March 5, 2020

Goals of this year’s Bishop’s Annual Appeal, pages 13-16

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Bishop James F. Checchio makes the sign of the cross with ashes on the forehead of Sydney Wellington, a senior at Mount Saint Mary Academy, Watchung, at Mass in the school’s chapel Ash Wednesday. Ashes symbolize penance, mourning and mortality.

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Hearts Aflame

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Move heart closer to Christ during holy time of grace

UP FRONT

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

Bishop James Checchio “Reconciliamini Deo ” (2 Corinthians 5:20) I am not sure if Pope Francis got his idea for the theme of his Lenten message for this year from my episcopal motto, but he has certainly made my task of writing my own message to you much easier!

After much prayer and thought, I chose the phrase that Saint Paul used in his Second Letter to the Corinthians — “Be reconciled to God” — as the motto for my episcopal service. It was a phrase that kept coming back to me in the Year of Mercy in which I was ordained your bishop. It is

an encouragement that really sums up the wrote that we are to be reconciled to God season of Lent, doesn’t it? We are called by keeping our gaze on Christ, especially to return to God with our on His wounds while whole hearts and assist hanging on the Cross. ReMay this Lenten others in doing so as well. flecting on Jesus’ wounds On Ash Wednesday, season renew our and His arms outstretched we were invited to apus, helps us to know utter dependence for proach the altar to have and experience more fully a cross traced on our on God so that we God’s Mercy. It also helps foreheads as a mark of us to be sensitive to the might strive more wounds of others, and our repentance. We were encouraged to begin anew perfectly and faith- how we can be merciful on the road of conversion, to them, helping others in fully, to “repent recalling our baptismal need, one of the marks of promises by once again almsgiving. and believe in the Lent,Let’s taking up more fully not let this the penitential practices moment of grace pass Gospel.” highlighted in our Gospel us by. Generously, we for that day: those acts of should strive to take up fasting, almsgiving, and more frequent the Pope’s call and focus more on Christ prayer, which all hopefully will help us to this Lent, drawing ourselves closer to keep our focus more on Christ.

Him who loves us. Think of something In his Lenten message, Pope Francis you can do to move your hearts closer to

Christ during this holy season of grace: perhaps by more engaged participation in Sunday Mass, taking a few extra minutes for prayer each day, looking daily at the crucifix and seeing God offering Himself for us, so that we could be reconciled to the Father. May this Lenten season renew our utter dependence on God so that we might strive more perfectly and faithfully, to “repent and believe in the Gospel.”

This Lent, I pray that we may truly “be reconciled to God” and that He may use us to be instruments of reconciliation with one another. Blessed Lent everyone!

Know of my prayers and love for you, and please pray for me, too.

tually a form of penance, which helps us turn away from sin and toward Christ.

4. It’s a time to work on discipline.

The 40 days of Lent are also a good, set time to work on personal discipline in general. Instead of giving something up, it can be doing something positive. “I’m going to exercise more. I’m going to pray more. I’m going to be nicer to my family, friends and coworkers.”

5. It’s about dying to yourself. The more serious side of Lenten discipline is that it’s about more than self-control – it’s about finding aspects of yourself that are less than Christ-like and letting them die. The suffering and death of Christ are foremost on our minds during Lent, and we join in these mysteries by suffering, dying with Christ and being resurrected in a purified form.

6. Don’t do too much. It’s tempting to make Lent some ambitious period of personal reinvention, but it’s best to keep it simple and focused. There’s a reason the Church works on these mysteries year after

ing Lent, we should be renewed in our compassion for those who are hungry, suffering or otherwise in need. The third part of the Lenten formula is almsgiving.

It’s about more than throwing a few extra dollars in the collection plate; it’s about reaching out to others and helping them without question as a way of sharing the experience of God’s unconditional love.

10. Learn to love like Christ. Giving of ourselves in the midst of our suffering and self-denial brings us closer to loving like Christ, who suffered and poured himself out unconditionally on the cross for all of us. Lent is a journey through the desert to the foot of the cross on Good Friday, as we seek him out, ask his help, join in his suffering, and learn to love like him.

Bishop David L. Ricken of Green Bay, Wisconsin, is the former chairman of the Committee on Evangelization and Catechesis.

10 things to remember for Lent...

Bishop David L. Ricken 1. Remember the formula. The Church does a good job capturing certain truths with easy-to-remember lists and formulas: 10 Commandments, 7 sacraments, 3 persons in the Trinity. For Lent, the Church gives us almost a slogan — Prayer, Fasting and Almsgiving — as the three things we need to work on during the season.

2. It’s a time of prayer. Lent is essentially an act of prayer spread out over 40 days. As we pray, we go on a journey, one that hopefully brings us closer to Christ and leaves us changed by the encounter with him.

3. It’s a time to fast. With the fasts of Ash Wednesday and Good Friday, meatless Fridays, and our personal disciplines interspersed, Lent is the only time many Catholics these days actually fast.

And maybe that’s why it gets all the attention. “What are you giving up for Lent?

Hotdogs? Beer? Jelly beans?” It’s almost a game for some of us, but fasting is ac-

Catholic Spirit

MARCH 5, 2020

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year. We spend our entire lives growing closer to God. Don’t try to cram it all in one Lent. That’s a recipe for failure.

7. Lent reminds us of our weakness. Of course, even when we set simple goals for ourselves during Lent, we still have trouble keeping them. When we fast, we realize we’re all just one meal away from hunger. In both cases, Lent shows us our weakness. This can be painful, but recognizing how helpless we are makes us seek God’s help with renewed urgency and sincerity.

8. Be patient with yourself. When we’re confronted with our own weakness during Lent, the temptation is to get angry and frustrated. “What a bad person I am!”

But that’s the wrong lesson. God is calling us to be patient and to see ourselves as he does, with unconditional love.

9. Reach out in charity. As we experience weakness and suffering dur-

The Most Reverend James F. Checchio, JCD, MBA Bishop of Metuchen

The Bishop’s Schedule March 7 5 p.m. Mass at St. Stephen Protomartyr Church, South River March 8 9 a.m. Mass at Immaculate Conception Church, Somerville March 8 11 a.m. Mass at Our Lady of Mercy Church, South Bound Brook March 9 8 a.m. Clergy, Consecrated Life and Vocations Meeting, Washington, DC March 10 -11 8 a.m. United States Conference of Catholic Bishops Administrative Committee Meeting, Washington, DC March 18 11:45 a.m. Lenten Day of Recollection for Priests at St. John Newman Pastoral Center, Piscataway – private event March 19 10:20 a.m. Mass at Saint Joseph High School, Metuchen March 19 1 p.m. Priest Personnel Meeting – private event March 20 5 p.m. Confirmation at St. Mary-Stony Hill Church, Watchung March 21 11 a.m. Mass at St. Joseph Senior Home, Woodbridge For updates on Bishop Checchio's schedule visit: https://diometuchen.org/bishop-schedule

Correction

In a story on page 11 of the Feb. 6 edition of “The Catholic Spirit,” Sue Hoffman should have been referred to as a former registered nurse.

of the

Last issue's image...

— John Batkowski photos

nity despite their struggles, through melodies reflective to Kenya, the Caribbean, Nigeria, and American Gospel music, the entire church community resounded in multilingual harmonies. The St. Matthias Diversity Choir, led by Joan Best Seamon, director of sacred music at the parish, and the Umoja Imani Gospel Choir, conducted by Aaron Brown, led the congregation in sung praise.

The faithful stood and swayed in their pews along with the Kenyan Catholic worshippers, clad in brilliant blue outfits and headdresses embossed with “Pray Without Ceasing.”

The dancers rhythmically marched the Book of the Gospels toward the celebrants while singing “Let the Gospel go forth. It burns, it’s effective, it’s hot” in the Kiswahili tongue.

The singing of gospel tunes prompted spontaneously uplifted hands and cries of “Yes, Lord!” as the choir shared their talents at Communion.

In his homily, Father Kariuki shared the conversation he had had with fellow delegates to the recent National Black Catholic Congress in Baltimore wherein they had been surprised at the small number of active black Catholics in our diocese.

“There is so much joy in our celebration,” the priest said. “Deacon Continued on page 6

The image, which was featured on page 3 of the Feb. 20 issue of The Catholic Spirit, can be found at Nativity of Our Lord Parish, Monroe Township

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MARCH 5, 2020

Kenyan Catholic dancers were among those who came to worship at the Mass at St. Matthias Church. The St. Matthias Diversity Choir, led by Joan Best Seamon, director of sacred music at the parish, and the Umoja Imani Gospel Choir, conducted by Aaron Brown, led the congregation in sung praise.

Candles are lit during the intercessions at Mass at St. Matthias Church to observe Black History Month.

THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT

ebrated. Deacon Enock Berluche Sr., who exercises his ministry St. Philips and St. James Parish, Phillipsburg, SOMERSET — Though the liturgical assisted.

Father Kariuki and Deacon Bercalendar declared Feb. 16 the Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time, the eve- luche serve as co-coordinator of the diocesan African Amerining’s Mass in St. Matthcan, African and Caribias Church was anything "It is a blessing bean Apostolate. but ordinary. Instead, the “It is a blessing to be preaching, prayers, nato be here. We here,” Deacon Berluche tive costumes and, above said to the congregation. all, the music, blended are the fulfill“We are the fulfillment of into a diverse yet unifyment of Christ’s Christ’s prayer, ‘Father, ing celebration of black let us be one.’” history and Catholic prayer, ‘Father, At times during the faith. let us be one.’” uplifting multilingual Principal celebrant celebration of faith, it of the liturgy, which — Deacon Enock was difficult to deterdrew faithful from Berluche Sr. mine where the members throughout the diocese, of the choirs or dancers was Father Alphonsus ended and the congregaM. Kariuki, pastor, St. John the Evangelist Parish, Dunellen. tion began. From the first notes of Father Abraham Orapankal, adminis- “Lift Ev’ry Voice and Sing,” which trator of St. Matthias Parish, concel- details the faith of the black commuBy Christina Leslie Correspondent

SPECIAL FEATURE

can it be found?

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Image ek e W Where in the diocese

4 OUR DIOCESE

What’s at heart of Jesus’ dialogue with woman at well? situation but in order to appreciate this, we need a brief history of Israel. After the death of King Solomon in 920 BC, the country of Israel was divided among his sons into two kingdoms: Samaria in the north, Judah in the south. While the inhabitants of both lands were once one, they would become estranged from one another because when the northern kingdom had been invaded by the Assyrians in 721 BC, the southern kingdom of Judah stood by and did nothing. Likewise, when Judah had fallen into the hands of their invaders, the Babylonians in 587 BC, Samaria did nothing to assist these captives. Consequently, there was an abiding hostility between the Jews of the North and the Jews of the South.

In the Gospel, we find Jesus, who was born in the southern kingdom, which the Romans now governed and called “Judea,” speaking with a woman from the northern kingdom of Samaria. This was unheard of in Jesus’ day since the two lands were adversarial. In addition, what we find is a compassionate Jesus who enters into dialogue with and instructs a woman who had been wounded, not by gunfire, but by love — not once

but five times.

Sometimes, we can become belligerent like Jesus’ disciples who, as southern Jews, had no use for their northern kin. We can find ourselves at odds with people because, like all humans, we don’t like some individuals, be these certain relatives, political figures, or maybe our next door neighbors. Maybe we don’t like those who have a foreign accent, those who wear turbans, yarmulkes or saris, those who are transgender or homeless.

Jesus encourages us to surrender our armor of bigotry and don the garment woven of love and mutual respect, for the common good, for the sake of a society unified by peace, justice and love. These are the building blocks which lead others to sense the presence of the one, true God, whose gift of eternal life knows no boundaries, nor does it exclude people based on skin-color, sexual orientation, primary language or creed. Madras did this with Capt. Correlli. Jesus did this with the woman from Samaria. We are called to do the same.

Fr. Comandini is managing editor of “The Catholic Spirit.”

of each of his children, from the dutiful myself be deceived; in a thousand ways son who never leaves his father’s side to I have shunned your love, yet here I am the prodigal returning home after squan- once more, to renew my covenant with you. I need you. Save me once again, dering his inheritance.

I have noticed how often Pope Lord, take me once more into your redeeming embrace.’”

Francis uses action The pope conwords like embrace to cludes with this pasdescribe God’s attitude Pope Francis has sage: “How good it toward us, and the efalso spoken of forts he wishes us to feels to come back to make in the world today him whenever we are how evangelizalost! ... God never tires as Christ’s disciples. tion should be a of forgiving us; we are The pope often speaks

By Sister Constance Veit, l.s.p. the ones who tire of of going out to the pematter of making ripheries, of reaching seeking his mercy.”

Elsewhere he out to those on the marour peers more writes, “Time and time These words, from the third chapter gins of society and of aware that they again he bears us on of Ecclesiastes, were so popular a few stooping down to emhis shoulders. No one decades ago that they inspired the lyr- brace those who have live in the midst can strip us of the digics of both a hit folk song and a popular fallen by the wayside of of two divine our fast-paced world. nity bestowed upon us Broadway show tune. by this boundless and The passage continues, “a time to He also speaks embraces. unfailing love. With a give birth and a time to die; a time to of God’s redeeming tenderness which never plant and a time to uproot the plant … embrace of us, despite disappoints, but is ala time to scatter stones and a time to our sins and failings. gather them; a time to embrace and a “Whenever we take ways capable of restora step towards Jesus,” he wrote, “we ing our joy, he makes it possible for us time to be far from embraces.”

I believe that at its heart, Lent is a come to realize that he is already there, to lift up our heads and to start anew.”

That’s really what Lent is all about: season for embraces. It is a privileged waiting for us with open arms. Now is time to reflect on God’s loving embrace the time to say to Jesus: ‘Lord, I have let returning to God so that he may restore us in his love.

These passages from our Holy Father reminded me of a lesson I learned If you were sexually abused by a member of the clergy or anyone representing the Catholic Church, or you from a Little Sister many years ago.

I was a novice in our community know of someone who was, you are encouraged to report that abuse to local law enforcement, the New at the time and we were reaching the Jersey Division of Child Protection and Permanency at 1-877-NJ ABUSE (652-2873) or 1-800-835-5510 end of Lent. The Little Sister who di(TTY/TDD for the deaf), and also the Diocesan Response Officer at (908) 930-4558 (24 hours/7 days a week). rected the singing and taught us about liturgy arrived at our music practice one For more information on how to report abuse, visit our diocesan website: Sunday evening and told us she had just https://diometuchen.org/healing

scrapped everything she had planned for the coming week’s liturgies because in prayer it had suddenly struck her that what we should sing about as Lent reached its climax was God’s unbelievable love in giving his life for us.

She then taught us the classic hymn, “What Wondrous Love Is This,” and that became our anthem throughout Holy Week.

Pope Francis has also spoken of how evangelization should be a matter of making our peers more aware that they live in the midst of two divine embraces.

“The Christian identity, as the baptismal embrace which the Father gave us when we were little ones, makes us desire, as prodigal children — and favorite children in Mary — yet another embrace, that of the merciful Father who awaits us in glory.”

These are beautiful images for Lent.

Finally, Pope Francis has spoken of intercessory prayer as a fraternal embrace. “Intercessory prayer is an expression of our fraternal concern for others, since we are able to embrace their lives, their deepest troubles and their loftiest dreams.”

During this Lent, let’s enfold others — especially those who seem furthest from God’s love — in an embrace of prayer and active, practical love. And let’s allow ourselves to savor God’s loving embrace, despite our sins and faults. Together, let’s sing of God’s wondrous love!

Sister Constance Veit is director of communications for the Little Sisters of the Poor.

Last night, I watched a movie entitled “Captain Correlli’s Mandolin.” There I was amazed to find a minor theme which dovetails a major lesson projected through the Gospel account of the woman at the well.

Body & Soul

By Father Glenn J. Comandini, STD In the movie, situated on a Greek island during World War II, we find the Italian army, led by Nicholas Cage as Capt. Antonio Correlli. At this time in history, Mussolini and Hitler were allies.

