Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ,
It is hard to believe that this will be my last column as your Bishop! I remember when I arrived in the Diocese back in 2016 and the editor of the Catholic Spirit, Joanne Ward, who just recently retired, asked me if I wanted to write a column for the paper which was published every other week. I remember thinking at the time that it seemed like a lot and maybe I shouldn’t over-commit myself. However, I started the column right away and never stopped. I am grateful that she asked, as it has been a wonderful way to communicate with you over these years. So many people would even comment on my weekend visits to parishes that they enjoyed the columns. I was always glad that someone besides my mother was reading them!
It will not be easy to leave you and this beautiful local Church. You welcomed me so warmly when Pope Francis sent me here as your bishop. I have grown more in love with you each year, as I got to know you better during my time here. Personally, it has certainly been a blessed time in my life. When I left the North American College in Rome to come here, I thought I probably would never be as happy as I was there. The work of forming priests was so inspiring and rewarding. Happily, I was wrong! My years here in the Metuchen Diocese have been marvelous. Even with the few challenges we had to face, I always felt your love and support as we faced them; I will be ever grateful to you.
I thank you for all you are and do to build God’s Kingdom here. I have enjoyed visiting our parishes, schools and other institutions over these years. We have so many wonderful parishes filled with lovely, generous people who not only sup-
port the catechetical, charitable and other works of your parishes but also look out for the poor and others in need throughout our Diocese and world.
Our priests are extraordinary. It has been an honor to serve with them and our dedicated permanent deacons, too. Gratefully, we have 21 committed, young men in formation for the priesthood who, God willing, will help serve our Diocese well as priests. Our women religious are so dedicated, it is always a joy to be with them too. We celebrated our Jubilee Day for consecrated life recently, and it was tough to say good-bye to them!
The office of Bishop is principally charged with being a witness to the joyful Resurrection of Jesus and all that it means for our life here on earth and our getting to everlasting life with Him in Heaven. I have striven to be such a witness during my years here. I know that I don’t always get it right though, and for the times that I have missed the mark, I apologize. I have learned much here in Metuchen having arrived as a baby bishop. Thank you for your patience, support and love. It has meant the world to me and it’s what makes it hard to leave you.
Be assured of my prayers for you, as I go. I will carry you in my heart and always remember to pray for you. I ask that you do the same for me, please; I will need your prayers. And if you head south, the deep south, come to New Orleans for a visit! In the meantime, I will be joining you in prayer for a new Bishop of Metuchen who will be a great bishop for this wonderful Diocese; the Holy Spirit will provide, no doubt! God bless you all and know of my love, prayers and gratitude for you!
Yours in Christ,
Most Reverend James F. Checchio, JCD, MBA Bishop of Metuchen
‘I will take you in my heart to New Orleans.”
Scenes from the Mass and Reception for Jubilarians of 2025. The full story of the Mass for the Religious Jubilarians 2025 will appear in the November issue of the Catholic Spirit.
How to report abuse If you were sexually abused by a member of the clergy or anyone representing the Catholic Church, or you know of someone who was, you are encouraged to report that abuse to local law enforcement, the New Jersey Division of Child Protection and Permanency at 1-877-NJ ABUSE (652-2873) or 1-800-835-5510 (TTY/TDD for the deaf), and also the Diocesan Response Officer at (908) 930-4558 (24 hours/7 days a week).
By Mary Morrell, Editor-in-Chief
For Bishop James F. Checchio, who has shepherded the Diocese of Metuchen since 2016, the next step on his episcopal path will be a more than 1,200-mile journey to New Orleans, which he will then call home.
The transition was announced Sept. 23 in a message from Archbishop Gregory Aymond to the New Orleans Archdiocese. He wrote, “It is with great hope for the future of our archdiocese that I share the news the Holy Father, Pope Leo XIV, has appointed Most Reverend James F. Checchio of the Diocese of Metuchen as Coadjutor Archbishop of New Orleans.”
Archbishop Aymond explained, “As coadjutor archbishop, he will assist me in the role of archbishop and has ‘the right of
succession’ upon my retirement. … I will continue in the role of archbishop until the bankruptcy is concluded and other matters of pastoral care of the Archdiocese of New Orleans are accomplished.”
Responding to his Sept. 23 appointment, now Coadjutor Archbishop Checchio said, “The Archdiocese of New Orleans is an historic local Church with committed clergy and religious, two large seminary communities and a wonderful, faith-filled laity. I am certainly grateful to our Lord and to His vicar, Pope Leo XIV, for sending me
“The Knights of Columbus have enjoyed a wonderful relationship with Bishop Checchio over the past nine years. He has always been embracing and supportive of the Knights of Columbus here in the Diocese of Metuchen, providing spiritual guidance, public endorsement, and collaboration in our initiatives for our Councils and the Diocese. Bishop Checchio will be missed, and we look forward to developing the same relationship with the new Bishop.”
to be a part of such a beautiful community.”
