurst, called Minervini an inspiration for many, especially seniors. “A lot of older people are wondering what they can do to be faithful to the Lord. Mario is a good example of what’s possible.”

He inspired all generations, however. In a 2019 article in The Monitor, Dave Parnell, then 40, of St. Anthony of Padua Parish, Red Bank, was attending a Rosary for Life on the Seaside Heights Boardwalk as he spoke about getting to know Minervini and the other senior pro-life advocates he worked with. Parnell had first seen them outside the Planned Parenthood in Shrewsbury, a group in their 60s, standing in the rain.

“It made me think, ‘They’re out there and I’m not?’” he was quoted as saying. Minervini inspired him to start organizing a Respect Life committee in his parish.

A pipefitter and welder for 27 years for Ciba-Geigy in Toms River before he retired in 1986, Minervini served in the U.S. Navy during World War II. He is survived by his daughters, Terry Cieri (Bobby), Maureen Gachina, Doretta Carbone (Michael), six grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren.

OBITUARY INFORMATION  Additional obituaries will be posted to TrentonMonitor.com as information becomes available.

56 THE MONITOR MAGAZINE  November 2020

Kevin’s legacy of spirit Continued from 9

EVERY DAY A GIFT In the months after Kevin’s accident, before he was released home into his family’s care, his parents came across one of his journals. In it, the teenager had written, “My Mom said in a text message [that] whenever I have a bad day to remember that tomorrow is another day and bound to be better.”

The Krets say that is how they tried to live day to day.

“Every day had its challenges, and every day was different.

But every day was also a blessing – a gift from God. And we never forgot that,” Joan says. “After a couple of months, we knew this was our new normal and that Kevin would not ‘come back’ to be able to do what he used to do. But he was still Kevin. His whole spirit could be felt by us and by anybody who met him. Every morning, we were able to sit with him, pray with him. To just be with him was always the start of a good day.”

Many of those days were detailed through the writing on “Kevin’s Journey of Hope.” At first, the online  “We got 10 journal was a way to keep loved ones extra years, informed of Kevin’s progress. And as the word spread, so did the support. who wouldn’t Father Gerald Johnson (Selvam Asirvatham), who was serving in St. want that?”  Leo the Great Parish at the time, sent the link to someone he knew in India.

The Krets received photos in response showing 30-40 schoolchildren who were praying for Kevin every day.

“People all over the world prayed for Kevin. And not just Catholics or Christians, but people from all different faiths,” Michael said. “Maybe that was Kevin’s legacy. He got people to pray.”

Meanwhile, parishioners started showing up at the Kret home while the family was at the hospital – widening doors, creating a wheelchair-accessible shower, installing an elevator lift in the garage.

As time progressed, the online journal turned into what Joan and Michael call “more of a book.” Instead of status updates, the entire Kret family began to write to Kevin directly: Hi Kevin – It’s Mom. Home, sweet, home! Now you can feel our presence around you all day and all night. We believe this is where your true healing will begin.

Hi Kev – It’s Dad. You know how Dad is always trying to figure things out – well the other day it hit me. You must be conscious because you communicate very clearly when we are observant.

Indeed, Kevin’s condition was one that others sometimes found difficult to understand.

“It physically looked like he was in a coma, so people assumed he couldn’t hear us,” said Megan, an occupational therapist at Children’s Specialized Hospital, New Brunswick. “But from all the extensive tests that were done, he was there and registering and responding in his own way.”

Continued on 60

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Community

It’s all about

the children Deacon, parish communities work to address diaper needs in Monmouth County

BY DAVID KARAS  Correspondent

F

or Deacon Matthew Nicosia of St. Thomas More Parish, Manalapan, the idea to start collecting diapers for families in need some three years ago was borne of compassion for children living in poverty.

“There are so many aspects of their lives that are being affected – their health and their mental state, [and] having to stay in a soiled diaper longer than necessary,” he says.

“When it comes to these vulnerable individuals, they need a voice.”

From its beginnings as a youth ministry project, the effort has since grown to encompass additional parishes across Monmouth County. And with a partnership with the nonprofit Child Care Resources of Monmouth County Inc., and growing interest to help in the community, the program is poised to expand even further in the months to come.

The effort has also drawn the support of Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M., who shared an email message with priests throughout the Diocese about the need for diapers, the nonprofit partnership and how faithful in central New Jersey can help.