As such, after taking Albania, the Italians descended into Greece so, naturally, we find bitterness between the Italian soldiers and the villagers. This is underscored by the bitter attitude of a Greek physician’s daughter, portrayed by Penelope Cruz. In the film, she initially spurns the romantic advances of the musically-gifted Capt.

Correlli because he is too light-hearted

about the seriousness of war. It seemed his soldiers were more interested in having a good time than in fighting.

As we know from European history, as the tide of WW II rose, the Germans would turn on their former allies, the Italians, and it is at this juncture that Capt.

Correlli and his men join forces with the small Greek troops, led by Penelope’s fiancé, Madras. Even though Madras was aware that Penelope was enamored by the charming Capt. Correlli, these enemies put aside their former hatred for one another in order to secure peace and justice for Greece. Together, they even try to defeat the Germans.

Well, the plan fails but the most striking moment was when the Germans open fire on the Italian soldiers in Greece, leaving all dead except one: Capt. Correlli. The redemptive theme surfaces as, later, Madras, finds Correlli barely alive and carries him back to his fiancé’s home where her father tends to his wounds. In time Correlli heals and returns to Italy. This life was saved by his former enemy, Madras.

In the Gospel account of the woman at the well, we will find an analogous

Lent is season to reflect on God’s loving embraces Over time, certain passages of Scripture reach beyond the realm of the sacred to find a place in our culture’s lexicon of colloquial expressions. “To every thing there is a season” is an example of such a passage.

MARCH 5, 2020

THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT

Year of Consecrated Life

How to report abuse

Bishop Jacob Angadiath of the Syro-Malabar Catholic Eparchy of St. Thomas of Chicago, center, prepares to concelebrate a Divine Liturgy with bishops of the Eastern Catholic churches in the United States at the Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls in Rome Feb. 17. The bishops were making their “ad limina” visits to the Vatican to report on the status of their dioceses to Pope Francis and Vatican officials.

— CNS photo/Paul Haring

ROME — While the Eastern Catholic churches have different liturgies that highlight centuries-old cultural and religious traditions, they all remain united in their commitment to serve Christ and his church, said Bishop Jacob Angadiath of the SyroMalabar Catholic Eparchy of St. Thomas of Chicago. Bishop Angadiath told “Catholic News Service” Feb. 17 that celebrating the Divine Liturgy at the Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls in Rome with other Eastern Catholic bishops from the United States “is something very special that shows the beauty of the Church in its different cultural customs and religious

vestments.” “We are pleased to be joined [together], to be of one body and mind, to pray together, work together and build the kingdom of God here on earth,” he said. Celebrating the Divine Liturgy at the basilica, the bishops of the Ukrainian, Ruthenian, Maronite, Melkite, Syriac, Syro-Malabar, Armenian and Romanian Catholic Churches began the first day of their “ad limina” visits to report on the status of their dioceses. Three Indian religious sisters, gathered around a microphone, sang traditional Syro-Malabar hymns, their voices echoing throughout the hallowed and ancient church

Vatican diplomats to receive additional training

Pope Francis meets with nuncios from around the world at the Vatican in this June 13, 2019, photo. The pope has asked the Pontifical Ecclesiastical Academy, which trains Vatican diplomats, to add a year of missionary service to the priests’ training.

— CNS photo/Vatican Media

then a doctorate in either canon law or theology. If they already hold a doctorate, then their time at the academy is only two years. In addition to their university courses, the students study diplomacy, Vatican diplomatic relations, languages, international law, papal documents and current affairs.

N.Y. cardinal recalls moments of hope for Cuba HAVANA — At first, the trip seemed daunting: an 11-hour drive through the Cuban countryside from Santiago in the southeastern part of Cuba toward the capital of Havana on the other end of the island. But U.S. Cardinal Timothy M. Dolan had his heart set on celebrating Mass at the Shrine of Our Lady of Charity of El Cobre near Santiago, arguably the most sacred space on the island.

To get there, he waited some six hours at the airport in Havana to board an old plane bound for Madrid but making a stop in Santiago. It was the only way to get there because of measures imposed by the U.S. on flights into some cities on the island, including the city closest to El Cobre. Adding to the logistical nightmare, a fuel shortage also brought on by U.S. sanctions nixed the option of returning to Havana by plane. But little deters the archbishop of New York. “At first, we were dreading it,” Cardinal Dolan said of the 545-mile trip, which would cut into precious time of his six-day mission trip Feb. 7-12, his first to the island. “To think that we were able to travel the Cuban version of the Trans-Siberian Railway.” But with his optimism, he took the circumstances as an opportunity. “We had the ability to see people, the homes and the baseball games on the side of the road,” Cardinal Dolan said in a Feb. 11 interview with “Catholic News Service” in Havana.

“As you’re looking out the window, what do you see? You see moms holding

A group of Cubans travels via horse cart Feb. 8 in the countryside outside Santiago, Cuba. Reflecting on the scenes he saw on an 11-hour road trip from Santiago en route to Havana over two days, New York Cardinal Timothy M. Dolan said he was grateful to have witnessed the daily routine of people on the island.

— CNS photo/Rhina Guidos

babies, you see husbands coming home from work with the little horse carts, you see smoke coming from the chimneys, you see neighbors chatting, you see the kids playing. You know, that’s life. That’s how God intended it.”

CRS health official keeps close eye on coronavirus WASHINGTON — The coronavirus has the world’s attention. The disease, which surfaced in China last year, has infected more than 64,000 people and killed at least 1,383 by mid-February.

It has spread to 24 countries and been labeled a global health emergency by the World Health Organization.

Suzanne Van Hulle, the global public health expert for Catholic Relief Services, is paying particularly close attention to the spread of the virus, also called COVID-19, to ensure CRS staff members in Asia are safe. She said she and other CRS officials are monitoring the situation on a daily basis to see where new cases are showing up and would be willing to adjust programming so that staff members are not in contact with the deadly virus. “We are tracking the outbreak closely,” she told “Catholic News Service” Feb. 14 from her Washington office. CRS, the U.S. bishops’ overseas relief and development agency, has programs across Asia but no staff members in China. They have a regional office in Cambodia.

For now, they are encouraging employ-

Suzanne Van Hulle, the global public health expert for Catholic Relief Services, is among those paying particularly close attention to the coronavirus, also called COVID-19, to ensure CRS staff members in Asia are safe.

— CNS photo/Philip Laubner, CRS

ees to be vigilant about hand-washing and to monitor their own symptoms, particularly if they have been near anyone exhibiting signs of the virus.

THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT MARCH 5, 2020

VATICAN CITY — Pope Francis, adopting a suggestion made at the Synod of Bishops for the Amazon, has decided that every priest preparing for service in the Vatican diplomatic corps must spend a year in ministry as a missionary.

In a letter to U.S. Archbishop Joseph S. Marino, president of the Pontifical Ecclesiastical Academy, which trains Vatican diplomats, Pope Francis said the year of missionary service should be added to the academy’s curriculum beginning with students entering in the 2020-2021 academic year. “I am convinced that such an experience could be helpful to all young men who are preparing for or beginning their priestly service,” Pope Francis wrote in the letter released Feb. 17. In a special way, he continued, mission experience would be helpful “for those who in the future will be called to collaborate with the pontifical representatives and, later, could become envoys of the Holy See to nations and particular churches.” Currently students, all already ordained priests, usually spend four years at the academy in central Rome. They earn a license in canon law from one of the pontifical universities in the city and

Compiled from the Catholic News Service

WORLD & NATION

Uniate churches are one in faith, says bishop

5

WORLD & NATION

6 OUR DIOCESE

Black Catholics told: 'Don't let what you have in you tonight dim' Continued from page 3

Enock and myself would like to have a Mass like this once a month or every other month, either here at St. Matthias or at St. John’s, my parish, if this pastor would let us,” to which Father Orapankal smiled and vigorously nodded.

Father Kariuki detailed the struggles blacks brought to this country as slaves had experienced, but added, “We are not here to celebrate our pain-

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ful past, and we are happy to share who we are and what we have.”

Reading a list of names of famous and influential African American business executives, entertainers, sports figures and politicians, Father Kariuki also shared the names of African Americans for whom the Catholic Church was considering sainthood, including the venerable Father Augustus Tolton, first black priest in the United States; philanthropists Venerable Pierre Toussaint and Servant of God Julia Greeley, and Servant of God Sister Thea Bowman, an educator and evangelist.

“Pray for them and to them,” Father Kariuki said. “Let us pray for them to be accepted to the sainthood for the glory of His name.”

The symbolism of fire was invoked at the intercessions were read.

One by one, long tapers inserted into a candelabra were lit as the congregation prayed the “Nguzo Saba” and requested strength to achieve unity, self-determination, collective work and responsibility, purpose, creativity and faith.

“Keep the fire burning when you leave this place,” Deacon Berluche said. “We can overcome racism and division. We must be light and salt.

Don’t let your light dim; don’t let what you have in you tonight dim.”

Attendees took the deacon’s words to heart: choir members broke into song after Mass, while others greeted long-time friends and new acquaintances.

Leslie Perrin chatted happily with family members from Edison she had not seen in a while. The woman, whose ancestors hailed from Botswana said, “Anything like this of African heritage interests me.”

Mennah Saidi journeyed from St. Mary Parish, New Brunswick, to attend the celebration, and expressed her pleasure that such Masses might become a regular occurrence. “I enjoy the fellowship and learning about different cultures,” she said.

Retreat for Women Letting Go and Letting God

Saturday, April 18, 2020 •

8:30 am- 1:30 pm at St. Magdalen de Pazzi Church, 105 Mine St., Flemington

Keynote address: Rachel Bulman Rachel is a regular contributor to the Word on Fire blog, co-hosts a podcast with her husband (School of Humanity), hosts a regular gathering of young adults in her own home, and is working on her first book. She loves facilitating retreats, singing, and speaking on a variety of topics to enrich and renew the Catholic faith.

For more information, please visit: sistersofjesusourhope.org

Clockwise from top, Father Alphonsus M. Kariuki accepts offertory gifts at the Black History Month Mass; Deacon Enock Berluche Sr. addresses the faithful; Father Abraham Orapankal, administrator, St. Matthias Parish, concelebrates the Mass, and Kenyan Catholic worshipers lead the procession.

— John Batkowski photos

Avenel, NJ

WATCHUNG — Members of St. MaryStony Hill Parish lifted their hearts in prayer and gratitude Feb. 2 for about two dozen religious women who have dedicated their lives to God. It was a scene repeated at many other liturgies in the diocese and throughout the world to mark World Day for Consecrated Life.

The special day fell this year on Super Bowl Sunday, so it was a Super Sunday of sorts for the religious women — nearly all with four decades or more of service — from the Sisters of Mercy and the Franciscan Servants of the Holy Child Jesus.

Both communities are within the Somerset County parish’s boundaries.

“We have here today, by my conservative estimate, 1,000 years of dedicated service to all the different needs of God’s people,” said Msgr. William Benwell, pastor, St. Mary-Stony Hill Parish.

The congregation gave the religious a 10-second standing ovation.

“You inspire us, and you honor us, and we profoundly thank you,” Msgr. Benwell added before offering a special blessing.

The congregation again stood, this time with one hand outstretched during the prayer as a show of acclamation and support.

The Mass also commemorated the feast of the Presentation of the Lord, also

Members of the Sisters of Mercy and the Franciscan Servants of the Holy Child Jesus were honored at Mass at St. Mary-Stony Hill Church on World Day of Consecrated Life.

— Ed Koskey Jr. photo

known as Candlemas, when candles are blessed symbolizing Christ as light of the world. In his homily, Msgr. Benwell, who also serves as the diocesan Episcopal Vicar for Canonical Affairs, noted how the religious have shined a special light on others.

He also called on parishioners to live in the light of God rather than the darkness of sin and Satan, referencing Chapter 5 of the Gospel of Matthew, in which Jesus said, “You are the light of world.”

“And it’s more than just in our potential,” said Msgr. Benwell. “It is our calling.

It’s what we’re supposed to do as Christians.”

At a reception, Sister Antonia Cooper, who has been with the Franciscans for more than 50 years, said she came away from the liturgy “filled with grace and God’s blessing.” The Mass and warmth of the parish reminded her that it is about a “connection of love, the relationship with God is love.”

“I feel filled with grace and God’s blessings, and I’ve been so blessed,” said Sister Antonia, who first became interested in consecrated life in the second grade.

“I had the Sisters of Mercy while I was in high school and they had me at ‘hello,’” said Mercy Sister Lisa Gambacorto, a graudate of Red Bank Catholic High and directress, Mount Saint Mary Academy, Watchung.

“They were dynamic, young women who had a great cause and loved God, and I saw such joy in them,” added Sister Lisa, who has served as a religious for 40 years.

Then-Pope, now St. John Paul II instituted the special honor for consecrated religious in 1997 to recognize nuns, monks and hermits who lead a contemplative life, as well as to show appreciation to the religious. On the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops’ website, Bishop James F. Checchio, chairman of the bishops’ Committee on Clergy, Consecrated Life, and Vocations, restated the importance of the witness offered by those in consecrated life.

“Consecrated men and women are a special treasure in the Church who allow the love of Jesus to become tangible,” the bishop said. “By dedicating their entire lives to following Christ, consecrated persons are particularly able to reach out to those on the peripheries of our society and bring the message of the Gospel to all those in need.”

A wide variety of religious communities serve the diocese in many areas, including spirituality, healthcare, education, legal and social services, prison and parish ministries.

OUR DIOCESE

By Anthony Salamone Correspondent

7

Parish observes World Day of Consecrated Life with special guests

THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT MARCH 5, 2020

8 OUR DIOCESE THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT MARCH 5, 2020

Youth from diocese honored at ceremony, deepen faith at event ing Catholic morals, integrity, service, and leadership.

Youth Day offered a unique opportunity for young people to enjoy fellowMETUCHEN — “Courageous Love” ship with others and to learn about the was the theme at the annual diocesan Church beyond the boundaries of their Youth Day Celebration Feb. 8 at Saint parishes.

“When we thought about what we Joseph High School.

More than 250 students between wanted this day to look like we read a grades seven and 12 from the diocese lot of the Gospel of John,” said Carol gathered in the school’s gymnasium to Mascola, director, diocesan Office of participate in activities, listen to speak- Discipleship Formation for Children, ers and worship at a Mass celebrated by previously known as the Office of Catechism. “In his famous Gospel about Bishop James F. Checchio.

Father Timothy A. Christy, dioc- love we pulled out the theme of courageous love because for esan Vicar General and young people today livModerator of the Curia, "As I was fighting ing in the world and the welcomed the attendees society that we live in with an inspirational admy fear on that it takes courage to be a dress aimed at the high plane and thinking person of faith.” schoolers receiving the In his homily, Saint Timothy Award. about all the things Bishop Checchio spoke Presented by the diocethat could go about the Gospel of san Office of Youth and (2:22-40) to ilYoung Adult Ministry, wrong God already Luke lustrate how the faithful the award is given for can serve others and knew what my “faithfully living out the bring them closer to baptismal promises and path would be from God. call to discipleship.”

“In today’s readCertificates given A to Z, yet here I ing we know that to honorees included was fighting every when Mary and Joseph that wording as well as brought Jesus to the a quote from St. Timostep of the way.”

Temple, Simeon grabs thy: “Do not let anyone —Jonathan Alexander the child, Jesus, and look down on you becalls him a light to the cause you are young, world. Think of that. but set an example for the believers in speech, conduct, love, What is the purpose of light? What does it do? Light helps others to be able to faith and purity” (1 Tm 4:12).

Each honoree also received a 2020 see. What are his desires for us? Be the light that helps others to see what God Daily Devotion Bible Diary.

“The only way to be happy is to wants for us. Give the Lord a chance. give ourselves away,” Father Christy Give him permission. The Lord knit said to the honorees, family and friends. you together in your mother’s womb.

“The gifts that you’ve been given, you He has a plan for each and every one of us. And don’t forget the Lord loves are now called to share them.

“At the end of the day, the most you.”