Bishop Checchio reflected on his nine years in the Diocese, calling them “a grace-filled and privileged time in my life and priestly ministry.”
As he does so often in his monthly column and his many visits to parishes, he promised his “ongoing daily prayers” to his Metuchen flock, saying, “As I now prepare to leave Metuchen and the priests, deacons, religious and lay faithful with whom I have grown more deeply in love each year, I promise them my
ongoing daily prayers while assuring the good people of the Archdiocese of New Orleans that I will dedicate myself to praying for and serving them.”
Bishop Checchio also expressed his thanks to Archbishop Aymond and retired Archbishop Alfred C. Hughes “for their most kind welcome and for their encouragement. I look forward to working with them in shepherding the Church in my new home. I ask all to please remember me in their prayers.”
Continued on page 4 and 5
“We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Most Rev. James F. Checchio for his nine years of dedicated leadership and spiritual guidance to our diocese. We are especially thankful for his unwavering support of law enforcement and his steadfast presence during challenging times. Bishop Checchio’s commitment to visiting and uplifting the many communities across the four counties of our diocese has left a lasting impact. His compassion and service have truly strengthened and united us all.”
Department,
—Archdiocese of New Orleans photo.
Bishop Checchio was welcomed by Archbishop Aymond and Archbishop Emeritus Hughes, archdiocesan staff and seminarians during a Sept. 24 press conference in Notre Dame Seminary, New Orleans, where he was met with rounds of applause.
Following the press conference, he was accompanied by Archbishop Aymond on what was described as a “whirlwind tour” around the archdiocese, meeting with seminarians and priests and visiting schools, including St. Augustine High School, New Orleans. There he met with students, administrators and the Josephite priests who run the school.
He also visited St. Catherine of Siena School, Metairie, La., run by Dominican Sisters from Nashville, where he met with students, emphasizing for them the importance of prayer and receiving the Eucharist. Students sang a song, welcoming him to New Orleans.
Bishop Checchio also visited the Catholic Charities Archdiocese of New Orleans PACE Center, greeting participants. PACE stands for “Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly.”
Above left, during his introduction to the Archdiocese of New Orleans, Coadjutor Archbishop Checchio gives a thumbs up when asked if he’d be willing to become a New Orleans Saints fan.
Above right, Coadjutor Archbishop Checchio holds up an autographed New Orleans Saints football, received as a gift from a friend and kept in his Diocese of Metuchen office, never imagining he would “be here and be a Saints fan.”
Right, Archbishop Checchio walks with students at St. Augustine High School, New Orleans.
—Photos by Chris Granger, The Times-Picayune
“God, in His wisdom, places each of us where we are meant to be, even when the journey leads to unexpected places. As Bishop Checchio begins this new chapter, we trust in God’s plan and pray for blessings on the road ahead. We hang onto Jesus’ feet and trust in HIM! Bishop Checchio will be missed by the Life Choices Resource Center’s family.”
~Life Choices RC, Metuchen
The faithful of the Diocese of Metuchen have responded with a range of emotions to the announcement – pride, joy, concern, and, said some, feelings of sadness. But one thing stands out, observed Sarah Comisky McDonald, director of communications for the Archdiocese of New Orleans: “Everyone I have spoken to or interacted with in Metuchen has been so kind. It is clear you all truly love and respect Bishop Checchio and he is a good shepherd for God’s people.”
The Diocese of Metuchen has been through similar periods of transition before, having had five bishops since its founding in 1981 – Theodore Edgar McCarrick, 1981 – 1986; Edward Thomas Hughes, 1986 – 1997; Vincent DePaul Breen, 1997 – 2002; Paul Gregory Bootkoski, 2002 – 2016, and James Francis Checchio, 2016 – 2025. Each change of bishop, a significant process both administratively and pastorally, brought its own unique challenges and blessings, and period of adjustment.
The transition for Bishop Checchio, who will serve as New Orleans 15th archbishop, is also significant, as his elevation brings with it myriad new responsibilities and challenges.
An archdiocese is a diocese that includes a larger city or an area with a large Catholic population. An archdiocese is
headed by an archbishop, and the archbishop of the largest diocese in a region is known as a metropolitan archbishop.
As Archbishop of New Orleans, Bishop Checchio will guide a metropolitan see with a province that spans the entire State of Louisiana, and has six suffragan dioceses – Alexandria, Baton Rouge, Houma-Thibodaux, Lafayette, Lake Charles and Shreveport.
According to the U.S.C.C.B., the Archdiocese of New Orleans is comprised of 4,208 square miles in the State of Louisiana and has a total population of 1,263,422, of which 505,369, are Catholic.
It is also the oldest U.S. diocese, having been established in 1793. Catholicism is woven into the fabric of daily life with a strong influence from French, Spanish, Creole and African traditions. It is these ties to Catholic identity that make New Orleans’ traditions and celebrations unique. The Carnival season begins Jan. 6, the Epiphany or Kings Day. It ends on Mardi Gras, the Tuesday before Ash Wednesday, the beginning of the Lenten season.