Deacon Matt, who serves as the parish’s youth minister, was first contacted in 2018 by a representative of the Neptune nonprofit Child Care Resources of Monmouth County, requesting support in the form of a diaper collection drive.

“We started collecting diapers in our parish, and it went extremely well,” he says, noting that they joined forces with the youth ministry in St. Robert Bellarmine Co-Cathedral, Freehold. All told, the effort

yielded four pallets of diapers.

The effort grew the following year, expanding the partnership to additional parishes – St. Rose of Lima Parish, Freehold; St. Leo the Great Parish, Lincroft; St. Gabriel Parish, Marlboro, and Our Lady of Perpetual Help-St. Agnes Church, Atlantic Highlands.

That year, the yield grew to eight pallets.

This year, Deacon Matt planned to connect the diaper drive to the Lenten season for children in parish youth groups. “We wanted to give the kids an idea of what almsgiving was like,” he says. Early in the year, the initiative netted yet another pallet of diapers.

 “Even in challenging times, the Church has always been there to help.”  The onset of the pandemic made traditional collection efforts a challenge, but Deacon Matt adapted, securing a grant to purchase a trailer to allow for mobile diaper collections. Between those collections, a community drop-off site and spreading awareness during National Diaper Need Awareness Week in September, this year’s haul has increased to over 6,500 diapers.

Plus, St. William the Abbot Parish in Howell collected an additional 3,625 diapers for the cause during that parish’s Respect Life Sunday observance in October.

The need for these essential care items, Deacon Matt says, could not be clearer. It is estimated that one in three families across

58 THE MONITOR MAGAZINE  November 2020

From left, the Torres sisters, Angela, Amiee, Anastacia and Makayla, of St. Thomas More Parish, Manalapan, help during the National Diaper Need Awareness Week in September. Courtesy photo the country struggles to afford diapers, which can cost nearly $80 per month for infants and toddlers. Child Care Resources records indicate that more than 4,000 children younger than five were living in poverty in 2015. Additionally, public benefits cannot be used to pay for diapers.

Kim Perrelli, the nonprofit’s executive director, explains that providing diapers to a family in need can lead to outcomes like “an increase in parental happiness and a reduction in caregiver stress,” and “the ability to spend income on other basic needs.”

For Deacon Matt, the call to serve others is closely connected with faith.

“When it comes to the Catholic Church and the social teachings of the Church, we are supposed to be there for each other,” he says. “Even in challenging times, the Church has always been there to help.”

St. Robert Bellarmine Co-Cathedral, Freehold, has been working with Deacon Matt since the start, and Msgr. Sam Sirianni, rector, recently approved a year-round collection of diapers and wipes for Child Care Resources in his parish community.

For more information, contact Deacon Matt Nicosia at deacon_matt@optimum. net. To help purchase diapers, make checks payable to “Child Care Resources” and mail to: Diaper Bank c/o Child Care Resources, 3301C Route 66, Neptune, NJ 077541234. Check out their website at http://ccrnj. org/diaper-bank-at-child-care-resources/.

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Kevin’s wheelchair continues to hold a place at the dinner table. When he was alive, his father says, “We made sure everybody spoke with him and knew that when Kevin was in the room, to include him in conversations.” Jeff Bruno photo

 To read the “Kevin’s Journey of Hope” online journal, visit www.kevinsjoh.com.

‘There were big shoes to fill’ Continued from 56

Michael compared Kevin’s diagnosis to that of someone in the latter stages of Lou Gehrig’s disease (ALS). Kevin may have been “locked in,” but he could hear, though he couldn’t respond. “We made sure everybody spoke with him and knew that when Kevin was in the room, to include him in conversations,” Michael said.

ADDITIONAL BLESSINGS Kevin, a graduate of Christian Brothers Academy, Lincroft, who attended grammar school in St. Leo the Great school, lived his Catholic faith – as does his family.

“From day one, we prayed,” said Joan, youth minister in St. Leo the Great Parish.

“The Rosary was our go-to prayer. It was a beautiful thing to witness Kevin’s friends sitting on the floor all over the place [in the hospital], saying the Rosary. Even non-Catholics were saying the Rosary. As the years passed, we continued to say the Rosary as a community either at prayer services in St. Leo the Great or at his annual Walk the Walk with Kevin at CBA.” His spirit of hope was felt by passers-by, too.

“I particularly remember a concert at Radio City Music Hall in New York City.

