My dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
Once again I am grateful for this opportunity to write to you and present our Annual Report. This past year has been filled with many blessings for our local Church, as well as some challenges. In looking over the past year, I was struck by the many ways in which God has blessed our beautiful Diocese. Though struggles are often a part of our lives, let us be thankful for the opportunities we were given in 2024 to grow in our faith, in our friendship with our Lord, and in our relationship with one another.
Last year, Pope Francis made 2024 a Year of Prayer in anticipation of this year’s Jubilee Holy Year of 2025. At the same time, Catholics in our country were focused on the third and final year of the Eucharistic Revival. In prayer, Jesus helps us understand how He wants us to live each day in this world where we are bombarded with choices of all kinds. God calls us to be witnesses of His love, and a regular habit of prayer helps us to serve Him and others.
This past May our Diocese was fortunate to be part of the National Eucharistic Pilgrimage. The “Perpetual Pilgrims” of the Elizabeth Ann Seton Route – one of four pilgrimage routes that were scheduled to converge in Indianapolis, Indiana, for the first National Eucharistic Congress in 83 years – passed through our Diocese on May 27-28. Many of you participated in this event, including a walking pilgrimage of more than thirteen miles, from the Cathedral of St. Francis of Assisi, Metuchen,to St. Augustine of Canterbury, Kendall Park, via St. Peter’s University Parish, New Brunswick. It was an historic event in the life of our Diocese, and the first ever national pilgrimage. But this was only a prelude to our pilgrimage to the events in Indianapolis, where we joined 70,000 other pilgrims in celebrating our faith and our love for the Eucharist at Lucas Oil Stadium for five spirit-filled days in July. It was a transformative experience!
While the memories of the Eucharistic Congress are behind us, the mission and apostolic effort still continues in the “Walk With One” initiative. The goal is simple: Share the zeal and deepened love for the Eucharist and share it oneon-one with someone you know who feels separated from the Church and the Eucharist. I have written to you many times this past year about the “Walk With One” initiative, and hopefully you’ve heard about it in your parishes, as well. As this third and final year of Eucharistic Revival comes to a close – what the U.S. Bishops have designated the “Year of Mission” – let us join with one another to enkindle a missionary fire in the heart of our nation.
2024 also witnessed the final stage of the Synod on Synodality that Pope Francis began in October 2021 with the celebration of Holy Mass in Rome. I had the honor to concelebrate with the Holy Father at that opening Mass and I am thankful that so many of you participated in the local phase, including the many listening sessions held to elicit your heartfelt feedback.
Finally, I am also pleased to report that this past spring, I was blessed to ordain five new priests for our Diocese, the most since 2002. We certainly have
much to be thankful for in 2025. With 20 seminarians and many others discerning a vocation to the priesthood or religious life. I am ever grateful for your faithful prayers and encouragement for our young to consider this way of giving their lives to the Lord through service of His Church.
As we look ahead at Jubilee 2025 and, of course, the 45th anniversary of our beloved Diocese in 2026, let us look to our Blessed Mother, Mary, and ask that she continue to watch over us, strengthen us, and bring us into an even closer relationship with her Son. We have much to be thankful for, you and I. 2024 was a grace-filled year. As we celebrate 2025, the Year of Jubilee, let us be reminded that, despite our challenges and differences, we are to be “Pilgrims of Hope.”
As Pope Francis has reminded us, “We must fan the flame of hope that has been given us, and help everyone to gain new strength and certainty by looking to the future with an open spirit, a trusting heart and far-sighted vision.” During the Jubilee Year, the Pope invites every one of us to embark on a pilgrimage of hope, so that, “Through our witness, may hope spread to all those who anxiously seek it.” I encourage you to visit our website (diometuchen.org/jubilee-2025) on the Jubilee so you can join in local events during this year of grace, or visit one of our pilgrimage churches in our Diocese to obtain the Jubilee Year indulgence offered by our Holy Father.
I hope that by reading this report, sent to every household in our Diocese, you are encouraged by what we have accomplished together and emboldened to make a difference in the lives of those you encounter each and every day. Please know of my love, prayers and gratitude for you and all you do. It is a blessing serving as your bishop. And, of course, please remember me in your prayers, as well, so I can be the shepherd you need and deserve.