One thing that will not change in this transition is the role of Mary as patroness.
For the Diocese of Metuchen, Mary is patroness under the title Queenship of Mary. On Dec. 12, 2019, Bishop Chec-
chio also consecrated the Diocese to Jesus through Our Lady of Guadalupe. One year later, on her feast day, Bishop Checchio celebrated Mass, asking the poignant question, “Where would we be without our dear Mother and her love for us?”
For the Archdiocese of New Orleans, Mary is principal patroness under the title Our Lady of Prompt Succor. The history surrounding the title is rooted in New Orleans, where a wooden statue of Mary was brought to the Ursuline Convent from France in 1810 by Mother St. Michel Gensoul, fulfilling a promise made during prayer for a favorable response from the Pope regarding her transfer to the city.
Devotion grew, and many of the favors granted through the intercession of Our Lady were in response to pleas for quick and favorable help, including her intervention sparing the convent, which housed refugees, from a fire in 1788, and a miraculous victory for American troops in the Battle of New Orleans, Jan. 8, 1815. Our Lady of Prompt Succor is celebrated in New Orleans on Jan. 8 in memory of the Battle.
The consecration of the Diocese of Metuchen to Jesus through Mother Mary marked a spiritual milestone in the history of the Diocese. The celebration, which was more than a year in the making, concluded with Bishop Checchio standing before a banner of Our Lady of Guadalupe and issuing a challenge to the
faithful, one that is particularly relevant today: “This is intended to be a moment of beginning, not end.”
In a personal video message to the diocesan faithful, Bishop Checchio shared, “I look forward to having a Mass of Thanksgiving [in the Diocese of Metuchen] with whoever can come, to thank God for the blessings of these nine years, and to pray for your new Bishop that the Holy Spirit will guide Pope Leo in picking a Shepherd after our Lord’s own heart who will love you, and continue on this road with you back to our loving Father.”
Bishop Checchio will be officially welcomed to his new role as Coadjutor Archbishop of New Orleans during his Mass of Welcome there on Nov. 18 at St. Louis Cathedral.
In the Diocese of Metuchen, A Mass of Thanksgiving and Farewell has been scheduled for Nov. 1 at 11 a.m. in the Cathedral of St. Francis of Assisi, Metuchen, followed by a light reception in the C.Y.O. building across the street on Library Place and Main St.
Compiled by Christina Leslie Contributing Editor
The Cathedral-Basilica of Saint Louis, King of France, also called St. Louis Cathedral, is the oldest continually used cathedral in the country. It is the third church to stand at the head of Jackson Square; an early church in place by 1722 was destroyed in a hurricane, and the first permanent church, built in 1727, was burned in the fire of 1788. The Diocese of Louisiana was established in 1793, and the new Spanish Cathedral was completed and consecrated in 1794.
In 1850, New Orleans became an Archdiocese, and in 1851 Archbishop Antoine Blanc blessed the newly expanded and restored Cathedral. Elements of the earlier churches are included in the present structure, and there have been many additions and improvements made throughout the years. In 1964, Pope Paul VI raised the Cathedral to the rank of Minor Basilica, citing its splendor, antiquity, historical significance, and pastoral zeal.
The floors in the center aisle were designed and installed by a free man of color. The stained glass windows tell the life story of St. Louis. Portraits of the bishops and archbishops adorn the ceiling. The prayer room that is just off
The interior of St. Louis Cathedral, pictured, filled with history and symbols. Above the altar are three statues representing the three virtues, faith (center), hope (left) and charity (right). Behind them are the inscribed words, Ego sum Via e Vertias et Vita meaning “I am the way, the truth and the life.” The bishop’s chair, or cathedra, is seen to the left. — Photo courtesy of the Archdiocese of New Orleans.
makes the cathedral the bishop’s church, the most prominent church in the diocese. From this church and his chair, a bishop carries out and proclaims the Gospel of Christ in the manner of the original Twelve Apostles. As a church is built for the altar, a cathedral is built for the altar and the cathedra. The word “cathedral” is from “cathedra,” not vice versa.
The cathedra is often large and weighty in size, indicating the vast responsibility of the one who sits in the chair. A variety of materials are used in its construction, including marble, wood and ivory. Construction includes two or three steps that lead up to the chair’s raised position. The cathedra is normally fixed in place, signifying the bishop’s commitment and stability; freestanding, it is often located behind the altar or on the left side of the sanctuary and clearly visible to everyone. Only the diocesan bishop, or, with his permission, a visiting bishop sits in the chair. In its 232-year history, the Archdiocese, which was originally the Diocese of Louisiana and the Floridas, has been served by three bishops and 14 archbishops. Bishop Checchio will be number 15.