He didn’t cough once, tolerated the commute to New York and looked so peaceful,” Michael said. “A young lady came down the

aisle, gave Kev a big hug and hung out with him for several songs. A beautiful memory.

I think she was drawn to his spirit.”

Kevin’s life also inspired his siblings.

“When Kevin went into an unconscious state – there were big shoes to be filled,” said Dylan, who followed a similar path to that of his brother. Dylan graduated Villanova University with a degree in electrical engineering.

Megan and Jenny studied occupational therapy – a decision, Jenny said, that was influenced by the heartwarming nurses who worked tirelessly with Kevin in their home every day. “It inspired us to want to help Kevin and other people like him,” she said.

“I feel like God made that path for me, and I just followed it,” added Megan, who explained that around the time Kevin died, she got a full-time position on the brain injury team at Children’s Specialized Hospital.

“I thought initially, this is going to be super difficult – my brother just passed away from a brain injury,” she said. “But actually, it was so comforting because I was around these families who were going through the same thing. I feel like that was God’s plan.”

RELIANCE ON FAITH The Kret family is among the countless faithful across the Diocese of Trenton

60 THE MONITOR MAGAZINE  November 2020

– and beyond – who continue to grieve the loss of a loved one, past and present – perhaps even more so during November, the Month of Remembrance.

But they are steadfast in admitting that it’s faith in God and hope that, as Kevin’s note said, help them “to remember that tomorrow is another day.”

“I thank God for my upbringing and the greatest gift of Catholic faith from my parents to help us through the ‘bad’ days,” Joan said. “Kevin was close to God before his accident, so that gave us great comfort. We knew he was in God’s embrace here on earth and now in heaven. We believe that Kevin is now in eternal bliss.”

Added Michael, “One of the blessed who we encountered on the journey is Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati. He died in his early twenties, and like Kevin had wisdom far beyond his years. I think he best summarized what we learned on Kevin’s journey: “It (life) is a difficult battle, but we must strive to win it and to rediscover our small road to Damascus in order to walk toward the destination to which we all must arrive. What is clear is that faith is the only anchor of salvation and we must hold tightly to it; without it, what would our lives be? Nothing, or rather, wasted, because in life there is always suffering, and suffering without faith is unbearable.

But suffering that is nourished by the flame of faith becomes something beautiful, because it tempers the soul to deal with suffering.”

In the Parishes

Mass for

Health

BY DOROTHY K. LAMANTIA  Correspondent

O

ftentimes, health care workers rely on each other to stay healthy and safe – physically, mentally and spiritually. That is why the Mass held in St. Luke Church, Toms River, in recognition of those professionals was especially appreciated.

Father Robert Grodnicki anoints the hands of a health care worker during Mass in St. Luke Church, Toms River. Dorothy K. LaMantia photo

“It is great to share this day with the medical professionals who have made sacrifices during the time of pandemic,” said Robin Ulep, a neurologist practicing at the University of Virginia, who attended the Mass with her mother, pediatrician Shirley Ulep, and several siblings, all of them medical professionals. “Our faith helps us cope … to overcome the hardships and get us through it.”

Nearly 80 doctors, nurses, physical therapists, technicians, social workers, administrators and others gathered Oct. 18 to celebrate their kinship as healers and sharers of faith during the Mass, which was celebrated by Father Robert Grodnicki, pastor, and concelebrated by Father Peter James Alindogan, pastor of St. Veronica Church, Howell, and diocesan director of missions. Deacon Bob Pladek assisted.

“Many of you are my friends,” Father Grodnicki said in his homily. “The trust I have in you is unbelievable. During this time, I know how scared you’ve been. You have young kids, yet you go to work, come home and sanitize before you see your kids. Then you go back the next day to put yourselves at risk again.”

Traditionally known as the “White Mass,” the celebration honoring health care professionals dates back to the 1930s, when the Catholic Medical Association was founded. This year’s Mass, which was livestreamed, was the seventh annual celebration of its kind at the parish, made all the more poignant by the COVID-19 pandemic. It was also the Feast of St. Luke, the patron saint of physicians.

“Thank you for what you do in your ministry. Thank you for sharing your abundance,” Father Grodnicki said.

His words provided a segue for the anointing of hands, as the priests dabbed the health care workers’ palms with oil on Q-tips – a concession to COVID-19 safeguards. The doctors, nurses, caregivers and more processed forward, following social distance protocols, to present their hands – the primary instruments of their healing mission. Meanwhile, an image of hands cupping a heart appeared on video monitors around the altar.