With renewed best wishes, I remain Yours in Christ,
Most Reverend James F. Checchio, JCD, MBA Bishop of Metuchen
The Diocese of Metuchen proclaims the Gospel of Jesus Christ, celebrates the sacraments and exercises His works of mercy so that all might participate in His salvation and discover the lasting joy of a relationship with Him.
The Diocese of Metuchen encompasses the New Jersey counties of Middlesex, Somerset, Hunterdon and Warren.
636,728
tRAnsitionAl deACons 2 seminARiAns 20 men in FoRmAtion FoR the peRmAnent diAConAte
students in pARish FAith FoRmAtion pRogRAms
CAtholiC sChool students FRom pRe-K-8 5,110
2025 Jubilee
Diocesan Pilgrimage to the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception
with Most Rev. James F. Checchio, JCD, MBA, Bishop of Metuchen
DIOCESE OF METUCHEN | SEPTEMBER 20
2025 is the Jubilee Holy Year, the 2,025th anniversary of the Incarnation of Our Lord, an “event of great spiritual, ecclesial, and social significance in the life of the Church.”
Please join Bishop Checchio and hundreds of your fellow parishioners this September in celebrating Jubilee 2025 – in anticipation of the forty-fifth anniversary of the Diocese in 2026 – so that, in the Holy Father’s words, we may “fan the flame of hope that has been given us and help everyone to gain new strength and certainty by looking to the future with an open spirit, a trusting heart and far-sighted vision.”
For those who are unable to travel to Washington, DC, for the Diocesan Pilgrimage, please know that Bishop Checchio, in accordance with the directives of the Holy See, has designated the following sites as sacred places in the Diocese of Metuchen where the faithful may obtain a Jubilee indulgence:
Cathedral of St. Francis of Assisi, Metuchen
Shrine Chapel of the Blessed Sacrament, Raritan
National Blue Army Shrine of Our Lady of Fatima, Washington
National Shrine of St. Lucy Filippini (inside St. Mary of Mt. Virgin Church), New Brunswick
Learn more at: diometuchen.org/jubilee-2025
What’s New
mission in 2023-2024
CatholiC Charities
During fiscal year 2024, Catholic Charities, Diocese of Metuchen, performed 129,442 hours of service and 69,331 Days of Care to their clients. They also served 70,216 individuals in various programs. In February of 2023, CCDOM launched the Mental Health Navigator. The Mental Health Navigator is a free service to assist residents of the Diocese of Metuchen in receiving support and education on how to understand and obtain mental health services and help remove the barriers that often exist when trying to figure out where to start. Current clients of Catholic Charities, prospective clients, parishioners, as well as students who attend schools in our diocese are all encouraged to use the navigator to obtain a better quality of life.
the CatholiC Center at rutgers university
The Catholic Center is a light on the campus of Rutgers University, reaching students in need with the love of Jesus Christ. In 2024, the staff, student leaders and missionaries reached out to hundreds of students with ‘front porch’ hospitality through welcoming events, on campus tabling and our monthly large group meeting, Knight Fire. Led by the Brotherhood of Hope and the Sisters of Jesus our Hope, we built relational and transformative environments for the students and invited them to an encounter with the Lord through our fall and spring retreats, daily Mass and weekly Eucharistic adoration, and deeper formation to a life of missionary discipleship through our households and formation community.
the offiCe for religious and ConseCrated life
The Office for Religious and Consecrated Life’s focus is to assist Bishop James F. Checchio in his evangelization efforts and to give witness to consecrated life as expressed in the vocation of each person as well as in the particular charism of each religious community. In 2024, the office hosted a special Fiat Day for young women in our diocese, many of whom are discerning their religious vocations. Members of consecrated life were also invited, for the first time ever, to take part in a Virtual Encounter for All Members of Consecrated Life in the United States. This extraordinary event encouraged consecrated men and women in each country to mark the 2025 Jubilee Year of Hope in a special way during the World Day of Consecrated Life.
the offiCe of CommuniCations and PubliC relations
The Office of Communications and Public Relations continues the work begun in 2022-2023 of highlighting the good works of the Diocese through its various print and online platforms. The Catholic Spirit, the official newspaper of the Diocese, continues to thrive, winning several awards at the Catholic Media Conference, including Best Front Page - Diocesan Newspaper. The office has also expanded its online presence, creating and maintaining a number of new social media platforms in an effort to engage new audiences. The office also partnered with the Office of Stewardship and Development to create a series of short videos highlighting the various diocesan offices and how they are meeting the needs of the faithful.