In every diocesan cathedral, there is a cathedra, a bishop’s chair, which
the entrance is dedicated to Henriette Delille, a free woman of color, who established the Sisters of the Holy Family. On March 2, 2010, the Vatican’s Congregation for the Causes of Saints voted unanimously to approve a declaration that Servant of God Henriette Delille practiced “heroic virtue” during her ministry to slaves and African Americans. This brings her one step closer towards beatification, a step toward sainthood.
Sources: D.D. Emmons, OSV.com article; info from Archdiocesan website; article on Clarion-Herald website
“‘Women have a genius all her own, which is vitally essential to both society and the Church.”
St. John Paul II
“When a woman is fully alive, living as she was created to be, and living from her unique gifts, it brings about a fullness of humanity, a fullness of understanding who we are.”
Lisa Cotter
By Christina Leslie Contributing Editor
“All of us have a role as women in the Church,” asserted Lisa Cotter, Catholic author, speaker, missionary and podcaster during the Oct. 11 Feminine Genius Brunch in St. John Neumann Pastoral Center, Piscataway. “We don’t have to fit ourselves in a box, and we should root ourselves in the unchanging,” she said, speaking to more than 100 women from across the diocese.
Sponsored by the diocesan Office of Human Life and Dignity, the annual event featured a hot brunch, fellowship, music, prayer and reflection meant to remind the women attendees that their God-given gifts are crucial to the physical and spiritual needs of all they encounter. Jennifer Ruggiero, director, Office of Human Life and Dignity, and Secretary, Secretariat for Family and Pastoral Life, reflected, “The Feminine Genius Brunch is a wonderful opportunity to gather as
women and to reflect on and celebrate our unique qualities as women. Combining beautiful music, good food, warm fellowship, inspiring words and guided meditation, the event provides a time to refresh and to rest in the Lord,”
Cotter drew upon both inspirational and humorous anecdotes from her own life experiences as a wife and mother of four to illustrate the words of St. John Paul II in his papal letters to women.
“‘Women have a genius all her own, which is vitally essential to both society and the Church,’” Cotter quoted the late pope. She added, “When a woman is fully alive, living as she was created to be, and living from her unique gifts, it brings about a fullness of humanity, a fullness of understanding who we are. This is not popular in our world today – people say gender has no purpose, sex has no meaning, and choice is whatever you want it to be … The world will keep trying to define who we are.”
According to philosopher Mercy
Sister Prudence Allen in her treatise “The Concept of Woman,” the genius of a woman refers to a way of being, acting and loving in the world. The religious sister cited eight characteristics which manifest a unique creativity in women and their relationships – receptivity, self-giving, generosity, intuition, maternity, sensitivity, fidelity and strength. These traits are not exclusive to either gender, but are more attuned to women.
Cotter used the analogy of an intruder breaking into the family home; working together, with one parent racing to care for the children, the other rushing to see who caused the invasion and how to stop them, the family might benefit from the couple’s differing strengths and skills. “They are not in competition with each other, but collaboration,” she asserted.
“In every age, space and place, the Church has held up women and said they live their choice well,” Cotter continued. “No two look the same, but it is a beautiful thing. Don’t compare yourselves to one another. The way you might express your femininity may look different than your sister in the pew.”
Women should instead turn to Mary, she advocated, for she is a constant source of inspiration. “Her ‘yes’ led to massive unknowns, but she brings our needs to her Son. She had feminine genius, and strength. She was with him until the end.”
Receptivity does not exclusively mean the nurturing of a child within one’s womb, Cotter said. “We can receive people into our hearts, our homes, our calendars. Every woman can receive people in invisible ways. Some have babies, but
religious sisters forgo physical maternity to be spiritual mothers… Women are a gift to the world. We are in charge of the care of life.”
She closed with an admonition made by St. Pope St. Paul VI at the conclusion of the Second Vatican Council. He advised women to “watch carefully over the future of our race. Hold back the hand of man who, in a moment of folly, might attempt to destroy human civilization. You to whom life has been entrusted at this grave moment in history, it is for you to save the peace of the world.”
Cotter reiterated, “We hold the future of the world; that’s why we have been protected, and it is a huge gift. Through God, it is in you. Bring him into your life. If we lean on Jesus, he will give us the strength to do it.”
1. A group of deacons’ wives gather at the Feminine Genius Brunch.
2. Dr. Carol Funk speaks about her Catholic Cookbook, “Come, Taste and See,” which combines Scripture, stories and recipes and offers a fresh meditative approach to cooking at the Feminine Genius Brunch
3. Members of the Virtual Women’s Group gathered at the Feminine Genius Brunch including Office of Family Life director, Cristina D’Averso Collins, far right.
4. The Feminine Genius Brunch featured music by harpist Meredyth Coleman.
—John Batkowski photos
The theme for World Mission Sunday 2025 is “Missionaries of Hope Among All Peoples.” This annual observance emphasizes the Church's commitment to spreading the Gospel and fostering a culture of faithfulness and service, especially in our youth. Engaging youth in such missionary activities is not only beneficial for their spiritual development but also crucial for revitalizing faith and ensuring that the faith is passed down authentically from one generation to the next.