In keeping with the theme of courimportant thing that you and I have to do is to become a saint — someone who age, keynote speaker Jonathan Alexanrealizes that God is number one and der of Houston and president of Adore they live their life that way all life long. Ministries, a grassroots ministry cenThis is our moment, in this room, that tered on knowing, loving and serving God, captivated the audience with his we respond to becoming a saint.”

Award winner Jessica Krok, a se- account of his first skydive.

“The ascent is like slow torture,” nior in high school, is a youth group member at Mary, Mother of God Par- said Alexander. “As you go higher and ish, Hillsborough. She is a committed higher and higher, it gets colder and Girl Scout and recently earned her Gold colder and colder and the noise from Award for creating a talent showcase for the plane gets louder and louder and Play Unified summer participants. She louder. Then there comes a point when also serves as co-president of a program you are all lined up single file in front of an open door and the instructor puts his that focuses on social inclusion.

“The main criteria [for the award] hand on the shoulder of the first person is that while you’re involved with your in line and asks them if they are ready. church, you’re involved with your com- Next thing you know, whoosh! They are munity,” Krok said. “So, with me, I’m gone. Then the person behind that one, heavily involved with Special Olympics whoosh! Then the person behind them.

Finally, it gets to be your turn and I’m New Jersey.”

Several students also received the telling you when his hand goes on your St. Teresa of Calcutta Award as wit- shoulder and he asks the question everynesses to their faith who work with the thing is a blur. The next thing I remempoor, sick, and homeless while exhibit- ber was hurtling towards the ground

By Debra Stevko Miller and Alex Lowe Correspondents

with the sound of air rushing all around me. I could barely hear the sound of my own screaming. It is chaotic. But then, somehow, you pull the release cord and the chute opens and everything changes in an instant. There is a sudden jerk and you stop falling at breakneck speed and all at once it is peaceful, serene and quiet and you can see for miles in every direction. It is beautiful.

“As I was descending, I wondered what God thinks of us. I mean, doesn’t he ever wonder why we choose to do things our own way when he has a path all laid out for us? As I was fighting my fear on that plane and thinking about all the things that could go wrong God already knew what my path would be

Above, Bishop James F. Checchio (center) consecrates the bread and wine at Mass at Saint Joseph High School, Metuchen, at diocesan Youth Day. Right, keynote speaker Jonathan Alexander, president, Adore Ministries, addresses the attendees. Below, Father Timothy A. Christy, diocesan vicar general and moderator of the curia, welcomes winners of the Saint Timothy Awards and their families. — John Batkowski and Frank Wojciechowski photos

from A to Z, yet here I was fighting every step of the way.”

Attendees of the event included members of parish youth groups and ministries and Catholic high schools.

“The younger ones, many of them came for confirmation retreats or just to enjoy the day and to experience a bigger church,” said Mascola.

“Often, young people feel very alone. They are involved in youth groups, but within their own parish.

They don’t realize that there is a bigger church so events like this give them that opportunity to experience that and realize there are a whole lot of other young people that are like them.”

St. Timothy Award Winners on next page

Metuchen Cathedral of St. Francis of Assisi Parish Carina Gallagher Dominique Liantonio

Annandale Immaculate Conception Parish Amanda Fischer

Saint Joseph High School Evan Ocasio Andrew Repak

Immaculate Conception Parish Bryce Waldmann

Monroe Township Nativity of Our Lord Parish Nicholas Addeo Jackson Zirrith

Avenel St. Andrew Parish Deborah Castro Basking Ridge St. James Parish Anne Kleinle, Meghan Mangini Bernardsville Our Lady of Perpetual Help Parish Laura Aquino Alex Lowdon Bridgewater St. Bernard of Clairvaux Parish Kevin Lauducci Nick Mattia Edison St. Thomas Aquinas High School Bethany Ciccarelli Joseph Dunn St. Matthew the Apostle Parish Jillian Jacinto St. Helena Parish Matthew Kattan, Anthony Masters Hillsborough St. Joseph Parish Madison DeLucia, Michelle Masiello Mary, Mother of God Parish Jessica Krok, Brendan O’Kane Jacob Miller Martinsville Blessed Sacrament Jordan Edwards Kyle OHara

New Brunswick Parish of the Visitation St. John the Baptist Worship Site Jasmine Berrios Ivan Castro St. Mary of Mount Virgin Worship Site Darcy Fruhschein Sophia Sheffmaker St. Theresa of the Infant Jesus Marianne Razzano Joseph Romeo North Plainfield St. Luke Christine Tanko

OUR DIOCESE

Alpha St. Mary Parish Christian Chiulli Carli VanHaute

Recipients of the St. Timothy and St. Teresa of Calcutta awards stand with Father Timothy A. Christy, vicar general and moderator of the curia, at Saint Joseph High School.

— John Batkowski photo Somerville Immaculata High School Michael Blandino Rose Camiola

Watchung St. Mary-Stony Hill Philip Memoli Alexa Mistichelli

Immaculate Conception Parish Gerard Rabulan Haley Rogers

Mount Saint Mary Academy Olivia Tiboni

Three Bridges St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Alexander Sias Logan VanDine

Perth Amboy Blessed John Paul II Parish Fanely Caba

9

Teens receive St. Timothy, St. Teresa of Calcutta Awards at Youth Day

Whitehouse Station Our Lady of Lourdes Danielle Serrao Patrick Vergona

Most Holy Name of Jesus Parish Jessenia Maldonado Phillipsburg St. Philip & St. James Parish Mark Luke Gural Lianna Krouse Plainsboro Queenship of Mary Parish Benjamin Kanter Roan Vadacan Raritan Borough St. Ann Parish Grace Giordano

1050 Long Hill Road, Stirling, NJ 07980

The Sister Servants of Jesus invite our friends, old and new, to visit our charming Gift and Book Shop, featuring a wide array of religious selections for you and your loved ones.

Seven-Day Prayer Intention Candles!

908-647-2766 • www.stshrine.org Hours: M-Sat: 10am - 5pm • Sun: 11am - 3pm

MARCH 5, 2020

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THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT

The Shrine of St. Joseph GIFT & BOOK SHOP

10 OUR DIOCESE

Project Respect Ed teams promote positive youth development

By Kaylynn Chiarello Ebner Correspondent In today’s world where so many youth are facing incredible stress, mental health crises and increased access to drugs and alcohol, it takes more than a village to raise a healthy child. It also takes mentors to help children realize their own self-worth, establish positive goals, and avoid risky behavior.

For the past 30 years, Saint Peter’s University Hospital’s Project Respect Ed educators have taken on this role for thousands of local adolescents. These mentors believe that by teaching students how to identify risky behavior, set positive goals, and make healthy decisions, they will be on the path to avoiding behavior such as smoking, drinking, drug use, and sexual activity.

“Our program is all about developing positive self-worth in children, which affects a host of issues,” said Rosemary Kern, retired manager of Project Respect Ed. Erika Arias, the current manager of the program, agrees: “Not only do we educate the students, but we also connect with them on a personal level.

They open up to us in ways they do not do so with others.”

The seeds of Project Respect Ed

Bishop James F. Checchio poses with, from left, Project Respect Ed staff members Angelina Gomez, counselor; Kaitlin Feeney, counselor; Rosemary Kern, program consultant; Dominique Brown, counselor; Jennifer Sevilla, outreach coordinator, and Erika Arias, manager, at the Respect Life Mass Jan. 19. At the Mass, celebrated at the Cathedral of St. Francis of Assisi, Metuchen, Kern received the diocese’s Pro-Vita Award, given to a person who has promoted the pro-life message in a variety of ways.

— Ed Koskey Jr. photo

were planted in the mid-1980s when St. Joseph of Peace Sister Marie de Pazzi, then president of Saint Peter’s Hospital, asked Kern to help develop

educational programs and services to address the growing teen pregnancy problem. Kern worked with numerous adolescents in the New Brunswick

hospital’s teen pregnancy program, but quickly realized the outreach would be more effective if it reached students in schools before they needed the clinic — and even better, if children were in the middle school grades.

So, with federal grant funding, Kern and her staff developed a curriculum intended for grades six, seven and eight, sought schools’ approval of the curriculum, and brought their educational program to various Catholic schools in the Diocese of Metuchen, a charter school in Plainfield, and the five public schools in New Brunswick.

Depending on the school and the grade, 40 50-minute classes are taught weekly for five to eight weeks by a team of experienced Project Respect Ed instructors. The original schools in which Project Respect Ed held its first classes are still being served, in addition to new schools that were added due to grant support.

What started as an abstinence education program has expanded to include education about positive youth development, addressing issues such as self-worth, values, relationships, media, peer pressure, and, most important, understanding how their behavior and decisions can affect their lives. “We have the gift of seeing the Continued on next page

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MARCH 5, 2020

THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT

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Albert Redondo, left, Grand Knight of Knights of Columbus Council 474, recently presented Redemptorist Father Wojclech Kusek, parochial vicar, St. Philip and St. James Parish, Phillipsburg, with his own chalice. Father Kusek was ordained to the priesthood in Poland in 2004 and served with the Redemptorist Fathers in the Virgin Islands and Argentina before coming to St. Philip and St. James.

— Mike Sheeran photo

drugs affect them,” said Kern, whose students for several years in a row as they husband, Stephen, is director of the move through puberty. We give them the diocesan Office of the Diaconate. skills they need to set boundaries and Classes are often taught in build healthy relationships throughout English and Spanish, which, Kern their lives. We teach them in a non- said, is very important for reachjudgmental way how to make positive ing students of diverse backgrounds. choices,” said Arias.

“Language and culture all factor into For instance, the seventh-grade how an adolescent is dealing with public school curriculum includes these issues,” she explained. the PhotOvoiceS project (emphasis Kern also said open communicaon the word photo), tion between students which garnered naand parents/guardians tional attention from is encouraged and teen health educators. supported with regard “We have the Students take pictures to these important gift of seeing of their experiences topics. “We have in the community that homework that inthe students for play an important role volves students talkin their lives whether ing with their parents. several years in a it’s a family member, We want them to talk row as they move a symbol of faith, or a honestly about how special place in their the family as a whole through puberty. homes. The students is dealing with these We give them the write about these issues,” she stated. “protective factors” According to skills they need in the community, and Kern and Arias, Project the photos are posted Respect Ed is making a to set boundaries in the school to serve huge difference in the and build healthy as a visual reminder of lives of thousands of the support they have local youth. “Our staff relationships in the community. has developed great throughout Keeping the atrelationships with the tention of middle students, particularly their lives.” schoolers with such those who are really —Erika Arias complex and sensistruggling,” said Kern. tive topics is no easy “Students often stay feat. “You can’t just after class to talk about go in there and lecture problems they’re facat them,” Kern stated. “You have to ing. Throughout the course, they gain make the lessons as interactive as pos- confidence that we’re there to support sible.” Activity-based lessons include them and get them to the right people for group conversations, working through help if necessary.” scenarios, watching videos about the Arias agreed, noting, “After the development of an unborn child, and program has ended, the students will even using educational props. “We be exposed to a variety of situations use special goggles that make students throughout their lives, and we give them see what it’s like to be impaired so the skills they’ll need to make healthy they can understand how alcohol and decisions.”

JUNE 8 - 22, 2020

Rome • Assisi • Siena • Pisa • Florence Padua • Venice • Verona • Milan • Alps

Generous Gift The New Jersey Catholic Daughters of the Americas recently presented a $5,000 check to Mercy Sister Dolores Targiano, center in wheelchair, to buy a live television – an interactive system for communications – for the McAuley Hall Health Care Center, Watchung. Pictured from left: Mercy Sister Mary Geis and Mercy Sister Diane Szubrowski; Mary Ellen O’Connor from the Court Mercedes Chapter; Loretta Zimmer, presenting the check, state Secretary for the Catholic Daughters, and Mercy Sister Joyce Marie Riley.

— Mercy Sister Marjorie Smith photo

Pilgrimage to Medjugorje

with the Missionaries of the Most holy eucharist e

MAY 26 – juNe juN ju Ne 5, 2020 Join the Missionaries of the Most Holy Eucharist as we travel from New York to the village of Medjugorje in Bosnia Herzegovina. Holy Mass will be offered daily with Reconciliation, meditation, spiritual direction, healing prayer, adoration and evening services at St. James Church.

We will visit the Divine Mercy Chapel and surrounding communities of Cenacolo, Oasis of Peace and Mothers Village throughout the week.

THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT

SEPTEMBER 14-28, 2020

Sicily • Calabria • Matera • Puglia • Abruzzo • Rome

OUR DIOCESE

TOUR TO ITALY

11

Continued from previous page

MARCH 5, 2020

For more information and to register, please visit our website: www.mostholyeucharist.com Email: info.adoratiopilgrimages@gmail.com

www.italianheritagetours.com • italiantours@aol.com • 1-800-829-2201

Missionaries of the Most Holy Eucharist ADORATIO MSE AD CATHOLIC NY CMYK.indd 1

2/5/20 10:54 PM

12 OUR DIOCESE

Catholic Schools

...grow in faith and knowledge To find a Catholic school visit: diometuchen.org/ find-a-school

Diocese of Metuchen • Office of Schools 732-562-2446

“Come follow me” (Mark 10:21)

Is God Calling you to serve as a priest, deacon or religious sister or brother?

MARCH 5, 2020

THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT

If you think maybe...

Contact the

Office of Vocations: (732) 562-2453 or e-mail: vocations@diometuchen.org

Diocese compliant with policies to protect children and youth The Diocese of Metuchen has received checks and educational awareness proconfirmation from an independent au- grams on recognizing and preventing ditor that it remains in compliance with abuse. data collection requirements for the In the Diocese of Metuchen, the U.S. Bishops’ “Charter for the Protec- Office of Child and Youth Protection tion of Children and Young People.” works together with former county Following the 2018/2019 audit prosecutor Anthony P. Kearns III, period, Bishop James F. Checchio re- Esq., whom was hired as the chancelceived official notice on Jan. 29, 2020, lor to oversee the handling of cases of confirming the Diocese of Metuchen abuse and diocesan archives, amongst is in compliance with the data collec- many other matters in the life of the local Church, to ensure that Charter tion requirements.

The audit data collection proce- standards are continually met. dures were conducted by StoneBridge “While many measures have been taken to strengthen Business Partners, the already effective a consulting firm In the Diocese of protection program headquartered in Metuchen, the Office of enacted by the 2002 Rochester, N.Y., which provides foCharter, we Child and Youth Protec- Dallas must continue to rensic, internal, and compliance auditing tion works together with ask ourselves, ‘what more can we do?’ so services to leading organizations nation- former county prosecutor that we can continue wide.

Anthony P. Kearns III, Esq., to improve our proStoneBridge cesses to keep chilwhom was hired as the — on behalf of the dren, young people United States Conand the vulnerable chancellor to oversee ference of Catholic safe from harm,” Bishops (USCCB), said Doranne Rossitthe handling of cases the USCCB Comer, director, diocesan of abuse and diocesan mittee on the ProtecOffice of Child and tion of Children and archives, amongst many Youth Protection.

No member of Young People, and other matters in the life the clergy who has the National Review had a credible acBoard — conducts of the local Church, to cusation of child Charter compliance audit procedures of ensure that Charter stan- sexual abuse is in ministry in the Diothe nation’s 195 diodards are continually met. cese of Metuchen. ceses.

Since 2003, the The “Charter Diocese has confor the Protection of Children and Young People” — com- ducted 56,000 background checks for monly known as the “Dallas Charter” clerics, employees and volunteers; has — is a comprehensive set of policies VIRTUS trained 38,000 adults to recand procedures established by the US- ognize the signs of abuse and report CCB in June 2002 for addressing sex- them; has trained 574,000 children in ual abuse of minors within the context how to keep themselves safe.

In addition to these measures, of the Catholic Church. The “Charter” also includes guidelines for reconcili- the diocese strongly enforces a zeroation, healing and accountability and tolerance policy; and relies on a reestablishes training and background view board, which consists of nine members: three medical professionals, screening programs.

The firm works with the Secre- two members of the clergy, one former tariat of Child and Youth Protection prosecutor, two former judges and one (SCYP) to develop a comprehensive survivor of clerical sexual abuse.