the offiCe of disCiPleshiP formation for Children
The Office of Discipleship Formation for Children has been busy in 2024, launching a diocesan partnership with Franciscan University’s Catechetical Institute, which provides for unlimited use of the Franciscan at Home ministry formation platform for all ministry leaders and teams in the Diocese of Metuchen, including: PCLs, catechists, parents, marriage ministers, OCIA teams, Youth Ministers, Young Adult ministers, Hispanic Ministry leaders, and Catholic school teachers and administrators. There are currently about 360 learners using the platform. The office also developed and began implementation of a diocesan Catechist Certificate program, which includes both in person sessions and workshops on the Franciscan at Home platform.
the offiCe of evangelization
The Office of Evangelization has never been busier. This past May, we welcomed the “Perpetual Pilgrims” of the National Eucharistic Pilgrimage to the Diocese. The office also organized a pilgrimage to Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis for the first National Eucharistic Congress in 83 years, joining 70,000 people from all over the country. Inspired by the third and final year of the National Eucharistic Revival, the Diocese also hosted an Evangelization Workshop this past fall, encouraging each and every parishioner to “Walk With One” during this Year of Mission. Last but not least, the office hosted a series of leadership summits for men, in the hope of establishing ministry to men in each and every parish in the Diocese.
the offiCe of family life ministry
The Office of Family Life Ministry continues to minister to families at all ages and stages. In 2024 alone, the office helped over three hundred engaged couples go through our “God’s Plan for Joy-Filled Marriage” program. The office also had more couples express interest in learning about Natural Family Planning and connecting with NAPRO providers than ever before. Our Silver and Gold Anniversary Celebration included more than eighty couples, including those celebrating 5-year anniversaries for the first time ever. Our Separated and Divorced Group continues to thrive and our new Life-Giving Wounds support group for adult children of divorce, which began this year, will be offered annually going forward.
the offiCe of hisPaniC evangelization and Pastoral ministry
Responding to the guidelines and challenges proposed by the USCCB in the National Pastoral Plan for the Hispanic/Latino Community, the Office of Hispanic Evangelization and Pastoral Ministry continues to support our community on its journey toward a deeper relationship with Jesus Christ through the Hispanic Bible School, with more than 150 active students. In October 2024, the first Hispanic Bible Study class graduated 39 students. Partnerships with other institutions, such as Oregon Catholic Press and Catholic Relief Services, as well as ongoing assistance from Episcopal Region III and the diocesan Hispanic leadership team, have allowed the office to respond to the ongoing needs of the Hispanic community in our diocese.
the offiCe of human life and dignity
The Office of Human Life and Dignity held its 23rd Choices Matter Conference in March, featuring a number of nationally recognized speakers. An inaugural New Jersey Statewide Mass for Life was held in Trenton, the state’s capital, in September 2024 with the Cardinal and the Bishops (or their delegates) from the Province concelebrating. Approximately 1200 people from across the state attended the Mass. The Mass was followed by a Rally and then a March through the streets of Trenton to give a public witness to the sanctity of all human life from conception until natural death. The office also held its second annual Feminine Genius Brunch this past October, celebrating the uniqueness of women.
the offiCe of multiCultural ministry
The Office of Multicultural Ministry continues to support the other diocesan offices, pastors, and parish leaders in ministering to culturally diverse populations throughout the Diocese. In 2024, the office began implementation of the National Black Catholic Pastoral Plan of Action, a five-year plan which was issued following the 2023 National Black Catholic Congress. The office has also partnered with the New Jersey Catholic Conference Task Force in working towards Racial Justice. This past spring the office held a Multicultural Mass and Fair. This year’s theme was “Together as One in the Eucharist.” Eleven different cultures participated in this annual event, which featured a wide array of food, native tongues and colorful costumes.
the offiCe of o C ia
This past year witnessed the publication of the new translation of the Order of Christian Initiation of Adults, a process that was first approved in 2021. To aid those involved in OCIA (formerly RCIA), the Diocese hosted a Making Disciples Institute for all OCIA team members at the end of 2023, providing them with a comprehensive overview of the entire catechumenate process. The office continues to partner with the Office of Divine Worship to oversee the Rite of Christian Initiation held each spring at the Cathedral of St. Francis of Assisi. More recently, the Diocese held a formation event for ministry leaders focusing on why a balance of liturgical, catechetical, and pastoral elements is essential to effective evangelization.