In every age, young people are God’s gift to the Church and to the world. In the missionary world, the vital energy and enthusiasm that our youth provide is contagious. It awakens us to God’s precious gifts of faith, hope and love. Isn’t this what our newly canonized saints, Saint Carlo Acutis and Saint Pier Giorgio Frassati stood for? St. Carlo was only 15 when he died in 2006. St. Pier Giorgio was only 24 when he died in 1925. Yet, they accomplished in their short lives, not only the difficult but the near-impossible. It should come as no surprise that it
was a young teenager who founded the Pontifical Mission Societies, also known as the Propagation of the Faith. More than 200 years ago, in 1822, 19-yearold Pauline Jaricot from Lyons, France, along with several other young women who worked in the factories of France, would gather each week to pray for the missions and for missionaries. Little did she know that other youth, in places like the Diocese of Metuchen, would continue her good work some 200 years later.
Pauline Jaricot is now known as Blessed Pauline Jaricot which means that she will hopefully become an official saint someday like Saint Carlo and Saint Pier Giorgio. Even as you and I pray for that day, we also pray that the good work we do for the missions will help others, especially other young people around the world, to embrace the truth of Jesus Christ and receive our kind gifts with hearts wide open to God’s love and mercy. We need to invite our youth to be that missionary of Christ for the world. Parents and grandparents need to challenge their children to be faithful disciples of Christ. Like 19-year-old Blessed Pauline Jaricot, who first envisioned the Propagation of the Faith to help the poor in missionary countries and like 15-yearold St. Carlo and 24-year-old St. Pier Giorgio who lived the theological virtues of faith, hope and love, they need to one
day be counted among the saints.
We’ve all heard the phrase: “Youth is wasted on the young.” It is often attributed to George Bernard Shaw, an Irish playwright who died in 1950 at age 94. The phrase essentially means that young people don’t always appreciate or properly use their youthful qualities, including energy and physical health, because they lack the insight to understand that these qualities often diminish with age.
Charlie Kirk, an evangelical Protes-
tant, did not waste his youth. In fact, I would argue that he would have eventually become Catholic with the passage of time, and with continued insight into the question of “what is truth,” OR BETTER, “who is Truth!” As the Sacred Scripture puts it (and as Jesus said): “I am the way the truth in the life. No one comes to the Father except through me” (John 14:6).
I assert that Charlie would have eventually become convinced, as others have, like John Henry Newman, G.K. Chesterton, Elizabeth Ann Seton, Avery Dulles, Scott Hahn, and numerous others, that the fullness of truth (Jesus Christ) founded the Church. As well, the Church Jesus founded is the embodiment of Truth Itself, and this truth is fully accessible through the Church He founded. As Jesus teaches: “And so I say to you, you are Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church, and the gates of the netherworld shall not prevail against it. I will give you the keys to the kingdom of heaven. Whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven; and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven” (Matthew 16:18).
May we all be, especially our youth, the best of Missionaries of Hope Among All Peoples!
Father Hillier serves as diocesan director, Office of Pontifical Mission Societies, the Office for Persons with Disabilities and Censor Luborum.
By David Karas, Correspondent
With the recent convergence of First Saturday, Rosary Sunday and the Feast of Our Lady of the Rosary, the men’s fraternal group at the Shrine Chapel of the Blessed Sacrament, Raritan, took full advantage of the opportunity – and drew a record crowd.
The Blessed Sacrament Men’s Club organized Four Days for Our Lady: A Rosary Pilgrimage, which took place from October 4 through October 7. The pilgrimage included public Rosaries, Traditional Latin Masses, a theological lecture, relic veneration, the traditional blessing of roses and the group’s monthly Men’s Rosary Rally, which had the largest-ever turnout with over 40 men participating.
“I’d venture to guess that many Catholics think that a pilgrimage – as a means of spiritual development – requires extensive travel and a concerted commitment,” said Frank Minishak, a member of the Men’s Club and co-founder of the Rosary Rally – which marked its four-year anniversary on October 4. “Many people who attend the Mass at the Shrine are familiar with Chartres or even Auriesville which is more local, but we wanted to put something together that was simple,
very local, attainable, and centered on something everyone knows about – the Blessed Mother and the Rosary.”
Minishak, who lives in Green Brook and regularly attends Mass at the Shrine Chapel, added, “Maybe this was a small step for some people who will build up their spiritual lives to something like one of the marquee pilgrimages one day.”
The four-day pilgrimage began at the Shrine with a First Saturday Rosary followed by a Traditional Latin Mass. It continued with the Rosary Rally, a solemn Rosary in Latin and Sung Traditional Latin Masses. The program included a lecture in St. Joseph Parish Hall, Raritan, featuring Father John A. Perricone, Ph.D., a respected theologian and author, who explored the history, significance and power of the Feast of Our Lady of
the Rosary. Participants also had the opportunity to venerate relics of the Blessed Virgin Mary’s veil and cincture.