If you or anyone you know has audit instrument, revise charts used to collect data, and train StoneBridge been harmed in any way, by any staff and diocesan/eparchial person- clergy in the Church, please notify nel on the content, expectations and law enforcement by calling (877) NJ ABUSE and reach out to the Director requirements of the Charter audits.

Each year, the Office of Child and of Child and Youth Protection at (908) Youth Protection submits data related 930-4558.

For more information on the Dioto its work between July 1 and June 30. The diocese participates in an on- cese of Metuchen’s Office of Child and site audit every third year, with the Youth Protection, visit: diometuchen. last on-site audit in the Diocese of org/child-and-youth-protection.

For more information for the Metuchen conducted in 2018.

The audit evaluates each diocese’s Diocese of Metuchen’s response to the efforts to ensure the protection of chil- past sins and crimes of abuse, visit: dren, including criminal background diometuchen.org/healing.

13 BISHOP’S ANNUAL APPEAL

Roman Catholic Diocese of Metuchen

2020 Bishop’s AnnuAl AppeAl

FAith:

CALL THE OFFICE OF STEWARDSHIP AND DEVELOPMENT give AT 732-562-2436 GIVE ONLINE: diometuchen.org online: OR diometuchen.org

Stepping Forward in G r A c e

i

n

A c t i o n

Our shepherd encourages missionary discipleship Dear Brothers & Sisters in Christ,

journey. The next step is for all of us to The Gospel is always a call to the Bishop’s Annual Appeal is a sign first give thanks for this new moment trust in God’s future. I place my trust of your commitment to make present of grace, and for each person in our fully in Him and His love for us. We Jesus promise: “I will be with you aldiocese to consider what more could I want our children, who are our future, ways…” do in my life to love and serve Christ to continue to receive the Gospel mesIt is because of your love for Christ and His Church? sage, through faith and sacramental and the Church that I ask you to join me Without doubt this preparation and quality in Stepping Forward in Faith to make a past year was also a education so they come sacrificial contribution to the Bishop’s In our day, we are to know and love Jesus Annual Appeal in proportion to your very difficult time in the What a blessed time for our Dio- Church, and for us lothe ones who are Christ as truly the savior income, to put Grace in Action. Be ascese! I certainly count it amongst my cally as we have had to of world; the one who sured that every dollar raised, without called to carry blessings in life to be a part of this deal with the aftermath answers the deepest exception, will go to support the minisChurch of Metuchen, and I thank God of scandal from our first questions of the human tries listed in this brochure. forward the misfor all of you each morning. Our Year bishop. This, along with heart. It is our privilege My brothers and sisters, thank you of Spiritual Awakening of Faith con- other sad and disturbsion of Christ and and responsibility to for your faithfulness to God and our tinues to bear much fruit, as we strive ing accounts of sexual take our place in the Mother Mary, as well as to our Church.

His Church....Ours story of the Church to Thank you, too, for your love and supto become even more aware of God’s abuse and it not proplove and desire for us. St. Juan Diego erly being addressed by cooperate with God’s port of me as I work with whatever enis a time to not responded in faith to his encounter with some Church leaders in grace; transforming our ergy and grace God gives me to guide withdraw, but to Our Lady because he had an open heart, the past. In the midst of present moment into op- our local Church to a brighter future. for cleans- I look forward to Stepping Forward in a desire for God and new life in Christ these failures the light more intentionally portunities as a new convert to the faith. This past of faith must still shine ing, healing and re- Faith: to put grace in action with you as December 12th as a diocese we were bright. In our day, we be part of the great newal. We must ensure together we follow Our Lady of Guadaformally consecrated to Jesus through are the ones who are that our seminarians, lupe leading the way to her Son. mission of Christ!

Our Lady of Guadalupe, striking a new called to carry forward deacons and lay lead- With renewed best wishes, I remain the mission of Christ ers receive the proper Yours in Christ, moment of faith and grace for us.

Roman CatholictoDiocese preparation be readyof Metuchen Our preparation for the conse- and His Church. This cration included two pilgrimages: a is why our diocesan consecration was to serve this moment of challenge and walking pilgrimage through some of such a timely moment in our history; we grace. The poor, the disadvantaged and the most beautiful parts of our diocese need the faith of Our Lady, her example the most vulnerable still depend on and a visit to the Shrine of Our Lady of and intercession. Ours is a time to not us to reach out with compassion and Guadalupe in Mexico. With a renewed withdraw, but to more intentionally be help, even amidst our own struggles, Most Rev. James F. Checchio, JCD, CALL THE OFFICE OF STEWARDSHIP AND DEVELOPMENT AT 732-562-2436 ORgift GIVE ONLINE: Bishop diometuchen.org of Metuchen sense of mission, we now continue our part of the great mission of Christ! confusion and even anger. Your to MBA, give online

Bishop James Checchio

MARCH 5, 2020

: diometuchen.org

THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT

2020 Bishop’s AnnuAl AppeAl

14 BISHOP’S ANNUAL APPEAL

Among the ministries supported by the Bishop’s Annual Appeal is vocations and the formation of seminarians preparing to become priests for the Diocese of Metuchen. Pictured above are some of the 22 men, the most ever, completing their journey through the seminary. Left, members of Immaculate Conception Parish, Spotswood, pray the stations of the cross. Parishes receive a rebate of 50 percent of the amount collected over their appeal goal, which is used for the local parish needs.

MARCH 5, 2020

THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT

— The Catholic Spirit file photos

Above, students from Rutgers University, New Brunswick, kneel during an annual spring retreat sponsored by the Catholic Center at Rutgers. Through liturgies, retreats, and service to the community, young adults, inspired by their experiences, often continue to be engaged in their faith after college.

Faithful encouraged to spread Chris

By Thomas J. Smith Bishop James F. Checchio invites all Catholics throughout the Diocese of Metuchen to take a step forward in faith and to put grace into action. This past December, our diocese was consecrated to Jesus through the intercession of Our Lady of Guadalupe.

It was then that Bishop Checchio reminded us that “this is a new moment of faith and grace for us” and that “the next step is for all of us to give thanks for this new moment of grace, and for each person in our diocese to consider what more could I do in my life to love and serve Christ and His Church?”

The 2020 Bishop’s Annual Appeal, under the theme of “Stepping Forward in Faith: Grace in Action,” is an intentional way to continue the many good works that make God known throughout our diocese.

Each year brings new challenges in our faith, families and communities. There are more people who have yet to hear the Good News of the Gospel, more families struggling against the forces of our secular society and too many communities that regularly need economic and social service support.

The Diocese of Metuchen responds to these challenges through more than 25 pastoral, educational and charitable ministries whose primary funding source is the Bishop’s Annual Appeal. The annual campaign impacts thousands of people each day throughout Middlesex, Somerset, and Hunterdon and Warren counties that comprise the diocese.

This year’s appeal begins with confidence in the midst of the recent challenges and tragic news regarding the past sins of clergy abuse. It is your support that we rely

on, so that we can continue to grow and w to be part of the mission of Christ. Your c sacrifice and participation will enable the w diocese to continue to put grace into action o among its many ministries throughout our d four counties. a In his appeal messages, Bishop Chec- t chio says that when we share what we have received with those most in need by giving A gift to the generously to this appeal together we spread will help pro the message of Christ. with the opp We step forward in faith and put grace into acto successfu tion.

The 2020 Bishop’s plete their Annual Appeal was through the launched last month with a letter from and ensure t Bishop Checchio and of our Churc a brochure mailed to households throughout Joseph Illes, the four counties of the last year, ech diocese. The brochure displays a chart showsentiment b ing the allocation and a percentage of the funds “those who c that go towards the varito the app ous ministries. There is a special emphasis on ensuring the the fact that all funds priests tom received for the Appeal will be used, without exception, to provide the services listed in n the brochure. This same information can be v found on the Bishop’s Annual Appeal web- t site at https://diometuchen.org/baa.

This year’s appeal goal is $7.2 million C and parishes that exceed their appeal goal s

15 BISHOP’S ANNUAL APPEAL

st’s message by supporting appeal

Above, children in one of the two Youth Enrichment Services (YES) programs operated

by Catholic Charities, Diocese of Metuchen plant seeds. One of the areas critical to the life of the diocese, Catholic Charities last year helped 51,000 people in need. This year, $1.7 million has been allocated to the agency for the more than 100 programs and services they provide.

MARCH 5, 2020

and received help. In a heartfelt message, the individual says he was only one of the 51,000 people helped by Catholic Charities last year. He tells viewers this was possible “because of the light of Christ in your hearts.”

The second largest allocation of appeal funds will support Vocations and Seminarian Formation. A gift to the appeal will help provide men with the opportunity to successfully complete their journey through the seminary and ensure the future of our Church. Father Joseph Illes, ordained last year, echoes that sentiment but adds, “those who contribute to the appeal are ensuring there will be priests tomorrow.”

Our youth are the future of our diocese. For Catholic students on the New Brunswick campus at Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey, the Catholic Center provides a home away from home.

Through a variety of liturgical and social activities, students are able to grow in the knowledge and practice of faith, experience a sense of service to the community and come to a deeper understanding of their call to discipleship and their responsibilities as Catholic Christians.

The efforts of the Bishop’s Annual Appeal are an invitation to strengthen our relationship with God, one another and our parish communities. Through prayer and sacrifice, we are brought closer together as a Diocesan family. It is these very acts that make us confident that we will be successful in our endeavors and that we will be able to continue to work together to accomplish great things in our diocese.

Thomas J. Smith is director, diocesan Office of Stewardship and Development

THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT

will again receive 50 percent of the amount collected over its goal. Over the next few weeks pastors will speak on the importance of the appeal in their parishes as well as the diocese and lay leaders will give witness about how the appeal has had an impact on their lives.

A key date in this year’s appeal is March 21-22, which is when the In-Pew Weeke appeal end will be conducted.

Parishioners will also be ovide men invited on this weekend portunity to consider their commitment to this effort ully comand have the opportunity to make a pledge to the journey appeal. seminary The brochure as well as this year’s video the future highlight three areas ch. Father critical to the life of the diocese: Catholic ordained Charities, Vocation and hoes that Seminarian Formation and the Catholic Center but adds, at Rutgers University.

Catholic Charities contribute will receive $1.7 million peal are of the appeal’s funds for more than 100 programs ere will be that provide quality sermorrow.” vices to the poor, vulnerable and all people in need. And there is a particular focus on the value of family and the right of every client to be treated with dignity and respect.

This year’s video features a client of Catholic Charities who poignantly tells the story of how he reached out to the agency

At left, Bishop Checchio walks with pilgrims in the “Way of St. Juan Diego, a nine-mile walk in Hunterdon County, in preparation for the diocese’s consecration to Jesus through Our Lady of Guadalupe. Above, Bishop Checchio, center, and Bishop Emeritus Paul G. Bootkoski, second from left, pose with the diocese’s newest priests, ordained last June.

At right, two Sisters of Jesus Our Hope, chaplains at the Catholic Center, join student volunteers for a service project at the local food pantry

16 BISHOP'S ANNUAL APPEAL

How yourForward gift provides support : Stepping in FAith THE CATHOLIC CENTER AT G G r r A A c c e e RUTGERS UNIVERSITY

Catholic Charities, Diocese of Metuchen ii n t ii o n theA Apoorc cand t vulnerable. o n n serving

Ways to Share our GiFts Pledging: Pledging: choosing choosing to to pledge pledge with with your your desired desired payment payment schedule schedule over over time time may may allow allow you you to to be be more more generous. generous. Monthly Monthly reminders reminders will will be be sent. sent.

In life’s journey, there are many turning gift All received from the 2019 Bishop’s Appeal used,

by CheCk: CheCk: Whether Whether your your gift gift is is aa one-time, one-time, paid-in-full paid-in-full gift gift or or an an installment installment of of aa gift by All funds funds the and 2019wrought Bishop’s Annual Annual Appeal will will beTHE used, without without VOCATIONS TObe points, butreceived none as from exciting pledged gift, please make your check payable to: Diocese of Metuchen-Bishop’s Annual exception, to provide the services described below. pledged gift, please make your check payable to: Diocese of Metuchen-Bishop’s Annual exception, the experiences services described below. with pitfallstoasprovide the early of PRIESTHOOD Appeal.

Appeal.

MINISTRY ALLOCATION “You are called to sacrifi ce daily for the college.

For many young adults, it is MINISTRY ALLOCATION gift by

by Credit Credit Card: Card: complete complete your your gift gift and and credit credit card card information information on on your your pledge pledge card card gift  related ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– care. Our Lord the first time awayMinistries from home—a time flock entrusted to your$1,835,000  Youth Youth related Ministries $1,835,000 ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– or visit our secure online giving site at https://diometuchen.org/BAA. or visit our secure online giving site at https://diometuchen.org/BAA. Youth & Young Adult Ministry Youth & Young Adult Ministry of independence, self-discovery and modeled this service for us when He gift of Discipleship Formation for Children of aPPreCiated aPPreCiated StoCk StoCk or or SeCuritieS: SeCuritieS: Federal Federal tax tax laws laws allow allow aa charitable charitable gift Discipleship Formation for Children learning to navigate the issues of an in- washed the feet of His disciples on Holy Catholic Schools deduction for for the the full full market market value value of of stock stock or or securities securities on on the the date date they they are are gifted. gifted. For For Catholic Schools deduction Thursday.” Bishop James F. Checchio’s creasingly complex world. information on making such aa gift, please contact the Office of Stewardship & Development  Catholic Charities & Social Ministry 1,700,000 –––––––––––––––––––––––– information on making such gift, please contact the Office of Stewardship & Development  Catholic Charities & Social Ministry 1,700,000 homily, June 22, 2019 Priestly OrdinaFor young and women on–––––––––––––––––––––––– at 732-562-2436.

732-562-2436.

Basicthe Needs: food,men transitional housing, shelters shelters at Basic Needs: food, transitional housing, tion the New Brunswick campus of Rutgers Counseling Services Counseling Services MatChing Your Your gift: gift: corporate corporate matching matching gifts gifts are are aa great great way way to to maximize maximize your your MatChing A vocation to the priesthood is both University, the&&Catholic Center is an oaChild Maternity Child Care Care Maternity Services Services personal contribution. contribution. Go Go to to www.matchinggifts.com/diometuchen www.matchinggifts.com/diometuchen or or call call 732-562-2436 732-562-2436 for for personal Relief sis. It Emergency is a place&& Disaster of comfort, prayer and challenging and rewarding. A priest is Emergency Disaster Relief Services Services more information. more information.

Social enlightening conversation that enables called to be a witness of Christ. He is a Social Justice Justice  Vocations & Seminarian formation 1,210,000 minister of the sacraments, proclaimer of ––––––––––––––––––––––––– the students to&grow closer formation to God and––––––––––––––––––––––––– 1,210,000  Vocations Seminarian Pastoral 805,000 and stewin with––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– others as they explore the word, teacher of the faith, fellowship Pastoral life life 805,000 ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– You at University You are are invited invited to to join join the the community community of of benefactors benefactors who who provide provide the the leadership leadership that that inspires inspires what itCatholic meansCenter to live their lives as Cath- ard of the Church. He accompanies the Catholic Center at Rutgers Rutgers University others to support the pastoral, educational and charitable ministries of the Diocese Multi-Cultural Ministry others to support the pastoral, educational and charitable ministries of the Diocese of of Ministry olics. Multi-Cultural The standing-room-only liturgies faithful through this world, leading the Metuchen.

Members contribute to the Bishop’s Annual Appeal at the following levels: Hispanic Ministry Metuchen.

Members contribute to the Bishop’s Annual Appeal at the following levels: Hispanic Ministry and retreats spillDignity out onto the campus way to the eternal kingdom of heaven.