Later, Joanne Penn, a pediatric nurse, discussing the overall stress of this troubled time, said, “This Mass was so needed. I felt helpless about everything

this year.” She smiled as she remembered the anointing: “Suddenly it reminded me of all the things my hands did!”

Many who attended the Mass were front line health providers working during the pandemic who appreciated  “Thank you celebrating with for sharing those sharing journeys both as your health practitioners and abundance.”  people of faith.

June Brandes Chu, a registered nurse who helped coordinate the event, reflected, “In this year of COVID, this event celebrates the hard work that all people in health care give to the well-being of all. Many of them do not get credit for what they do.

“This Mass gives credence to all of them. We also honor cooks, custodians, drivers who take the sick to appointments,” she said. “This gives us special time to honor all those people for the work they do.”

November 2020  THE MONITOR MAGAZINE 61

đ&#x;“°

FAITHFUL UNITE FOR PUBLIC SQUARE ROSARY RALLIES

Mike Ehrmann photo

Shortly before noon on Oct. 10, signs went up on parish lawns and parks around the Trenton Diocese inviting motorists and pedestrians to “turn to God, through his holy mother� by praying the Rosary to “solve America’s key problems.�

It was the signal that the annual America Needs Fatima Rosary Rally would soon be underway. The rally, initiated in 2007, is a hallmark of October as the Month of the Rosary. It focuses on the Rosary as a gateway to Mary, and through her, to God to heal societal ills. There is a special emphasis on life issues.

That the Rosary Rally drew a number of faithful in St. Denis Parish, Manasquan, was a testament to its abiding appeal, said Father William Lago, pastor. “To have a good dozen people even in the pandemic standing socially distanced outside in front of the church, praying for the country and an end to abortion, is something we’ve done every year.�

In Brick’s St. Dominic Parish, American flags were set six feet apart. “There is a need for hope, and praying the Rosary felt very peaceful,� said Linda Verheygen, one of the rally captains there who helped the nearly 40 or so people, including a number of parishioners from nearby Visitation Parish, to prayer programs.

For the parishes of Sacred Heart, Riverton, and St. Charles Borromeo, Cinnaminson, the majority of rallies took place on parish grounds. The parishes, which have combined respect life ministries, united in Wood Park, bringing together nearly 100 faithful, said Therese Notte, who captained for Sacred Heart. “It is a voice for the voiceless,� she said.

By Lois Rogers, correspondent

For expanded coverage of these stories and more photos, visit TrentonMonitor.com

PRAYER, PROCESSION HIGHLIGHT NAMESAKE OF KEYPORT PARISH Our Lady of Fatima Parish concluded a monthlong celebration of its patronal feast Oct. 13 with its first public procession and bilingual recitation of the Rosary.

Hundreds attended, some driving vehicles adorned with homemade Rosaries. The parish was formed two summers ago from the merger of St. Joseph and Jesus the Lord Parishes. “We wish you hope and love, healing and unity. ‌ We know that [Mary] listens to our prayers,â€? said Father Rene Pulgarin, parish pastor, addressing the faithful in automobiles and those watching on social media.

The vehicle procession began at Jesus the Lord Church worship site. Knights of Columbus directed cars and handed each driver an electric tealight for their dashboard. The 90-vehicle procession traveled to the St. Joseph Church worship site, where many remained to pray inside their vehicles, while a handful were drawn to the illuminated statue of

Staff photo

In the Parishes

Mary underneath the parish façade.

Father Pulgarin, accompanied by parish faithful, deacons and clergy, including Father Fernando Lopez, parochial vicar of Christ the King Parish, Long Branch, led the Glorious Mysteries.

Maureen Kennedy Maurer Vena reflected on Facebook, “We were so blessed to be part of this beautiful procession. Such a feeling of community and love for Our Lady of Fatima.�

By Christina Leslie, correspondent

CHOIR WITNESSES IN SONG IN FRONT OF ABORTION CLINIC The Schola Cantorum of St. John the Baptist Parish, Allentown, chose to mark Respect Life Month doing what they do best – singing.

Armed with a variety of sacred music, members of the parish choir that has not been able to meet indoors for Sunday Masses during the pandemic gathered the morning of Oct. 24 outside Planned Parenthood’s Trenton location to pray in song for the children, women and men who are victims of abortion. “Most of the music were hymns, chants and polyphonic pieces that the choir would normally sing for Mass. I loved being able to use music in being a witness to life,� said Peter A. Carter, Schola Cantorum director.