the offiCe of PontifiCal mission soCieties
The Office of Pontifical Mission Societies is under the direct canonical jurisdiction of the Pope, who, together with the entire body of Bishops, remind the faithful of their Baptismal call to mission as they gather basic support for more than 1,150 mission dioceses in Asia, Africa, the Pacific Islands and Latin America. In addition to Missionary Cooperation Plan (MCP), which seeks to educate Catholics about current happenings in the mission world today, and the Missionary Childhood Association (MCA), which holds an annual artwork contest each year, the office supports World Mission Sunday, which highlights the outreach of local churches through priests, religious and laity among the poor and marginalized half a world away.
the offiCe of sChools
The Office of Schools assists the Bishop in providing opportunities for the people of God to be formed, informed, and transformed into Disciples of Christ through the ministry of Catholic school education. Through academic excellence and a strong commitment to Gospel values, the twenty-six schools in our Diocese, including four high schools, inspire young minds to grow spiritually and intellectually. Our eight National Blue Ribbon Award winning schools, including this year’s awardee, St. James School in Basking Ridge, exemplify this mission, setting a standard of excellence in Catholic education throughout the Diocese. Together, we nurture future leaders who are prepared to serve with wisdom, compassion, and faith.
the offiCe of voCations
The Office of Vocations exists to support and inspire individuals in discovering and embracing their God-given vocation. Thankfully, the office is experiencing a period of remarkable growth, with many new discerners and applicants joining the journey. Five new priests were ordained to the priesthood in 2024, the most since 2002. This positive trend reflects the enthusiastic efforts of the Vocations Ministry Teams, the supportive parish communities, and our dedicated priests. The office continues to provide essential guidance and resources to those exploring their call to serve. With 20 seminarians and many others discerning a vocation to the priesthood or religious life, the state of vocations is thriving and full of promise for the future.
the offiCe of youth and young adult ministry
The Office of Youth and Young Adult Ministry continues the goal of supporting and initiating youth ministry programs in as many parishes as possible. While holding Diocesan-wide youth events and continuing to encourage collaboration between youth ministers, we are pushing towards the goal of increasing the number of youth present at weekly Mass, as well as an overall increase of faith in Jesus Christ within our young people’s hearts. The office is also focused on re-kindling the liveliness of Young Adult Ministry within the Diocese and of providing a space for young adults to feel connected to other like-minded Catholics, while spreading their love for Christ’s Church. The hope is that the youth and young adults can help synergistically spread their youthful spirits within their Parishes and affect all of those around them.
A FORETASTE OF HEAVEN
Financial Summary
FisCAl yeAR ended June 30, 2024
Healing, Truth and Hope:
A pAstoRAl Response to pAst ABuse
Through our procedures, through our outreach, and through our prayers, the Diocese of Metuchen continues to work to prevent abuse and to facilitate healing for survivors of abuse.
the diocese of metuchen has:
0% oF CRediBly ACCused pRiests in puBliC ministRy *Any accused priest is subject to an extensive and thorough investigation under the scrutiny of Law Enforcement and the Diocesan Review Board, consisting of a survivor of clergy sexual abuse, a former Attorney General and Supreme Court Justice of NJ, a former County Prosecutor, a Superior Court Judge, medical and psychiatric professionals, educators and other qualified professionals.
24/7 AVAilABility to RepoRt ABuse
6,841 Adults who weRe BACKgRound CheCKed And tRAined to ReCogniZe And RepoRt signs oF suspeCted ABuse *Number reported from July 1, 2023-June 30, 2024 and includes priests, deacons, candidates for ordination, educators, employees and volunteers working or ministering to children and young people.
21,848 ChildRen who ReCeiVed Age-AppRopRiAte tRAining to guARd AgAinst ABuse *Number reported from July 1, 2023-June 30, 2024 and includes Catholic school students and students in parish religious education programs.