Human Life Life & & Dignity circle Discernment of a vocation to the whereHuman theseLife energetic young adults put circle of of steWArDs: steWArDs: $50,000 $50,000 and and above above Bishop’s Bishop’s GuilD: GuilD: $2,500 $2,500 -- $4,999 $4,999 Family Ministries Family Life Ministries cAtheDrA circle: $25,000 $49,999 priesthood requires specialized guidDisciples’ societY: $1,000 -- $2,499 their faith into action through service to cAtheDrA circle: $25,000 $49,999 Ongoing Faith Formation Disciples’ societY: $1,000 $2,499 Ongoing Faith Formation Mitre circle: $10,000 $24,999 ance to navigate the spiritual formation Worship & Liturgical Formation the neighboring community.

Inspired by FiDelis Mitre circle: $10,000 - $24,999 Worship & Liturgical Formation FiDelis societY: societY: $500 $500 -- $999 $999 and academic demands of605,000 the seminary. shepherD’s For their experiences at& Catholic Center,–––––––––––––––––––––––––––  Communications shepherD’s societY: societY: $5,000 $5,000 -- $9,999 $9,999 For 5 5 consecutive consecutive years years  evangelization evangelization &the Communications ––––––––––––––––––––––––––– 605,000 many Evangelization young adults continue to seek While the Diocese of Metuchen has Evangelization The Catholic Spirit newspaper) The Catholicengaged Spirit (diocesan (diocesan newspaper) ways to remain in their renewed been blessed with an increase in the Communications Communications faith when they travel back home again. number of men studying for the priestRite of Initiation for (RCIA) of Christian Christian for Adults AdultsAnnual (RCIA) the hood—currently 22, the most ever—the ►RiteYour gift toInitiation the Bishop’s the legacy legacy society society is is our our way way of of celebrating celebrating the the generosity generosity of of catholic catholic friends friends who who are are proproPledging: choosing to pledge with Priests your desired payment schedule over time may allow  Maria regina residence for retired ––––––––––––––––––– viding  Mariahelps regina residence for retired 495,000 ––––––––––––––––––– viding for for the the future future of of the the church church through through aa planned planned gift. gift. have have you you remembered remembered your your parparexpense of educating and495,000 preparing our Appeal support campus minis- Priests you to be more generous.

Monthly reminders will be sent.  Chaplains 385,000 so, ish, of ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––  hospital hospital Chaplains ish, parish parish school school or or aa ministry ministry of of the the Diocese Diocesein of Metuchen Metuchen in in your your Will Will or or estate estate plan? plan? if if so, –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– try at the Catholic Center at Rutgers future priests is also rising.385,000 please let us know so we can express our thanks for your commitment to advancing the mis Prison Chaplains 95,000 ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– please let us know so we can express our thanks for your commitment to advancing the mis Prison Chaplains 95,000

by CheCk: your gift gift or Annual an installment of a gift ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– ► Your paid-in-full gift to the Bishop’s University, a placeWhether of hospitality andis a one-time, sion of G ryou e at c service t i and o gathering. n sion of the the church church by by honoring honoring youAas as aacmember member ati our ournannual annualAprayer prayer service and gathering.  diaconate 70,000 ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––  Permanent Permanent diaconate 70,000 Appeal will help provide men with the –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– pledged gift, please make your check payable to: Diocese of Metuchen-Bishop’s Annual spiritual growth for students and faculty, opportunity to successfully complete as well as,1% a source of reassurance for Appeal.

1% 1% 1% All funds received from the 2019 Bishop’s Annual Appeal will be used, without their journey through the seminary and 2020 Annual Appeal Goal $7,200,000 parents of young adults.

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P.O. Box 4000, Metuchen, NJ 08840-4000 • 732-562-1990

8% P.O. Box 4000, Metuchen, NJ 08840-4000 • 732-562-1990 $1,835,000  Youth related Ministries ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– 8% of aPPreCiated StoCk or SeCuritieS: Federal tax laws allow a charitable gift CATHOLIC CHARITIES, DIOCESE Youth & Young Adult Ministry deduction for the full market valueGive of stock or securities on the date they are gifted. For OF METUCHEN online: diometuchen.org Give online: Give online: diometuchen.org Give online: diometuchen.org Discipleship Formation for Childrendiometuchen.org The11% hard-working parents of two young information on making such a gift, please contact the Office of Stewardship & Development Catholic Schools 11% children juggle three jobs between them at 732-562-2436.  Catholic Charities & Social Ministry –––––––––––––––––––––––– 1,700,000 24% ends meet. The yet still struggle to make $ Basic Needs: food, transitional housing, shelters 24% bishop’s Million MatChing Your gift: corporate matching gifts are a great way to maximize your bishop’s annual annual Goal Goal Million 17% long working hours at minimum wage Counseling Services 17% personal contribution.

Go to www.matchinggifts.com/diometuchen or call 732-562-2436 for Child Care & Maternity Services are demanding and the constant worry more Emergency & Disaster Relief Services about information. the welfare and safety of their Social Justice children causes additional stress.  Vocations & Seminarian formation––––––––––––––––––––––––– 1,210,000 Catholic Charities, Diocese of  Pastoral life ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– 805,000 Metuchen is fighting poverty on the You are invited to join the community of benefactors who provide the leadership that inspires Catholic Center at Rutgers University frontline with child care programs that others to support the pastoral, educational and charitable ministries of the Diocese of Multi-Cultural Ministry support disadvantaged children and ofHispanic Ministry i n Metuchen.

Members contribute to the Bishop’s Annual Appeal at the following levels: Human Life & Dignity fer some relief for struggling, working Family Life Ministries parents. Through its Youth$50,000 Enrichment circle of steWArDs: and above Bishop’s GuilD: $2,500 - $4,999 Ongoing Faith Formation Services (YES), Catholic Charities opcAtheDrA circle: $25,000 - $49,999 Worship & Liturgical Formation Disciples’ societY: $1,000 $2,499 erates two programs that provide wrap evangelization & Communications ––––––––––––––––––––––––––– 605,000 Mitre circle: - $24,999 FiDelis societY: $500 - $999 around child care:$10,000 one preschool and Evangelization shepherD’s societY: $5,000 -The $9,999 For 5 consecutive years a second for school age children.

The Catholic Spirit (diocesan newspaper) after school services include transportaCommunications Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults (RCIA) tion, homework assistance, enrichment  Maria regina residence for retired Priests ––––––––––––––––––– 495,000 activities and healthy meals through the  hospital Chaplains –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– 385,000 USDA Food Program.

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Roman Catholic Dioce

17

Kids’ Corner:

OUR DIOCESE

A father celebrates his son’s return

By Jennifer Ficcaglia Catholic News Service One day, tax collectors and sinners gathered around Jesus to hear him speak. The Pharisees and scribes were disgusted.

“This man welcomes sinners and eats with them,” they sneered.

Jesus overheard them and decided to tell the parable of the lost son.

There was a man who had two sons, Jesus told the crowd.

The younger son “...let us celebrate with a feast, because this son of mine wanted to leave home, so he was dead, and has come to life again; he was lost, and asked to be given his share has been found.”

— CNS artwork of his father’s estate. The father did so, and the younger son set off for a distant heaven and against you; I no longer decountry. serve to be called your son; treat me as The younger son squandered all of you would treat one of your hired workhis money. Afterward, a famine struck ers,” the younger son said. the country, and he could not afford to Instead, the father told his servants support himself. to bring a fine robe, sandals and a ring He found work tending swine for a for his son. local farmer. He was so hungry that he “Take the fattened calf and slaughwas tempted to eat the pigs’ food. ter it,” the father ordered. “Then let us Suddenly, the younger son came to celebrate with a feast, because this son his senses. of mine was dead, and has come to life “How many of my father’s hired again; he was lost, and has been found.” workers have more than enough food to The older son, who always had eat, but here am I, dying from hunger,” done everything his father had asked, he said to himself. was angry that his wayward brother was The younger son decided to return being celebrated. home. He planned to admit his sinful“My son, you are here with me ness to his father. always; everything I have is yours,” the While he was still a long way off, father said to his older son. “But now we his father caught sight of him coming must celebrate and rejoice, because your home and ran to embrace and kiss him. brother was dead and has come to life “Father, I have sinned against again; he was lost and has been found.”

Renewed Vows Father Marco A. Cáceres presided at a Mass on World Marriage Day, Feb. 22, at St. Joseph Church, Bound Brook. During the Mass, more than 45 couples renewed their wedding vows. The ceremony was organized by the diocesan offices of Hispanic Evangelization and Family Life. Husbands also gave roses to their wives. Participants attended with their families and received a special blessing from Father Cáceres, a retired priest who lives at The Maria Regina Residence, Somerset. A reception was held after the Mass.

— Frank Wojciechowski photos

READ MORE ABOUT IT: Luke 15

Q&A 1. What did the younger son want from his father?

2. Why was the father excited to see the younger son return home?

______ 1. Joseph was Israel’s favorite son. (verse 3)

______ 2. Joseph’s brothers hated him because of his dreams and the bad reports he made about his brothers. (verses 2 & 8)

______ 3. All of Joseph’s brothers agreed to kill him. (verses 20-22) by a wild beast. (verses 28-33)

MARCH 5, 2020

______ 4. Joseph’s brothers let Israel believe Joseph had been killed

THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT

PUZZLE: Below are sentences about another lost son, Joseph, the son of Israel (Jacob). Put a T next to the sentences about Joseph that are true and an F next to the ones that are false. Hints from Genesis 37 have been provided.

Answers: 1. T; 2. T; 3. F; 4. T

OUR FAITH

18

Feast of Presentation/ Mass in Latin We just celebrated the feast of the Presentation of the Lord, but in our parish there was no blessing of candles. I am aware that in some other parishes, the faithful are permitted to bring their own candles to be

Q

Pope Francis

AUDIENCE

Question Corner

February 19, 2020 Dear Brothers and Sisters: In our continuing catechesis on the Beatitudes, we now consider the third Beatitude: “Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth” (Mt 5:5). Scripture uses the term “meek” for the poor and the dispossessed of the land. Jesus’ statement that the meek will inherit the earth can thus seems contradictory.

Yet the Lord tells us that the meek will inherit the earth. The Beatitude ultimately points us to the heavenly homeland promised to the children of God. For Jesus, the meek are those who have learned to guard the territory of their relationship with God and preserve his gifts of peace, mercy and fraternity. Sin can destroy this inheritance, for the hatred and division that flow from sin are destructive. Meekness, on the other hand, preserves this inheritance, enables it to grow and wins the hearts of others by love, kindness and friendship. By imitating the meekness of Christ, may we help to extend his kingdom and come to receive the inheritance promised to us by the Beatitude.

By Father Kenneth Doyle blessed along with the candles that the parish is going to use for the year.

A young priest in our parish said that the blessing was designed to be a communal event where everyone carries a small candle in procession; he said that since our parish struggles financially, we could not afford to do this and so the blessing was omitted.

Please clarify what is proper. (Richmond, Va.) The feast of the Presentation of the Lord is celebrated 40 days after Christmas and marks the time when Mary and Joseph brought the infant Jesus to the Temple to be dedicated to the Lord, as was the Jewish custom for the firstborn male.

Since at least the 11th century, the blessing of candles has been a regular part of this feast. The solemnity of that blessing may vary, and it may or may not include a procession of the faithful. More often, in

A

THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT MARCH 5, 2020

O my God, I am heartily sorry for having offended Thee, and I detest all my sins because of Thy just punishments, but most of all because they offend Thee, my God, Who art allgood and deserving of all my love. I firmly resolve, with the help of Thy grace, to sin no more and to avoid the near occasions of sin.

OR My God, I am sorry for my sins with all my heart. In choosing to do wrong and failing to do good, I have sinned against you whom I should love above all things. I firmly intend, with your help, to do penance, to sin no more, and to avoid whatever leads me to sin. Our Savior Jesus Christ suffered and died for us. In his name, my God, have mercy.

Priests are permitted to celebrate Mass in the Latin language. In

fact, the Second Vatican Council’s Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy said: “The use of the Latin language is to be preserved in the Latin rites. But since the use of the mother tongue, whether in the Mass, the administration of the sacraments or other parts of the liturgy, frequently may be of great advantage to the people, the limits of its employment may be extended” (No. 36).

In 2007, Pope Benedict XVI issued a “motu propio” letter, “Summorum Pontificum,” which said that any priest of the Latin-rite church may, without any further permission from the Vatican or from his bishop, celebrate the extraordinary form of the Mass. The first missal containing the extraordinary form, which is also known as the Tridentine rite, was published by St. Pius V in 1570. The rite was revised occasionally, the final revised version being published in 1962.

The extraordinary form was replaced by the Novus Ordo or New Order of Mass beginning in 1969.

Virtually every diocese in the United States now has at least one regularly scheduled Mass each Sunday in the extraordinary form; in addition, some dioceses also offer the ordinary form of Mass celebrated in Latin. Catholics desiring to participate in Latin Masses are best off contacting their local diocese to find out when those Masses are scheduled.

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

Fortunately, Msgr. Stephan lived well into his 90s, so I had a few opportunities to meet him when I was an adult rather than a cowering child. I learned things about him that my relatives, in their awe-stricken state, had never imparted — for example, that he was interested in the restoration of stained glass and was a collector of antiques; that he had received, at the church in Brooklyn, Cardinal Eugenio Pacelli, who later was elected Pope Pius XII; and that he had a sense of humor.

Msgr. Stephan was a priest of the Maronite Rite, which means he was a priest of a branch of the Catholic Church associated mostly with Lebanon. There are two Maronite Churches in New Jersey — St. Sharbel’s on the corner of Easton Avenue and Franklin Boulevard in Franklin Township and Our Lady of the Star in Pleasantville.

These churches are part of the Eparchy of St. Maron of Brooklyn — “eparchy” being the equivalent of “diocese.”

My family are Maronites, and I have attended liturgies at St. Sharbel and at the Maronite churches in Brooklyn and Easton, but when I mention this to other Catholics, most of them don’t know what I’m referring to. Some think I mispronounced Marianite.

This is part of a condition discussed recently by Bishop John Botean of the Romanian Eparchy of St. George, namely that many Latin Rite Catholics are unfamiliar with — or even unaware of — the Eastern

rites of the Catholic Church.

There are 17 eparchies in the United States — including, for example, Ukrainian, Ruthenian, Melkite, and Armenian — each of which has its own liturgy and other traditions. These rites exist because the Church, for many centuries, thrived in communities that were separated from each other by language, distance, and limited means of communication. So, the Church took on the looks and sounds of the places in which it grew.

Since the Great Schism in the 11th century, the Eastern Orthodox Churches have not accepted the authority of the pope, but the Eastern Rites of the Catholic Church are in communion with the Holy See. In fact, these churches are important elements in the “catholic” character of our Church, which embraces people of so many languages and backgrounds.

The Catholic News Service recently quoted Bishop Botean who urged Catholics to avoid “thinking in binary, kind of ‘Catholic-Protestant’ terms” and make a point of experiencing the history and spirituality of Eastern Christianity which, he said, are not “cultural relics that somehow became appendages of the Roman Church,” but rather are essential parts of the universal Church and “instruments of the new evangelization.”

Deacon Paolino exercises his ministry at Our Lady of Lourdes Parish, Whitehouse Station

Could you explain what the Church’s official position is on the use of the Latin language in the Mass? (In one nearby parish, much of the Mass is celebrated in Latin most of the time.) (Atlanta)

Q A

Church branches reflect where they grew

One of the larger-than-life personalities in my childhood was an elderly priest who had been born in the same village in Lebanon as were my mother’s parents.

Act of Contrition

my experience, worshippers simply hold lighted candles in their pews while the priest pronounces the blessing.

Sometimes parishes provide the candles; sometimes parishioners are encouraged to bring their own. Everyone is invited to bring their candles home, ideally to be used at times of family prayer.

In explaining this long-standing custom, Pope Benedict XVI, writing then as Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger, explained in his book “Seek That Which Is Above” that “the warm candlelight is meant to be a tangible reminder of that greater light that, for and beyond all time, radiates from the figure of Jesus.”

One of the prayers of blessing offered for the priest's use has, I think, a particular beauty. It says: “O God, source and origin of all light, who on this day showed to the just man Simeon the Light for revelation to the gentiles, we humbly ask that, in answer to your people’s prayers, you may be pleased to sanctify with your blessing these candles, which we are eager to carry in praise of your name, so that, treading the path of virtue, we may reach that light which never fails.”