Music included “Lully, Lulla, Lullay� by Philip Stopford, which tells the story of the massacre of the Holy Innocents by King Herod, sung from the mother’s perspective for her child.

A video featuring excerpts from the prayerful witness can be seen on YouTube at www.youtube. com/watch?v=Eyx-F7hTQQQ.

By EmmaLee Italia, contributing editor

EWING PARISH PRAYS MORE THAN 200 ROSARIES FOR COVID’S END In response to the call of Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M., to pray the Holy Rosary during the Month of the Rosary, Our Lady of Good Counsel Parish, Ewing, has both set and met a lofty goal: 5,000 Hail Mary’s before the end of October to end the pandemic.

The invitation was issued on the OLGC webpage and Facebook page, with pictures detailing its progress. “Our goal is to offer 5,000 Hail Mary’s [100 Rosary recitations] to the Blessed Mother for peace and healing of the world,� wrote Father Ariel Robles, parish pastor. To monitor progress, he asked parishioners to hang a set of Rosary beads by the church’s altar of the Blessed Virgin Mary for each Rosary prayed. “The people were so eager to pray the Rosary that we reached the goal in nine days and went on to reach 10,000 Hail Mary’s even before October ended,� Father Robles said. “We are happy to share our parish’s devotion to the Blessed Mother with our Diocese.�

By EmmaLee Italia, contributing editor

62    THE MONITOR MAGAZINE  ď‚Ąâ€ƒNovember 2020 

Education Two parents from the Red Bank community helped build desk and cafeteria glass shields for St. James School and Red Bank Catholic. Courtesy photo

Through plexiglass project, fathers help keep Red Bank students safe

BY JOHN SPINELLI  Correspondent

E

ven before Catholic schools around the Diocese began returning to in-person classes, Brian Hill and Arturo Scaramuzzino knew they could use their years of professional work experience to help keep local students safe during the pandemic.

The two parents from the St. James School community in Red Bank worked on building desk and cafeteria glass shields for the younger students and those at Red Bank Catholic High School.

“Arturo and I were highly motivated to supply a custom solution and complete this project before the first full day of school. We knew what was at stake and wanted to play a role in helping Catholic Schools succeed,” Hill said. “The project required all hands on deck. We got some critical help from family members, and before the beginning of the Labor Day weekend, 72 free-standing acrylic sneeze guards were in place at the cafeteria.”

St. James Principal JoAnn Giordano said she was pleased with the level of involvement. “The St. James cafeteria plexiglass project was truly a community effort. We are so thankful to Mr. Hill and Mr. Scaramuzzino for helping us ensure that our students would be able to eat in a safe environment.”

In addition to safety, one of the main reasons the project was important to the two men: faith.

“There were three biblical themes that went through my head during this project,” Hill said. “The first was the no-fear attitude, the second was the need to prepare, and the third being to persevere and go the distance. Arturo and I prayed constantly during this project; we are thankful that the students are back in school.”

Before school began, Scaramuzzino sent a letter to the administrators in Red Bank Catholic, while Hill reached out to St. James. Hill noted that the project worked out well since his business is in ergonomics. “The reason was my experience dealing with safety-related challenges. She [Principal Giordano] told me that RBC and St. James were determined to make the mealtime experience for their students the best and safest.”

Following the successful installation in St. James, the two focused their efforts on Red Bank Catholic High School, which requested a custom glass free-standing solution for their cafe-

teria tables as well.

Scaramuzzino and Hill have garnered years of professional experience within their respective fields. Hill explained, “As founder and owner of ErgoDynamics Inc. since 1997, I work directly with safety professionals at major corporations in the New Jersey, New York and Pennsylvania areas, providing ergonomic products and solutions. Arturo is an architectural glass and metal professional working with companies and contractors throughout New York City.”

The two were pleased to cooperate with St. James School and Red Bank Catholic. Scaramuzzino noted, “What was striking was their enthusiasm, adaptability and can-do attitude. There was absolutely no fear, no panic, and no gloom-and-doom mentality. Everyone was on the same page and focused on bringing the students back to school. They spoke about how the teachers were positive and ready to come back and teach their students in-person again.”