90 pARish BACKgRound CooRdinAtoRs to FACilitAte BACKgRound CheCKs
26 sChool BACKgRound CooRdinAtoRs to FACilitAte BACKgRound CheCKs
$3.7 million pAid in settlements sinCe the Founding oF the dioCese in 1981; $1.27 million oF thAt wAs pAid thRough the independent ViCtim CompensAtion pRogRAm *No gifts to the Bishop’s Annual Appeal, to Catholic Charities, to Catholic Schools, nor monies given for a specific ministry or apostolate are used to fund settlements. The total funds paid reflects all settlements through June 30, 2024.
More information about the measures in place to prevent abuse in the Diocese can be found by visiting: diometuchen.org/healing
how to RepoRt ABuse
If you suspect abuse by a member of clergy, an employee, or a volunteer for the Catholic Church, please:
Immediately notify local law enforcement
Notify the New Jersey Division of Child Protection and Permanency by calling 1-877-NJ ABUSE (652-2873) or 1-800-835-5510 (TTY/TDD for the deaf), available 24/7
Contact the Diocese of Metuchen’s Director of Child and Youth Protection by calling (908) 930-4558 or visit diometuchen.org/healing to file a report.
how to RepoRt ABuse By A Bishop
In response to Pope Francis’ Motu proprio, Vos estis lux mundi, or “You are the light of the world,” the U.S. Bishops launched the Catholic Bishop Abuse Reporting service, which ensures all levels of Church hierarchy are held to the same level of accountability. A similar independent reporting structure had already been established by Bishop James F. Checchio in the Diocese of Metuchen. Complaints of sexual abuse and related misconduct by bishops can be submitted to the independent service by visiting ReportBishopAbuse.org or by calling (800) 276-1562.
This third-party service does not replace existing reporting systems for complaints against Bishops, priests, deacons, religious brothers or sisters, or lay persons working or volunteering for the Church, which were established in 2002 with the Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People. The reporting of sexual misconduct by anyone in diocesan ministry should continue to be reported in accordance with the Diocese of Metuchen’s child protection policy outlined above.
“The implementation of the Catholic Bishop Abuse Reporting service reaffirms the commitment of Bishop Checchio and his brother bishops to live according to the Gospel and to place themselves under the same high standards applied to their priests, deacons, and lay personnel,” said Anthony P. Kearns, Chancellor for the Diocese of Metuchen. He further said, “This service is another step forward in ensuring accountability is maintained on all levels and is the latest in a long history of actions taken by the Diocese of Metuchen to ensure protection of all of the faithful.”
“We are journeying together in woundedness, but we will find healing, mercy and hope in the only One who can offer them to us: our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ!”
–Most
Reverend James F. Checchio, JCD, MBA, Bishop of Metuchen diometuchen.org/healing
In celebration of the fifth anniversary of our diocesan consecration to Jesus through Our Lady of Guadalupe in December 2024, the Diocese of Metuchen embarked on a collective reflection and celebration of the profound ways in which the Holy Spirit has been moving within our four counties (Middlesex, Somerset, Hunterdon and Warren).
Beginning in December 2023, with the Office of Evangelization, the Diocese of Metuchen sought to spotlight the unity of the Body of Christ, recognizing and cherishing the diverse ways in which the Holy Spirit operates within our community. By doing so, we hoped to foster a deep sense of connection and shared purpose among the faithful, strengthening the bonds that make us a vibrant Church - Together.
As the third and final year of Eucharistic Revival - the Year of Mission - draws to a close, let us, once again, collectively turn our hearts and minds back to Our Lord, rediscovering the wellspring of His saving love that has sustained us throughout these years of renewal. May our return to the Blessed Sacrament be a testament to our commitment to communion.
As we turn our attention to 2025 –the Year of Jubilee – we encourage you to reflect on what we have accomplished together. By watching, or rewatching, these videos - some twenty-four in all - we hope that you will be reminded of the enduring grace that flows through our diocese. As we look to the forty-fifth anniversary of our Diocese in 2026, may we remain united in our love of Our Lord and for one another and renew ourselves as “Pilgrims of Hope.”
As ‘One Church,’ let us pray to the Lord!
Prayer is needed now more than ever. Let us know how we can pray for you today. Your intentions will be lifted up in prayer by the religious of our diocese.
submit your prayers at www.diometuchen.org/prayerrequests
Learn more about the ‘One Church Together’ Campaign at www.diometuchen.org/onechurchtogether