Mustard Seeds

By Deacon Charles Paolino Msgr. Mansour Stephan, who ministered at Our Lady of Lebanon Church in Brooklyn, N.Y., would occasionally visit our family in Paterson, and he was greeted with a reverence so palpable that even a youngster would notice it.

As a matter of fact, this youngster didn’t have to notice it on his own, because he had been instructed that he should never be seated when Msgr. Stephan was in the room unless the monsignor himself sat down or invited others to do so. This made for a lot of sitting down and leaping up as monsignor moved from room to room.

As I matured and got to understand my family better, I wondered whether this protocol was something Msgr. Stephan actually expected or something my kinfolk imposed on themselves — perhaps to make his visits seem even more momentous.

We did have a gift for melodrama.

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Learning from models of faith Our readings this Second Sunday of Lent are intended to sustain us on our journey toward Easter.

The Church places the faith of Abraham, the encouragement of St. Paul, and the dramatic scene of Jesus’ own Transfiguration before us to guide and further inspire our Lenten observance.

SCRIPTURE STUDY

By Msgr. John N. Fell Our first reading this Sunday is taken from the Book of Genesis. The scene is the Lord’s call and promise to Abraham, the beginning of salvation history. When God chose to reach out and initiate the process that would lead sinful humanity to redemption, he called to Abraham.

It was God’s call and Abraham’s obedient response that led, through many centuries, to the coming of Jesus Christ. Because of his steadfast obedience to the Lord, God promised Abraham that “I will make of you a great nation . . . you will be a blessing, I will bless those who bless you . . . all the communities of the earth shall find blessing in you” (Gn 12:2, 3b). Abraham is thus forever exalted as a model of faith, the common spiritual ancestor of Jews, Christians, and Muslims alike. The example of Abraham reminds us that our obedience to God is always a powerful channel of grace for ourselves and others.

In his Second Letter to Timothy, St. Paul speaks words of challenge and encouragement that remain important for Christians of all eras.

He calls us to “bear your share of hardship for the gospel” (2 Tm 1:8b), that is, to remain faithful to God’s ways amid the struggles of our lives. St. Paul understood well that obedience to God and his designs was not always going to be easy, but the fact that following Christ is sometimes difficult is no excuse for abandoning such faithfulness. St. Paul does not leave it at that, however, for he exhorts us to remain faithful “with the strength that comes from God!” (2 Tm 1:8c). His important insight is that the same God who demands our faithfulness is also always present empowering that faithfulness: “He saved us and called us to a holy life . . . according to his own design and the grace bestowed on us in Christ Jesus” (2 Tm 1:9). The call to fidelity amounts to a call to let Christ’s grace flow through us.

The Transfiguration sets the season of Lent

Sun 8 Mon 9 Tues 10 Wed 11 Thurs 12 Fri 13 Sat 14 Sun 15 Mon 16 Tues 17 Wed 18 Thurs 19 Fri 20 Sat 21

Luigi Orione 1872-1940 March 12 The founder of The Little Work of Divine Providence, which encompasses two active and two contemplative religious orders for men and women as well as a lay movement, was born in Italy’s Piedmont. After early sojourns with Franciscans and Salesians, he entered the seminary of the Diocese of Tortona and was ordained in 1895. Always devoted to the care of others, especially the poor and sick, Don Orione established schools and learning centers, worker hostels, hospitals, and homes for the elderly, disabled, sick and blind. The members of his apostolate serve today in 300 foundations in Europe, Asia, Africa and North and South America.

The dying words of this priest, who was canonized in 2004, were “Jesus ... Jesus... Jesus.”

Saints

 

  

           

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        

       

 

                                               

SUNDAY, MARCH 8 - SATURDAY, MARCH 21

           

Gn 12:1-4a • Ps 33:4-5, 18-19, 20, 22 • 2 Tm 1:8b-10 • Mt 17:1-9 Dn 9:4b-10 • Ps 79:8, 9, 11, 13 •Lk 6:36-38 Is 1:10, 16-20 • Ps 50:8-9, 16bc-17m 21, 23 • Mt 23:1-12 Jer 18:18-20 • Ps 31:5-6, 14, 15-16 • Mt 20:17-28 Jer 17:5-10 • Ps 1:1-2, 3, 4, 6 • Lk 16:19-31 Gn 37:3-4, 12-13a, 17b-28a • Ps 105:16-17, 18-19, 20-21 • Mt 21:33-43, 45-46 Mi 7:14-15, 18-20 • Ps 103:1-2, 3-4, 9-10, 11-12 • Lk 15:1-3, 11-32 Ex 17:3-7 • Ps 95:1-2, 6-7, 8-9 • Rom 5:1-2, 5-8 • Jn 4:5-42 2 Kgs 5:1-15b • Ps 42:2, 3; 43:3, 4 • Lk 4:24-30 Dn 3:25, 34-43 • Ps 25:4-5ab, 6, 7bc, 8-9 • Mt 18:21-35 Dt 4:1, 5-9 • Ps 147:12-13, 15-16, 19-20 • Mt 5:17-19 2 Sm 7:4-5a, 12-14a, 16 • Ps 89:2-3, 4-5, 27, 29 • Rom 4:13, 16-29, 22 • Mt 1:16, 18-21, 24a Hos 14:2-10 • Ps 81:6c-8a, 8bc-9, 10-11ab, 14, 17 • Mk 12:28-34 Hos 6:1-16 • Ps 51:3-4, 18-19, 20-21ab • Lk 18:9-14

                                                                                     

THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT MARCH 5, 2020

WEEK IN SCRIPTURE

in its proper context. The discipline of Lent can be strict, but it is never a strictness untouched by hope and joy. The goal of self-mortification is not simply turning away from selfishness, but rather turning toward something better!

The Transfiguration sets before us a glorious reminder that the goal of our penance is joy not sorrow, eternal life not death. By resisting the temptations for fleeting pleasures, we open ourselves to the possibility of eternal happiness with Christ. Even amid its harshness, Lent is meant to be a joyful season, for it is meant to be a season in which we draw closer to the Lord.

Peter, James, and John remained with Christ during the difficult trek up the mountain and through many of the even more difficult moments that he encountered after coming back down. Yet while they were at the top, the place of divine revelation, they were privileged to see Jesus shine in all his glory. They watched as he conversed with Moses and Elijah, showing that he was in conformity with and the fulfillment of the Law and the Prophets (a point that would have been very important for Matthew’s JudeoChristian audience). They saw the cloud, the traditional symbol of God’s personal presence, and heard the Father’s voice ratifying Jesus’ mission, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased. Listen to him” (Mt 17:5b).

Peter wanted to build three tents, to make the experience permanent, but that was not to be — at least not yet. For their mission, the road that lay in front of them called for them to return to the plain, to continue in their faithful obedience, to allow God to use their lives as the tools to bring the world his revelation. The moment of the Transfiguration was a moment of respite, a time for them to catch their breaths during the difficult journey on which they were embarked, already assured of the final glorious inheritance that was their destiny.

And so, shored up by the example of Abraham and the words of St. Paul, we too are treated to this glimpse of the Transfiguration during our own journey to the cross this Lent; we are called to make St. Peter’s words our own — “Lord, it is good that we are here!” (Mt 17:4a).

We are reminded that the glory of Easter lies at the end of this season of self-denial, and we are encouraged by the reminder that the God who calls us to faithfulness will always sustain and reward our efforts on his behalf.

Msgr. Fell is a Scripture scholar and director, diocesan Office for Priest Personnel

OUR FAITH

Second Sunday of Lent (A)

20

New Jersey Chinese Catholic Apostolate New Jersey 新澤Chinese 西華人Catholic 天主教Apostolate 會

McAULEY

STEPPING FORWARD

STEPPING FORWARD IN CHARITY

中區 Our Lady of西 Mt 華 Virgin Church 650 新Religious 澤 人Gift 天 主 教 會Harris Ave, Shop Middlesex 08846 2nd Sunday 3:30pm 中區 OurNJLady ofEvery Mt Virgin Church 650Chinese Harris Mass Ave, at Mount St. Mary's 北區 St. Andrew Kim Church 280 Parker Ave, nd Middlesex NJ 08846 Every 2 Sunday 3:30pm Chinese Mass w Jersey Chinese Catholic Apostolate Maplewood NJ 07040Cards Every 2pmParker ChineseAve, Mass Christian Gifts, &Sunday Rosaries 北區 St. Andrew Kim Church 280 Njcca.catholicworld.info See updates on facebook 新澤西華Catholic 人 天 主 教 會 Medals • Books • Bibles Maplewood NJ 07040 Every Sunday 2pm Chinese Mass Prayer Meeting 廣東話祈禱會 Trappistine Candies Our Lady of Mt VirginCantonese Church 650 Harris Ave, Njcca.catholicworld.info See updates on facebook 2ndPrayer at 3:30pm PAYMENT BYSaturday CASH OR PERSONAL CHECKS. ex NJ 08846 Every WE 2ndACCEPT Sunday 3:30pm Chinese Mass Cantonese Meeting 廣東話祈禱會 NO CREDIT nd forCARDS. 8626861170 rides Ang7371@gmail.com 區 St. Andrew Kim Call Church 280 Ave,at 2Parker Saturday 3:30pm NEW BRUNSWICK — Catholic Chari(908) 754-3663 , ext.

"0" wood NJ 07040 Every Sunday 2pm Chinese Mass Call 8626861170 for rides Ang7371@gmail.com ties’ Unity Square held an open house Tues., Wed. on & Thurs.: cca.catholicworld.info See updates facebook10 am – 3pm 10 am – 2 pm event: “Martin Luther King Jr. and Paul ntonese Prayer Meeting Friday: 廣東話祈禱會 Saturday: 2nd Saturday at 3:30pm9:30 am – 12 noon Robeson: Continuing Their Legacy” at Closed Sunday, Monday & Holidays its Community Center.

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One hundred and twenty people attended the event, which was presented Jersey Chinese Catholic Apostolate

by Rutgers Collaborative Center for NewNew Jersey Chinese Catholic Apostolate New Jersey 新澤Chinese 西華人Catholic 天主教Apostolate 會 Community-Based Research and Service, The City of New Brunswick and 中區 Our Our Lady ofof Mt Virgin Church 650 Ave, 新澤 西 華 人天 主教 會HarrisCatholic Lady Mt. Virgin Church Charities’ Unity Square. nd Middlesex NJ 08846 Every 2 Sunday 3:30pm Chinese Mass 650 Harris Ave., Middlesex, NJ 08846 中區 Our Lady of Mt Virgin Church 650 Harris Ave, The day was filled with food, comnd St. Andrew Kim nd 北區 Church 280 Parker Ave, Every 2 Sunday, 3:30 MassChinese Mass Middlesex NJ 08846 EveryPM 2 Chinese Sunday 3:30pm w Jersey Chinese Catholic Apostolate munity service, social justice and conMaplewood NJ 07040 Every Sunday280 2pmParker ChineseAve, Mass 北區 St. Andrew Kim Church Holy Cross Church versation for all ages.

Njcca.catholicworld.info See updates on facebook 新澤西華16 人 天主NJ 教 會 atEvery Maplewood 07040 SundayAve. 2pm Chinese Mass Church Square Harrison Unique learning activities included Cantonese Prayer Meeting 廣東話祈禱會 Our Lady of Mt Virgin Church 650 Harris Ave, Njcca.catholicworld.info See updates on facebook Harrison, NJ 07029 - Every 1st, 3rd, 4th nd 2 Saturday at 3:30pm special interactive exhibits in English ex NJ 08846 Every 2nd&Sunday 3:30pm Chinese Mass Cantonese Meeting Mass 廣東話祈禱會 5th Sunday,Prayer 2 PM Chinese nd for rides and Spanish that were accessible with 8626861170 Ang7371@gmail.com 區 St. Andrew Kim Call Church 2802Parker Ave,at Saturday 3:30pm See updates on Facebook QR codes. wood NJ 07040 Every Sunday 2pm Chinese MassAng7371@gmail.com Call 8626861170 for rides cca.catholicworld.info See updates on facebook Community members and students Cantonese Prayer Meeting 廣東話祈禱會 ntonese Prayer Meeting could be seen visiting a journal-making nd 2nd Saturday at23:30pm Saturday at 3:30 PM station as well as an area for attendees CallAng7371@gmail.com (862) 686-1170 for free rides 626861170 for rides to write letters directly addressed to deAng7371@gmail.com tained immigrants and asylum seekers.

Other highlights included particiNew Jersey Chinese Catholic Apostolate pants adding to a community mural and New Jersey 新澤Chinese 西華人Catholic 天主教Apostolate 會 enjoying a step show performance pro中區 Our Lady of西 Mt 華 Virgin Church 650 Ave,by the Lota Phi Theta Fraternity. 新澤 人天 主教 會Harrisvided “Through events like this, we hope nd Sunday 3:30pm Chinese Mass Middlesex NJ 08846 Every 2 中區 Our Lady of Mt Virgin Church 650 Harris Ave, to raise awareness in the community 北區 St. Andrew Kim Church 280 Parker Ave, nd Middlesex NJ 08846 Every 2 Sunday 3:30pm Chinese Mass w Jersey Chinese Catholic Apostolate about Maplewood NJ 07040 Kim Every Sunday280 2pmParker ChineseAve, Mass civil and human rights issues,” said 北區 St. Andrew Church Njcca.catholicworld.info See updates on facebook Julio 新澤西華人 天 主 教 會 Maplewood NJ 07040 Every Sunday 2pm Chinese Mass Coto, Catholic Charities’ acting Prayer Meeting 廣東話祈禱會 executive director. “It’s important to us Our Lady of Mt Virgin Cantonese Church 650 Harris Ave, Njcca.catholicworld.info See updates on facebook 2nd Prayer Saturday at 3:30pm to continue to honor Martin Luther King ex NJ 08846 Every 2nd Sunday 3:30pm Chinese Mass Cantonese Meeting 廣東話祈禱會 nd for rides 8626861170 Ang7371@gmail.com 區 St. Andrew Kim Call Church 2802Parker Ave,at and Paul Robeson’s legacies in the work Saturday 3:30pm wood NJ 07040 Every Sunday 2pm Chinese MassAng7371@gmail.com we do here at Unity Square, not just toCall 8626861170 for rides cca.catholicworld.info See updates on facebook day, but every day.” antonese Prayer Meeting 廣東話祈禱會 Unity Square is a community nd

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Catholic Charities' Unity Square hosted an open house on, "Martin Luther King Jr. and Paul Robeson: Continuing Their Legacy," at its community center.

— photo courtesy of Catholic Charities, Diocese of Metuchen

organizing and social concerns initiative of Catholic Charities, Diocese of Metuchen, that works to empower community members and catalyze change in the poorest residential neighborhood of New Brunswick. In so doing, Unity Square addresses a diverse set of issues, including economic development, employment, civic participation, crime and safety, immigrants’ rights, and tenants’

rights.

Unity Square operates out of a renovated Community Center at 81 Remsen Ave. Once an active fire house, the Community Center hosts Unity Square staff offices, as well as space for community meetings and programs.

To learn more about Catholic Charities’ programs and services, visit www. ccdom.org or call (732) 324-8200.