THE DIOCESE OF TRENTON is committed to the initiatives outlined in the U.S. Bishops’ Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People and to its own policies and guidelines in regard to the reporting and investigation of sexual abuse allegations involving minors.

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

ABUSE HOTLINE: 1-888-296-2965

or via e-mail at abuseline@dioceseoftrenton.org.

The Diocese of Trenton reports any allegations of sexual abuse to the appropriate law enforcement agencies. Anyone with an allegation is also encouraged to provide that information to local law enforcement authorities.

November 2020  THE MONITOR MAGAZINE 63

Human trafficking Continued from 32

“The TVPA radically reformed the U.S. criminal code to authorize asset confiscation and jail sentences of up to life imprisonment for the predators,” he continued.

“Most importantly, because of the TVPA, many victims have been rescued and protected,” he said, “while comprehensive prevention strategies have spared many from the exploitation and abuse of the crime that treats mostly women and children as mere commodities to be bought and sold.”

The 2000 law included the Campus Sex Crimes Prevention Act and the Battered Immigrant Women Protection Act and reauthorized the Violence Against Women Act. It also provided for sheltering and a national hotline available 24/7 – (888) 373-7888 – and for refugees, created a new asylum category – the T visa – to protect victims and their families.

The visa enables certain human trafficking victims to remain in the United States for up to four years if they have assisted law enforcement in an investigation or prosecution of human trafficking.

Smith sponsored four additional laws to combat human trafficking – in 2003, 2005, 2016 and 2019. Signed into law by President Donald Trump, the 2019 law is called the Frederick Douglass Trafficking Victims Prevention and Protection Act. The law for the first time authorizes federal grants for local

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educational agencies “to educate school staff to recognize and respond to signs of sex and labor trafficking and provide age-appropriate information to students on how to avoid becoming victims,” said Smith, who founded the Congressional Human Trafficking Caucus and has chaired dozens of hearings on human trafficking.

“Twenty years after the TVPA became law, the nefarious trade in women and children – modern-day slavery – has become more visible and a more urgent priority for law enforcement on all levels,” the congressman said. “Much remains to be done to protect victims, prosecute traffickers and prevent human trafficking.”

Editor’s Note: Rep. Chris Smith’s complete op-ed can be found on TrentonMonitor.com.

Trenton’s sacred ‘gem’ Continued from 31

In the video segment produced locally by the diocesan Department of Multimedia Production, Bishop O’Connell explains that “The Nativity,” dating back to 1420, has been “hidden in plain sight” in Sacred Heart Church, which celebrated its own bicentennial in 2014.

Beautiful in its Romanesque Revival style, the church is “a gem in the middle of the city, a beautiful edifice which remains in exceptional condition. The faithful who worship or visit, and who don’t often realize they, themselves, are the sacred art of the church, are often surprised by the beautiful art and architecture inside,” said Father Dennis A. Apoldite, pastor.

“Throughout the history of the Church, art, architecture and music have always lifted the soul of Christians to God,” says Bishop O’Connell in the video. He expressed appreciation for the opportunity to share this special work of art and invited the faithful to “take an opportunity to go visit your churches or cathedrals and look for the precious works of art that are there … and let them lift your soul to God.” Balserak stressed, “Our hope is to help people, both our faithful and the general public, to understand how the beauty of sacred art can inspire us to live beautiful lives. There is so much to learn from the lives of the people represented in Catholic art, and from the stories behind the pieces. So perhaps this initiative can bring some Catholics to look at the art in their local churches with renewed curiosity and contemplation, and can help some people outside the Church to understand the value this art has – not just for Catholics, but for everybody.

“We were very pleased to receive a number of prompt responses to our request for entries to the series, and expect to publish more videos in the near future. There is a tremendous need right now for cultural engagement on how the Church’s message can lift our society up. And in a way, when we look at these pieces of art, we are looking upwards.”

Additional videos in the current series include “Sacred Art Inspires Us On Our Journey,” featuring Archbishop Gustavo Garcia-Siller, Archdiocese of San Antonio; “Art Tells A Story,” from Bishop Felipe J. Estévez, Diocese of St. Augustine, Florida; “Our Lady of Elige,” from Bishop A. Elias Zaidan, Eparchy of Our Lady of Lebanon of Los Angeles, and “How Beauty Leads to Charity,” narrated by Bishop Barry C. Knestout, Diocese of Richmond.