Father Gregory Zannetti, parochial vicar of St. John Vianney Parish, Colonia, was the celebrant of the Feast of Our Lady of the Rosary Mass on October 7, which included the traditional blessing of roses and relics.
“It is always so moving to see the people’s great love for our Blessed Mother as they venerated the relics. Many touched their rose to the relic as well as their rosaries, brown scapulars, crucifixes and other medals – even their wedding rings,” he said. “One can easily see how moved the people are and their great devotion to Our Lord and Our Lady.”
Along with the organizers, Father Zannetti was happy to see so many faithful attend the pilgrimage and participate
in the various activities and programs.
“It shows that people want to continue to grow in their faith and are striving to become the saints we were all created to be,” he said. “I believe people can sense that God alone can fulfill their every desire and that true happiness is only found in Him and His Church.”
He added that pilgrimages provide faithful with the chance to gather with members of other parish communities, and to join together in their common faith.
“This is always encouraging for us all – as it says in the book of Proverbs, ‘iron sharpens iron’ – and so seeing many Catholics living the faith always helps build up our faith individually and collectively,” said Father Zannetti.
Father Perricone, who presented his special Marian lecture to the pilgrims, emphasized the importance of these devotions to Mary.
“Such solemn displays of open affection for the Mother of God are crucially important in today’s Church because of the dilution of faith caused by the caustic influence of secularist culture as well as unorthodox theological and philosophical ideas which have seeped into the Church,” he said. “She leads
Once again, the Church in the United States celebrates October as Respect Life month. During this Jubilee Year of Hope, we are called to reflect on how each and every human life, made in the image and likeness of God, is a sign of hope.
Sadly, darkness looms in the daily headlines – the killing of innocent school children, suicides, drug overdoses, mistreatment of immigrants, acts of war and political violence. Often times, the prevalence of this disregard for human life can lead us to discouragement and despair. However, God has written truth, goodness and beauty into His creation and into our humanity so ultimately the light will prevail.
Here are some hopeful signs for the pro-life movement:
• A recent Gallup poll found that prolife sentiment has increased slightly from 2024 to 2025. The poll found a slight increase in those who identify as pro-life (41% to 43%) while those who identify as pro-choice fell from 54% to 51%. The survey also saw slight increases in those who say abortion is morally wrong and
only a few or no circumstances. Both categories were up by 3 percentage points from last year.
• Last month marked the 25th anniversary of the NJ Safe Haven Infant Protection Act, which allows a parent to safely and anonymously surrender an unharmed infant up to 30 days old to any police station, firehouse or hospital emergency room. Since the act has been signed into law, 100 babies have been surrendered and saved from harm.
• Earlier this month, the Guttmacher Institute released new data from its monthly provision report, which indicated that the number of clinician-provided abortions in the first six months of 2025 fell about 5% when compared to the same period in 2024. This may be due to the enactment of Florida’s Heartbeat Act which protects unborn babies from abortion after six weeks gestation. Birth
data from Florida shows that 300 babies are saved from abortion each month due to Florida’s Heartbeat Act.
• According to the Lozier Institute, there are more than 2700 pro-life pregnancy help centers across the country which provide tangible support including medical care and referrals, education mentoring and material support such as diapers, car seats and clothing at little to no cost. From 2016 to 2020, these centers partnered with pregnant women at risk for abortion to save over 800,000 lives. These centers provide tangible signs of hope for women and families experiencing hardships.
While positive trends are signs of progress that can help to buoy us, it is through every day human interactions that seeds are planted to grow a culture of life. Those who work to enact life-affirming public policies and those who volunteer at the pregnancy help centers witness the pro-life movement’s mission of true com-
The British poet, Sir John Betjeman (“The Conversion of St Paul”) wrote, “What is Conversion? Turning round/To gaze upon a love profound.” What imitates that conversion? That “turning the wrong way around,” as the poet states it?
In this series of stories of conversion, Niels Stensen being the second, it is Jesus Himself in His presence in the Holy Eucharist that convicts the individual heart in such an overwhelming way that they cannot turn away but indeed turn around, drawn to His love. Today we will look at another such example.
Blessed Niels Stensen (or Steensen) was a Danish physician and anatomist during the Enlightenment. He was sent to Paris to study by his professor, Thomas Bartholin, where he was steeped in the methodology of Descartes. Eventually he came to question Cartesian methods and developed his own theories. For example, Descartes thought the heart was a type of “furnace” providing heat for the body.
Stensen, based on empirical observation from his dissections, came up with the idea that the heart was a pump which functioned by the lengthening and shortening of the fibers, an idea which is consistent with what we know today. He took a position teaching Medicine at the University of Padua, where he Italianized his name to Nicholà Steno. The duct of the salivary glands still bears his name: Stensen’s duct.