CCDOM assists at annual event to support needy

New Jersey Chinese Catholic Apostolate As part of the National Point-in-Time New Jersey 新澤Chinese 西華人Catholic 天主教Apostolate 會 Count, Warren County held Project

MARCH 5, 2020

THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT

Connect at St. Philip and St. 中區 Our Lady of西 Mt 華 Virgin Church 650 Ave, 新澤 人天 主教 會HarrisHomeless James Parish, Phillipsburg, Jan. 29. nd Middlesex 08846 2 Sunday 3:30pm 中區 OurNJLady ofEvery Mt Virgin Church 650Chinese Harris Mass Ave, Catholic Charities, Diocese of 北區 St. Andrew Kim Church 280 Parker Ave, Middlesex NJ 08846 Every 2nd Sunday 3:30pm Chinese Mass w Jersey Chinese Catholic Apostolate Metuchen participates annually in the Maplewood NJ 07040 Every Sunday 2pm Chinese Mass 北區 St. Andrew Kim Church 280 Parker Ave, event, and this year also provided one-onNjcca.catholicworld.info See updates on facebook 新澤西華人 天 主 教 會 Maplewood NJ 07040 Every Sunday 2pm Chinese Mass Prayer Meeting 廣東話祈禱會 one consultation of services for residents Our Lady of Mt VirginCantonese Church 650 Harris Ave, Njcca.catholicworld.info See updates on facebook 2nd Saturday at 3:30pm in need of extra support. ex NJ 08846 Every 2nd Sunday 3:30pm Chinese Mass Cantonese Prayer Meeting 廣東話祈禱會 nd for rides 8626861170 Ang7371@gmail.com Project Homeless Connect, organized 區 St. Andrew Kim Call Church 2802Parker Ave,at Saturday 3:30pm wood NJ 07040 Every Sunday 2pm Chinese MassAng7371@gmail.com and implemented through the Warren Call 8626861170 for rides cca.catholicworld.info See updates on facebook County Department of Human Services ntonese Prayer Meeting 廣東話祈禱會 Housing Committee, is a one-day event in 2nd Saturday at 3:30pm which the community comes together to 626861170 for rides Ang7371@gmail.com help the needy. Onsite services included

Please pray for vocations to the priesthood, diaconate and religious life

flu shots, haircuts, winter clothing and a nutritious lunch to the homeless or at risk of homelessness.

Participants also received information about housing, emergency social service benefits, legal services, medical services, and local community agency services.

For information about Catholic Charities’ services in Warren County, visit www.ccdom.org/warren

Mercy Sister Michaelita Popovice, Katie Drake, Kathy Kane, Melissa Appleby and Sharon Giammarco, staff members of Catholic Charities, Diocese of Metuchen, pose at Project Homeless Connect.

— photo courtesy of Catholic Charities, Diocese of Metuchen

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conscience” and the conditions under which people are responsible for their actions, if not their very demeanor, and the conditions under which they are not responsible.

The source of errors of judgment in moral conduct can include: “ignorance of Christ and his Gospel, bad example given by others, enslavement to one’s passions, assertion of a mistaken notion of autonomy of conscience, rejection of the Church’s authority and her teaching, [as well as] lack of conversion and of charity” (1792).

Although we must always obey certain judgments of our conscience, if we deliberately act against it, we would freely condemn ourselves. Yet it can happen that our moral conscience remains in ignorance and makes erroneous judgments about acts not yet performed or acts already committed.

As such, like our bodies, our conscience needs strengthening through prayer and good deeds on a daily basis.

Only correct and consistent spiritual exercise will keep our conscience from becoming erroneous and instead make it something beautiful for God. Father Hillier serves as Director of the Office of the Pontifical Mission Societies, Censor Librorum and oversees the Office for Persons with Disabilities

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THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT MARCH 5, 2020

to us children, conscience is the little conscience, the assumption is that we not voice within each of us that tells us the act contrary to an “informed” conscience. difference between right and wrong.

As the Catechism puts it, “Conscience In elaboration, the Catechism in must be informed and moral judgment paragraph 1777 tells us enlightened. A wellthat one’s conscience formed conscience is helps us: upright and truthful” Whether we are 1. judge particu(Dignitatis Humanae, lar choices, approving 3 § 2). preparing for those that are good and Other points to Confession, for an denouncing those that

By Father John Gerard Hillier consider when discussare evil, upcoming Penance ing the formation of 2. bear witness to conscience include: Isn’t it true that there is much the authority of truth Service, or simply 1. “the education in our lives that we forget or perhaps in reference to the suof the conscience as reflecting on daily simply suppress? I recalled one such preme Good to which a lifelong task,” (ccc memory recently when I heard the word the human person is 1784), habits, a regular “glockenspiel” mentioned on a televi- drawn, 2. “in the formaexamination of sion show...In my mind, I was suddenly 3. listen and, if tion of conscience the transported back to the days of my youth practicing prudence, ...

Word of God is the conscience is a when, throughout grammar school and hear God speaking. light for our path” (ccc into high school, I played the guitar and The following wonderful way to 1785), the clarinet. A tragic accident during my paragraph explains: 3. “faced with open our hearts teenage years, however, caused me to “Conscience is a judga moral choice, conbreak both arms and wrists; and, as a ment of reason whereby and to reaffirm our science can make result, I no longer enjoyed the dexterity the human person either a right judglove for Jesus. (fine motor skills) to play these instru- recognizes the moral ment in accordance ments. Realizing my disappointment, my quality of a concrete act with reason and the band instructor showed up at my house that we are going to perdivine law or, on the one Saturday morning with a musical in- form, are in the process contrary, an erroneous strument unfamiliar to me. He suggested of performing, or have already complet- judgment that departs from them” (ccc that I could participate in the upcoming ed. In all we say and do, we are obliged 1786). concerts for the current academic year to follow faithfully what we know to be The final part in this section of the with a new instrument called the glock- just and right. It is by the judgment of our Catechism deals with “the erroneous enspiel, a percussion instrument easy to conscience that we perceive and recoglearn because it is composed of a set of nize the prescriptions of the divine law” tuned keys arranged in the fashion of the (ccc 1778). keyboard of a piano or organ. The added Next, we are challenged to follow advantage was that the two wooden mal- the “voice of conscience,” which is relets used to play the instrument would ferred to as interiority. “This requirement also help strengthen my wrists and arms. of interiority,” the Catechism tells us, Similarly, like broken limbs, our “is all the more necessary as life often conscience needs strengthening on a distracts us from any reflection, self-exregular basis due to a lack of correct amination or introspection” (ccc 1779). and consistent exercise. Whether we are In his discussion of conscience, fourth preparing for Confession, for an upcom- century Bishop and Theologian, Saint ing Penance Service, or simply reflecting Augustine, teaches: “Return to your on daily habits, a regular examination of conscience, question it... Turn inward, SPOTLIGHT PILGRIMAGE: conscience is a wonderful way to open brethren, and in everything you do, see our hearts and to reaffirm our love for God as your witness” (Commentary on Jesus.

Saint John’s Gospel).

The Catechism explains: “Deep The Second Vatican Council’s 1965 ALASKA DISCOVERY within our conscience we discover a law “Declaration on Religious Freedom” LAND & CRUISE which we have not laid upon ourselves teaches, “We must not be forced to act featuring a 7-night but which we must obey. Its voice, ever contrary to our conscience. Nor must we Princess Cruise calling us to love and to do what is good be prevented from acting according to with Twp. of and to avoid evil, sounds in our heart at our conscience, especially in religious the right moment” Family (ccc 1776).

To Placement, say it matters.” Of course, when directed to Edison Senior Center Care more simply, as my mom would explain not act in a manner that is contrary to our

FAITH ALIVE

Article 135 - Catechism of the Catholic Church Series Paragraphs 1776 -1794

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Daily prayer, good deeds help keep conscience strong

22 OUR DIOCESE THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT MARCH 5, 2020

Diocese, archdiocese partner to build affordable housing for seniors

By Chris Donahue Associate Editor FORDS — Bishop James F. Checchio and Cardinal Joseph W. Tobin, Archbishop of the Archdiocese of Newark, were joined by civic and community leaders at a groundbreaking ceremony for the St. Paul the Apostle Senior Residence Feb. 25.

The 42,788-square-foot facility will provide 42 affordable housing units for residents 62 and over and is expected to open in the fall, said John Westervelt, president of Domus Corporation who served as emcee at the groundbreaking.

The three-story facility will be built on the site of a now-demolished annex building formerly owned by Our Lady of Peace Parish.

St. Paul the Apostle Senior Residence is a project between the Domus Corporation and Metuchen Community Services Corporation, an agency of Catholic Charities, Diocese of Metuchen.

Domus serves as the housing development corporation on all permanenthousing initiatives for the Archdiocese of Newark. The Senior Residence is the 13th Domus project since the not-forprofit corporation was founded in 1995 and the first in Middlesex County. All individuals served by Domus’ facilities are considered low income by federal poverty standards.

Domus receives financial and administrative support from Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Newark, said Westervelt, who is also the chief executive officer of that organization.

In his blessing before he and others picked up a shovel and donned a hard hat, Bishop Checchio cited the opening line of Psalm 127: “Unless the Lord builds the house, they labor in vain who built it.”

“Whenever we look to the interest of

Bishop James F. Checchio (third from right) and Cardinal Joseph W. Tobin, Archbishop of the Archdiocese of Newark (fourth from right), participate in a groundbreaking for the St. Paul the Apostle Senior Residence with others who helped bring the project to fruition. The facility will have 42 residential units and is expected to open in the fall.

— Marlo Williamson photo

our neighbor or the community and serve them, we are God’s own co-workers,” Bishop Checchio continued. “Let us pray for his help, my brothers and sisters, that God will bring this construction project to a successful completion and that his protection will keep those who work on it safe from injury.”

Cardinal Tobin extended “great gratitude to the Diocese of Metuchen and all who made this possible — the civic leaders, the political leaders.”

“And that is for two reasons,” Cardinal Tobin added. “The first is that we who are Catholic Christians are aware Lent starts tomorrow. And Lent is not simply an excuse to diet. It is really a time to sharpen our eyesight, to see what we might be missing and so often in society the missing are senior citizens, those who

have no family, those who have limited income. It is not that people are bad to them, they just don’t see them.

“So, with this project, Domus is trying to sharpen the eyesight of our local church and local community. We thank you for that.

“Secondly, I am grateful for our good neighbors in Metuchen that we can work together on the project. Years ago, when I worked in Rome, the head of the Jesuits used to say, ‘A lot of good projects die early or they don’t begin at all because people don’t talk with each other.’

“So, John [Westervelt], thank you for brokering this conversation. Thank you for this wonderful project.”

In his comments, Westervelt said funding for the nearly $11 million project The annex building formerly owned

by Our Lady of Peace Parish has been demolished and will be the site of the St. Paul the Apostle Senior Residence, shown below in an artist's rendering provided by the Domus Corporation.

The Senior Residence is a project between Domus and Metuchen Community Services Corporation, an agency of Catholic Charities, Diocese of Metuchen.

— Chris Donahue photo

took four years to complete.

“Every good project starts with a strong partnership,” which, he said, included Edison Township; Middlesex County; New Jersey Housing and Mortgage Finance Agency; New Jersey Department of Community Affairs; Federal Home Loan Bank; TD Bank; Enterprise Housing Credit Investors, LLC; and Community Preservation Corporation.

He also thanked Our Lady of Peace Parish for selling the property.

Father Matthew R. Paratore, pastor, Our Lady of Peace Parish, said it is too early to predict how much spiritual and pastoral care residents of St. Paul will need. However, extraordinary ministers of Holy Communion and Father Paratore and Father Robert G. Gorman, parochial vicar, serve the homebound and sick at residences and apartment buildings in Edison, so there will probably be some residents of St. Paul who will want to receive communion and sacraments.

St. Paul the Apostle Senior Residence is being built by Mt. Laurel-based Costanza Construction and will be managed by Bloomfield-based Raymond P. Marzulli Co., Westervelt said.

In addition to the 41 one-bedroom and one two-bedroom units, the residence will contain an activity room, a community room that can be partitioned in half with a kitchen to support the rooms, management offices, a common laundry room with adjacent lounge, a large lobby and maintenance areas, Westervelt said.

The first 42 residents of St. Paul the Apostle Senior Residence, which, Westervelt said, was named for Bishop Emeritus Paul G. Bootkoski, will be chosen by a lottery system. Applicants who are not selected will be placed on a waiting list.

Eleven of the units will be set aside for homeless senior citizens, according to Ronald G. Rios, Middlesex County Freeholder Director, who also participated in the groundbreaking.

Eligibility to live at St. Paul’s is based on income and other factors such as medical bills, so the rent per month might vary for each resident, Westervelt said.

And, because federal funds will be used to build St. Paul, non-residents of New Jersey may apply, Westervelt added. However, based on his experience with other Domus facilities, he expects most of the residents to be from Edison or surrounding towns.

“They want to live where they grew up or have doctors or family,” said Westervelt, who added there is a “muchneeded” demand for affordable housing for seniors in New Jersey.

“I could build one of these every day if I had the funding,” he said. “I am looking for a place now for the Diocese of Trenton.”

Anyone interested in applying to live at the St. Paul the Apostle Senior Residence should wait until at least June before calling Dan Ritchey at (973) 743-2300.

OUR DIOCESE — Kyra Stevko photo

The night ended with group worship and many students stayed to socialize. It was a very welcoming environment; people went out of their way to introduce themselves to a new attendee in the corner.

For more information about the Catholic Center and Catholic Student Association, call (732) 545-6663 or visit the website, which contains, information for potential new members: rutgerscatholic.org/new.

Tea Time

St. John the Evangelist Parish, Lambertville, hosted its annual Forever Young Senior Tea Feb. 16. About 75 senior citizens were treated to an assortment of teas, soups, sandwiches and desserts. Table favors included chocolates. Several guests won door prizes; Gloria Garefino won the flower centerpiece. Each guest took home a potted plant. Entertainment was supplied by the Ryan-Kilcoyne School of Irish Dancing and singer Greg Pontier.

— photo courtesy of St. John the Evangelist Parish

MARCH 5, 2020

www.catholicspirit.com

Jesus Our Hope Sister Anna Palka, right, a second-year novice, shares a laugh with Veronica Spilker, center, and her husband, Jimmy Spilker, Young Life ministers, at a Catholic Student Association gathering focusing on vocations at The Catholic Center at Rutgers.

THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT

her retreat. “I couldn’t ignore His [Jesus’] love and I wanted to respond to that love He was showing me.” Thus, NEW BRUNSWICK — Every she began searching for her purpose.

On his retreat, Father Illes recalls Wednesday, Catholic students at Rutgers University find community and looking at Jesus on the cross and being faith at CSA night, an event hosted by overwhelmed that he had done that for him. the Catholic Student Association.

“I’m kneeling in church thinking Beginning at 8 p.m. at the Catholic Center at Rutgers, CSA nights are you know what? I want to be a priest. I intended for undergraduates and are want to do that,” Father Illes said.

Father Illes, who was ordained to described as a place to meet and socialize with other Catholic students in the priesthood June 22, 2019, said he a comfortable, friendly environment. did not understand why, but that he Each night has a different topic or “logic-ed it out – priesthood is a good, theme that helps students learn and my desire to be a priest is a good, all grow in their faith, ranging from dat- good comes from God therefore my desire to be a priest ing and partying to the comes from God.” differences between Air-tight logic, he was Catholics and other sure.

Christians.

“Discerning your Sister Anna closed Juliann Maroyka, vocation is about the talk by saying: a junior at Rutgers, “Discerning your vocasaid she has attended who you are tion is about who you CSA nights as often as are really, not what really, not what possible since she was you’re doing. It was a freshman. you’re doing.

It about who I wanted to “I try to go to CSA be.” nights every Wedneswas about who I Veronica and Jimday because I love the wanted to be.” my Spilker discussed content, but even more dating and trying to —Jesus Our Hope Sister I love spending time balance their growing with my friends and Anna Palka relationships with God meeting the people and with each other. there,” she said.

Now married a year On Feb. 12, the and a half, they spoke CSA night featured Catholic speakers who talked about fondly of what it was like dating each discerning their vocation. Among the other, but they were also sincere about speakers were Father Joseph Illes, pa- the challenges.

Veronica, for instance, rememrochial vicar, Immaculate Conception Parish, Somerville and Jesus Our Hope bered wondering how to tell “this guy” Sister Anna Palka, a second-year nov- on a second date that she might beice who serves in campus ministry at come a religious. At the time, Jimmy the Catholic Center. A married couple was also learning about his own faith and Young Life ministers, Veronica and eventually deciding to become and Jimmy Spilker, also addressed the Catholic.

“Once married,” Veronica said, gathering.

Upon arriving, students were “there was so much freedom. We had given name tags and encouraged to so- pursued the Lord and each other while cialize until the event started. Students dating and were figuring both out, and were then split into two groups. Each that time really set us up to live out group listened to two speakers for 20 our vocations with each other.”