You can view “Hidden in Plain Sight” and learn more about Sacred Heart Church in Trenton at TrentonMonitor.com. To watch the entire “Beauty Heals” series, visit usccb.org/beautyheals. The initiative uses #BeautyHeals on social media.

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priesthood or religious life.

Bishop James F. Checchio of Metuchen, chairman of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Committee on Clergy, Consecrated Life and Vocations, said that today’s times provide an opportunity for genuine discernment fully rooted and dependent upon Christ.

“These unusual and difficult times have brought much uncertainty and fear into our lives, but we know in faith that Christ’s powerful hand extends over all of us in mercy,” he said. “I invite those discerning a vocation to use this time to prayerfully renew your love for Christ and recognize your complete dependence upon him who loves and calls you uniquely.”

Father Parzynski noted that during a discussion with his vocation team, an important point was made.

“The priesthood or religious life is not marketed – God calls the person to that life,” he emphasized. “My role is to help assist other priests of the Diocese to provide opportunities to communicate with those who are interested and to help with discernment.”

A recent annual study by the Center for Applied Research in the Apostolate indicated steady

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Another study CARA conducted with the National Religious Vocation Conference indicates that vocations to religious life are continuing to flourish as well; the number of men and women religious in initial formation is not significantly different from that reported in 2009.

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SCRIPTURE SEARCH 

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@TrentonMonitor

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ACROSS 2 “He is ___!”

6 “So the Lord cast a ____ sleep on the man” (Gen 2:21) 8 Eternal ___ 9 “Let us make man in our ___” (Gen 1:26) 10 It comes before Christmas 11 Protection or liberation from the power of the devil 13 St. Jean ___ de LaSalle 15 The Lord’s Day 17 Amos follower 19 Covenant sign 22 Service book 24 St. Rose of Lima or St. Martin de Porres 27 It is worn around the neck 29 Start of a Christmas hymn” 31 Birth name of Teresa Benedict of the Cross 32 “Lord ____ us!, We are perishing.” (Mt 8:25) 33 “___ to anger and abounding in steadfast love.” (Ps 103:8) 34 It is left out of unleavened bread

www.wordgamesforcatholics.com

DOWN 1 “Whatever you ___ on earth will be bound in heaven…”

2 Turned away from sin 3 Oddly enough, there have been only 5 popes by this name 4 Jonah’s destination 5 Return of our Lord 6 A member of the clergy 7 “to the ___ of the earth.” (Acts 1:8) 10 Tunic-like vestment 12 Marian month 14 Type of monastery 16 Diocese of Honolulu greeting 18 Word of praise and joy 20 Like Catholic author Mary Higgins Clark 21 Diocese, in an Eastern rite 22 OT prophetic book 23 Lot, to Abraham 25 St. Therese of Lisieux is a patron of this country 26 Tool of trade for Peter and Andrew 28 Room in 14D 30 Large church section

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66 THE MONITOR MAGAZINE  November 2020

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  HEAVEN  BRIDEGROOM  NO OIL

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of whom came from the Called by Name program, and we have two more guys who could potentially enter next year as well. We hope to have even more parishes participate next year in the Called

By Name program,” he added, explaining that the program will run every two to three years with the small group gatherings happening in between.

As the coronavirus continues to influence in-person meetings, Father Parzynski said that the groups are discussing the possibility of having online meetings if and when necessary.

“There are those who are being more cautious and who are living at home with individuals who are at higher risk, and we don’t want to deny them the opportunity to attend. And there are some college students who can’t come in person,” he said.

In addition to the small group gatherings, the diocesan vocations office staff have been hard at work for the past few months on a dynamic new website they hope to roll out before the end of the year: www.godiscallingyou.org. While the site is not yet active, plans are in place for various resources about discernment and what a call to vocations means.

“We’re trying to create a website designed for that 16- to 35-year age group we are targeting,” Father Parzynski said. “It will include video and written

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resources to help in the discernment process. One thing we are working on is a page for parents, to give them insight into what the process is like … how they can be involved and how they can help support their sons.”

The diocesan Department of Multimedia Production, he continued, has been creating and editing the videos. “They are of our own priests and seminarians, talking about the priesthood and what seminarians experience. … Some of them are these awesome charismatic priests, so enthusiastic – it’s just great to see.”

Father Parzynski noted that despite the pandemic, the Diocese always wants to “keep the avenue open for people to recommend people to vocations … that’s how the early Church was – they came from the community. It’s important to keep vocations alive for the health of the Church.”

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