Using observation of seashells in an inland area and a chance discovery of a large shark tooth in that area, he developed concepts in stratigraphy which form the basis of the sciences of geology and paleontology. He even developed seminal concepts of crystal formation which bear his name, Stensen’s Law of Constancy of Interfacial Angles.
passion, care and empowerment.
Although we often focus on the plight of the unborn, we are called to be agents of hope for all who experience hardships. Whether it is a woman facing an unplanned pregnancy, a terminally ill man who has become homebound, an elderly person who struggles with loneliness, a prisoner who has lost hope or a young person battling addiction - each baptized person is called to offer a “yes to life” through actions of kindness, forgiveness and reconciliation in order to help them to rekindle hope in their hearts.
This can simply be by paying a visit, having a listening heart or just by being present to another who is suffering. By sharing the light of the Gospel we can help to reassure those in need that, while the world may grow dark, we are safe and held in the loving arms of Christ.
Trusting in God’s faithful presence, may each of us be a sign of hope for those we encounter every day. May they see in us a people who are deeply in love with God, and, therefore, full of hope and joy. Let us pray that during this Respect Life month, the Lord will strengthen our resolve to protect the gift of every human life, from conception until natural death.
Jennifer Ruggiero serves as diocesan Secretary, Secretariat for Family and Pastoral Life, and director, Office of Human Life and Dignity.
— Dominik Lange photo/Unsplash
This dedicated enlightenment scientist, who was a Lutheran, one day during a Corpus Christi procession in Padua encountered the Risen Christ in the Eucharistic Sacrament. He realized in his heart, at that instant, that this was the Real Presence of Christ passing by. One version says that he threw himself on the ground in adoration. He went to the Bishop and was received into the Church and later ordained a priest.
Later he was ordained bishop and made Vicar Apostolic of Nordic Missions. He returned to Denmark and what is now Northern Germany to bring back the people to the Catholic faith and that deep love of Christ which he found in the Eucharist. He lived a very humble life, caring for the poor.
At his death his students went to Denmark to bring his remains to Florence where they rest in the Eucharistic Adoration Chapel at the Church of San Lorenzo. That is where I unexpectedly found them as I went for a visit to the Blessed Sacrament.
I find myself drawn to Blessed Nicola’s story for many reasons. It is amazing how one can stumble onto something which can make a deep impression if one only has the time and the curiosity to take notice. Steno’s observations led to discovery and conversion. I stumbled on to his remains and his story quite by accident, or was it?
St Francis de Sales wrote that there are no coincidences in the spiritual life. Our next installment will feature a contemporary story of ‘Peter’ and an unexpected experience of Adoration.
Niels Stensen by J. P. Trap 1868, derivative work: nagualdesign, Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/ index.php?curid=18005089
“We’re all being called,” declared keynote speaker Kevin Matthews to faithful assembled Sept. 12 in the Cathedral of St. Francis of Assisi, Metuchen. “All saints have a past and all sinners have a future. I’m broken, but I’m here to tell you that change happens.”
Matthews, midwestern radio per sonality and author of two books on the Blessed Virgin Mary’s impact in his life, engaged congregations at two pilgrimage events, one in the Cathedral and, the fol lowing day, at the National Blue Army Shrine of Our Lady of Fatima, Asbury.
On Friday evening, some 150 pil grims were welcomed to the Cathedral by Father Timothy Christy, rector, for an evening of Eucharistic Adoration, praise and worship, music, and a talk and book signing by Matthews. Following Bene diction, Father Christy invited pilgrims, who hailed from across the Diocese, to gather together for a reception on the Cathedral patio.
Saturday’s pilgrimage at the Blue Army Shrine celebrated the 108th anni versary of the fourth apparition of Our Lady of Fatima, and has been held since May on the 13th of each month to com memorate each of Mary's apparitions at Fatima.
Bishop James F. Checchio served as principal celebrant and homilist for the Sept. 13 Mass at the Blue Army Shrine. He addressed some 1,000 pilgrims, recalling that from May 13, 1917, until October of that year, Mary appeared at Fatima six times with a plea for prayer, repentance and reparation. “We must carry on the message,” he said. “This points to the introduction of the divine into everyday life and his initiative and desire to be with us.”
The Bishop continued, “Mary’s first reaction was fear: she did not understand. But the angel said that the Holy Spirit and grace will make it happen, and awaited her response, which we know. ‘Let it be done unto me according to Your word.’ Mary is our model of faith, trust, and courage. Thank you for welcoming Mary into your lives. Our Lady of Fatima, pray for us.”
During both presentations, Matthews described how his diagnosis of
Top, Kevin Matthews shares his personal story of transformation following a unique encounter with the Blessed Virgin Mary.
Children enjoy a marshmallow roast during a reception on the Cathedral patio following an evening of Eucharistic Adoration, praise and worship, music, and a talk by Kevin Matthews.