The pair discussed how rewarding or 30 minutes, and then switched to it is to serve as Young Life ministers. the other speakers.

Sister Anna and Father Illes “Kids don’t get to see a healthy pictalked about what discerning your ture of marriage. I hope that we can, vocation means in the Catholic faith by God’s grace, be a picture of that and how they found their own. Both and invite them into it.”

Maroyka said she enjoyed the Sister Anna and Father Illes traced significant points in their vocational vocations theme, since as a college discernment back to a religious retreat student “we are all searching for our in college, similar to the ones held by futures.” She particularly enjoyed the Catholic Student Association ev- the “young and eager witnesses they chose to talk about both marriage and ery semester.

When she entered college, Sister religious life. They were able to get Anna remembers her faith “drying up” students thinking about and asking a and finding a renewal of that faith on lot of good questions.”

By Kyra Stevko Correspondent

23

Priest, religious, married couple discuss vocations with students

24 OUR DIOCESE

Parish Fundraiser Above, Bishop James F. Checchio poses with, from left, Kris Willey, Laura Darby, Karl Darby and A.R. Willey, members of St. John the Evangelist Parish, Lambertville, at a pre-Lenten Carnevale in the parish hall Feb. 22.

Left, members of the event's Decorating Committee (from left) pose for a photo: Tana Dimino, Dolores Piacente and Nancy Nagy. Proceeds from the event, which included Italian food, drinks and dancing to music provided by the Freedom Brass Dixie Band, will benefit local needy families.

—Annette Eubank photos

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AROUND THE DIOCESE

OUR DIOCESE

Prayer and Worship

March 16, 7 p.m. — Our Lady of Victories Parish, Sayreville, will hold a Mass and healing service. The celebrant will be Father John Campoli, director of His Love Ministries. Individual healing prayers will be given following Mass. For information, call Marilyn, (732) 991-7379 or visit www.frjohncampoli.com.

Fun and Food

March 11, 4 to 7 p.m. — St. Mary Byzantine Catholic Church, Hillsborough, will sponsor a Slavic dinner in the parish center. The dinner will include all you can eat pierogis, stuffed cabbage, kielbasa, mashed potatoes, dessert and more. The cost is $15 for those nine years and older and $5 for children eight years old and under. To-go orders are available. For information, call (908) 725-0615.

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Fish Dinners

Fridays, March 6 – April 3, 5 to 7 p.m.

— St. Mary of Ostrabrama Parish, South River, will hold Lenten fish dinners in the parish center. The menu will include fried cod fish, French fires, macaroni and cheese, salad, clam chowder, dessert and beverages. Adult dinners are $12 and children’s dinners are $5. Takeout is available at 4 p.m. Tickets are on sale at the door and in the parish office.

Support Programs

The Diocese of Metuchen Family Life Office sponsors Courage, an apostolate of the Catholic Church that ministers to those with same-sex attractions. The spiritual support group assists those with same-sex attractions to live chaste lives in fellowship, truth and love. For information about the ministry, meeting times and location, call the Family Life office, (732) 562-2476. All calls are confidential.

April 16 — June 4, 2:30 to 4 p.m. – Our Lady of Mount Virgin Bereavement Ministry, Middlesex, is offering “Journey through Grief” an eight-week bereavement support group held on Thursdays. If you are suffering over the death of a loved one this group may help you find healing comfort and peace. Meetings will be held in the Petra House. People of all faiths are welcome.

Special Programs

March 14, noon to 2 p.m. — St. Thomas the Apostle Parish, Old Bridge, is offering a monthly soup kitchen in the school auditorium. For information contact, Mary

Anne Donoghue, tdmaatwest@optonline. net or Chris Doyle, cdoyle167@optimum. net.

School Open Houses

March 24, 7 to 8:30 p.m. — St. Ann School, Raritan, invites all to an open house. Discover how a Catholic Classical Education can inspire your child to be a joyous learner filled with wonder for all creation. An additional open house will be held on April 21, 7 to 8:30 p.m. For information, call (908) 725-7787 or email kalbright@stannparish.com.

Special Events

March 15, 1:30 p.m. —Middlesex County Right to Life and Life Choices Resource Center invites all to walk with them in the South Amboy St. Patrick’s Day parade.

Meet on South Pine Ave near Portia St. For details, email Ted Tyszkiewicz, treasurelife33@gmail.com.

April 18, 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. — St. Magdalen de Pazzi Parish, Flemington, will host the Sisters of Jesus Our Hope at the annual retreat for women. Keynote speaker Rachel Bulman, will present “Letting Go and Letting God.” The day will include Mass, the keynote address, workshops, recitation of the Rosary and prayer.

The suggested donation is $20. To register online, visit www.sistersofjesusourhope. org by April 6.

Concerts

March 14, 7 p.m. — Music at St. Mary’s, South Amboy, will present an encore performance by Irish folk singer Sara

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McCabe and harpist Merynda Adams at a special St. Patrick’s Day celebration. Admission is free. A suggested donation of $15 will be accepted. A wine and cheese reception will follow the recital. For details, call (732) 857-0202.

March 22, 3 p.m. — St. Andrew Parish, Avenel, will host the Caritas Chamber Chorale performing “Into your Hands” a Lenten concert of sacred music. Works will include Faure Requiem, Gesualdo’s “O vos omnes,” Trotta’s “Into your Hands” and others. The concert will benefit the Adorno Fathers’ Caracciolo Mission in the Congo. A free will offering will be collected. A concert will be held on March 21, 6 p.m. at St. John the Evangelist Parish, Lambertville. For details, call (732) 718-0775 or email www. caritaschamberchorale.org.

Outside the Diocese

March 15, 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. — Loyola Jesuit Center, Morristown, will present Ignatian Discernment - Day of Prayer. Hope – Day of Prayer will be held on March 20, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. The cost of each program is $40. Breakfast, lunch, reconciliation and Mass will be included. To register, visit www.loyola.org.

March 18. Noon to 1:30 p.m. — Seton Hall University, South Orange, will host the iThirst Initative presenting “Grace and Healing – Understanding the Role of the Church for those Afflicted by Opioid Crisis” in Bethany Hall. Lunch will be provided. To RSVP, email Melinda.papaccio@shu.edu by March 13.

THE UPPER ROOM SPIRITUAL CENTER 3455 W. Bangs Ave., Building 2, Neptune, NJ 07753 Phone: 732-922-0550 • Fax: 732-922-3904 www.theupper-room.org · office@theupper-room.org

THE SHRINE OF ST. JOSEPH 1050 Long Hill Road, Stirling, NJ 07980 Day & Overnight Retreats Gift & Book Shop - open daily

VILLA PAULINE RETREAT AND SPIRITUAL CENTER 352 Bernardsville Road, Mendham, NJ 07945 Preached/Directed/Guided & Private Retreats, Spiritual Direction, day & weekend programs, Spiritual Direction Formation Program

908-647-0208 · www.stshrine.org

this months featured retreat house

973-543-9058 e-mail: quellen@scceast.org • wwwscceast.org

This months featured retreat: THIS MONTH'S FEATURED RETREAT HOUSE

610.867.8890 • stfranciscenter@gmail.com www.stfrancisctr.org

ST. FRANCIS RETREAT HOUSE 3918 Chipman Road, Easton, PA 18045 Franciscan retreat and confrence center RETREATS FOR MEN, WOMEN, YOUTH, RELIGIOUS, PREACHED, PRIVATE, DIRECTED

Phone: 610-258-3053, ext. 10 • Fax: 610-258-2412 E-mail: stfranrh@rcn.com • stfrancisretreathouse.org ST. JOSEPH BY THE SEA 400 Route 35 North, S. Mantoloking, NJ 08738 A Retreat House Sponsored by the Religious Teachers Filippini overlooking the Atlantic Ocean and Barnegat Bay. Offering days of prayer, retreat weekends, spiritual programs, meetings and staff days. 732-892-8494 • e-mail: sjbsea@comcast.net

www.sjbsea.org

The Shrine of St. Joseph, a Mission Center of the Missionary Servants of the Most Holy Trinity, invites individuals or groups to the Shrine for a day of renewal offered in both English and Spanish. Whether for a pilgrimage, private retreat, day of renewal or overnight, the Shrine is situated on 35 pristine acres in Long Hill Township, NJ.

1050 1 0 5 0 LONG L O N G HILL H I L L ROAD, R O A D STIRLING, , S T I R L I N GNJ , N07980 J 0 7 9 8 0| |908 9 0 8. .647 6 4 7 ..00208 2 0 8 | | S STSHRINE. T S H R I N E . O RORG G

To join this retreat guide, call Nan at 732-765-6444

27

March

Eucharistic Adoration is now being held in the chapel at the St. John Neumann Pastoral Center, Piscataway. Adorers and intercessors are needed Monday through Friday 9 to 11:45 a.m. Daily Mass is held at 11:45 a.m. For information or to volunteer, call Laura Riccardi, (609) 578-0841. To submit a prayer request, call (732) 765-6445.

The Pontifical Mission Office offers Mass Cards, Perpetual Masses and Gregorian Mass for the Living and Deceased. The suggested offering is from $5 to $300. To purchase a card, contact (732) 2434580 or email pontifical.mission.societies@diometuchen.org.

3/8 Holy Hour for Priests, Office for Priest Personnel, 3 p.m. St. John Neumann Pastoral Center, Piscataway. All are welcome. For information, email priest.personnel@diometuchen.org.

3/11 Adult Enrichment Classes, Office of Adult Faith Formation, 4-week course, Wednesdays, 10 to 11:15 a.m., St. John Neumann Pastoral Center, Piscataway. The topic will be Matthew’s Sermon on the Mount. The class will explore Chapters 5-7 of Matthew’s gospel. The class is free. Registration is required. To register, visit, https://diometuchen.org/faith-formation. For information, call Angela Marshall, amarshall@diometuchen.org or call (732) 562-1543.

Phone: 732-529-7934 REAL ESTATE

FOR SALE

H O LYA R T - R e l i g i o u s items and Church goods, made in Italy. w w w.holyar t.com; +39 0522 1729582

Please pray for vocations!

HELP WANTED

SELLING YOUR HOME? Call George Pantozzi, Broker/Sales Associate, Berkshire Hathaway NJ Properties for a complimentary market analysis.

I also buy homes. Cell: 908.392.2677; Office: 908.874.3400 ext 324.

HELP WANTED

PASTORAL ASSOCIATE Youth Ministry

3/21 Diocese of Metuchen Committee for Catholic Scouting, Scout Day of Recollection, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., St. Philip and St. James Church, Phillipsburg. All Catholic Scouts are invited. Talks, Adoration, confession and Mass will be included. Lunch will be provided. To register, call (908) 454-0112 ext.

3 by March 16.

3/28 Diocesan Lenten Retreat, Office of Hispanic Evangelization, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Our Lady of Mount Virgin Church, Middlesex. The Hispanic Community is invited to the first Diocesan Lenten Retreat in Spanish. The cost of $12 includes a book and lunch. Space is limited. For details and registration, email luzescoba@diometuchen.org or call (732) 743-4573 by March 25.

April

4/1 Catholic Prayer and Support Group for Families Affected by Mental Health Issues, Office for Persons with Disabilities, 10 a.m., the first Wednesday of each month, St. Patrick Church Center, Belvidere. The facilitator will be Elaine Eckard. For information, call (732) 765-6432 or email catholicswithdisabilities@gmail.com.

4/2 Catholic Prayer and Support Group for Families Affected by Mental Health Issues, Office for Persons with Disabilities, 10 a.m., the first Thursday of each month at Immaculate Conception Church, Somerville, in the Talbot Room. The facilitator will be Elaine Eckard. For information, call (732) 765-6432 or email catholicswithdisabilities@gmail.com.

CLASSIFIED HELP WANTED

HELP WANTED

Fax: (732) 562-0969

E-mail: jleviton@diometuchen.org HELP WANTED

HELP WANTED

NEED PRO - LIFE HOUSEMOTHERS

PARISH SECRETARY

SHIFTS AVAILABLE - 7-3:30, 3-11:30, 11-7 Several Sources Shelters, a non-profit nonsectarian shelter for pregnant women is seeking kind, compassionate individuals, willing to serve God through those we help.

Drivers License required Reply to : Susan Harper - Lloyd, Email: susanharperlloyd@aol.com Or call: 201-819-4699 (M-F 9-5)

Transfiguration of the Lord Parish, Highland Park/ Edison, is seeking a bilingual (English and Spanish) part-time parish secretary, Monday to Thursday from 1:30 pm to 3:00 pm. Applicants must have good communication and organizational skills, be proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel, and Publisher.

Familiarity with ParishSOFT is a plus, but must be willing to learn.

PARISH SECRETARY

PART-TIME St. Michael Parish, Long Branch St. Michael’s parish, Long Branch is seeking a part-time (16-25 hours per week) parish secretary.

Responsibilities include general office duties, e.g. answering phones, greeting and referring visitors, and typing correspondence. In addition, this individual will also be responsible for maintaining mass schedules, accurately recording/filing existing parishioner sacramental records, and updating/ maintaining parish census data.

Must be a practicing Roman Catholic in good standing. Undergraduate degree or certificate in youth ministry. Minimum of 3 years experience in youth ministry. Preference given to those experienced in social media. Salary commensurate with degree and experience. Excellent benefits.

Qualifications include a minimum 3-5 years previous secretarial experience. Ideal candidate should be welcoming, have helpful, pleasant demeanor with callers/visitors, excellent communication/ interpersonal skills, and above average proficiency with MS Word, Excel, Publisher and Adobe.

Position available in May 2020.

Contact Roseann McDonough at

For prompt consideration, interested candidates should e-mail or fax resume, cover letter with salary history and references to: St. Michael’s Church 800 Ocean Avenue, Long Branch NJ 07740 Fax: 732-870-1174 trandazzo@stmichaelnj.com

Interested applicants are invited to send a resume by email to transfiguration.parish@verizon.net or call 732-572-0977 Ext. 301

BUSINESS MANAGER/BOOKKEEPER PART TIME

The Catholic Church of St. Ann & St. Ann School in Raritan is looking for a part time Business Manager/Bookkeeper.

Days/hours can be flexible.

Job duties include, but are not limited to: • Collection and deposit reconciliation • Accounts payable • Payroll • Mass Stipend reconciliation • Vendor management The ideal candidate will have bookkeeping experience in a parish setting, preferably in the Diocese of Metuchen.

Proficiency with QuickBooks required.

We are also looking for someone who adheres to the highest moral and ethical standards and can interact effectively with the various constituencies. Hourly wage dependent upon experience.

Please send resume and cover letter to: rstevens@stannparish.com NO PHONE CALLS PLEASE!

MARCH 5, 2020

These classifieds really work! Our subscribers are great potential!

To place your ad call (732) 529-7934

Duties include answering telephones, taking messages, arranging Mass intentions, sponsor eligibility certificates, arranging baptisms, weddings, funerals, and maintaining accurate parish records.

Applicants must be able to work collaboratively with parish community and staff.

THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT

Corpus Christi Church, Chatham Township, NJ, is seeking a Pastoral Associate for Youth Ministry. Responsible for developing and providing a comfortable environment for youth and young adults in which Catholic worship, evangelization, leadership, informal catechesis, service and community building take place. Invites and empowers youth to be involved and take leadership in each of these areas through various ministries within the parish and beyond. Coordinates the High School Religious Ed. and Confirmation programs.

rmcdonough@corpuschristi.org or mail to: Corpus Christi Parish, 234 Southern Blvd., Chatham, NJ 07928

OUR DIOCESE

DIOCESAN EVENTS

28 OUR DIOCESE

Stepping Forward in

MARCH 5, 2020

THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT

G r A c e

FAith: i

n

A c t i o n

Roman Catholic Diocese of Metuchen

2020 Bishop’s AnnuAl AppeAl

CALL THE OFFICE OF STEWARDSHIP AND DEVELOPMENT give AT 732-562-2436 GIVE ONLINE: diometuchen.org online: OR diometuchen.org