Cathedral Rector Father Timothy Christy leads Benediction, which includes prayer, hymns and a blessing with the Blessed Sacrament.
—Hal Brown photos
multiple sclerosis and resulting radical life changes brought him closer to the Blessed Mother after he found a broken statue and had it repaired.
Matthews recounted, “I was a zombie Catholic, just going to church on Christmas and Easter, flying high as a radio host in Chicago until one day I had numbing sensations. Tests revealed that I had MS.” His illness cost him his job, so he decided to sell his house and move, but he was unable to do so, and he hit rock bottom. “The medical treatments were horrible,” he said.
Matthews also shared a number of
instances when he felt urged by the Holy Spirit to undertake some action and subsequently received a grace, one of them which led to his finding the broken statue of the Blessed Mother in the dirt next to a dumpster. Weighing whether or not to pick it up, he sensed a voice saying, “Will you deny me, and will you deny my mother?”
“Mary, I will take care of you,” he responded, taking the statue with him. A priest friend later repaired the statue, which was on display in both the cathedral and the Blue Army Shrine.
“We’re all broken, but we’re loved
The Cathedral of St. Francis of Assisi, Metuchen, and the National Blue Army Shrine of Our Lady of Fatima, Washington, are sacred spaces where the faithful may obtain the Jubilee Indulgence for the Jubilee Year. For more information on the Jubilee Indulgence visit: https://diometuchen.org/jubilee-2025.
“Mary’s first reaction was fear: she did not understand. But the angel said that the Holy Spirit and grace will make it happen, and awaited her response, which we know: ‘Let it be done unto me according to Your word.’ Mary is our model of faith, trust, and courage. Thank you for welcoming Mary into your lives.”
by God,” said Matthews, who now visits hospices, prisons, and even hospital emergency rooms, accompanied by the statue. He became what he calls “a little shepherd dog,” often explaining, “If I can get them to God, if I can get them to Jesus, he does the rest. He’s the shepherd.” And for Matthews, the way to Jesus is through Mary.
Following the Shrine Mass, Franciscan Friar of Renewal Father Luke Fletcher, shrine chaplain, led Exposition, a Eucharistic Procession, and Benediction. Matthews, who has written two books about his transformation: “Broken Mary: A Journey of Hope” (2016), and “Mary's Roadie: My Travels With Mary the Mother of Jesus” (2024), signed copies of his books at the Cathedral evening. Pilgrim Fely Jabla, who travelled from Bensalem, Pa. for the Shrine pilgrimage, explained that she has completed the monthly May to October devotions several times, describing the experience simply, as “beautiful.”
Bishop James F. Checchio celebrates Mass at the Blue Army Shrine for the 108th anniversary of the fourth apparition of Our Lady of Fatima, and addresses the more than 1000 pilgrims in attendance. The dalupe to be readied for a procession which included praying the Rosary. —Megan Pritchard photos
By Adriana Molina, Correspondent
The Hispanic Evangelization Office of the Diocese of Metuchen joyfully celebrated the graduation of the second class of the Hispanic Bible Course Oct. 8. The ceremony opened with Vespers led by Father Gustavo Rodríguez, coordinator of Lay Formation, followed by reflections from Deacon Edgar Chaves, director, Office of Hispanic Evangelization and Pastoral Ministry; Father Ronal Vega Pastrana, assistant to the coordinator of Lay Formation, and Father Fredy Triana, instructor at the Hispanic Bible School.
Deacon Chaves reflected on the first graduation a year ago, which included 32 students, and celebrated the dedication of the current 62 graduates who completed the project they began in 2023. He also expressed gratitude to Bishop James F. Checchio, noting that these graduates, along with those from last year and current students, demonstrate the Bishop’s
commitment to bringing the Word of the Lord to all the faithful. “The Hispanic Bible School has been a blessing for those who live their faith in Spanish,” he said. “May God bless you and guide you in your new mission as Archbishop Coadjutor Designate of New Orleans. Our prayers will always be with you.”
Father Fredy Triana encouraged the graduates to live their faith actively.
“Faith is not inherited; it is conquered,” he said. “The true wise person is not the one who knows the most, but the one who sees through the eyes of God. To study, embody, and proclaim the Word is your calling. Your home is your first pulpit, your family your first community, and your witness your first sermon. Go and let God’s Word transform the world through your life.”
Bishop Checchio spoke about serving God as a journey of growing closer to God each day. Quoting Saint Jerome, he reminded everyone that patience is the
companion of wisdom, and perseverance is the faithful continuation of good works and devotion – qualities that mark the soul of a true Christian disciple.
Addressing the graduates and their families in the auditorium, he shared:
“My love, prayers, and heartfelt gratitude are with you all. I am truly grateful to have been your bishop in Metuchen all these years. Leaving the diocese will be a challenge, but I carry each of you in my heart.
“And now, responding to Pope Leo XIV’s call to serve as Archbishop of New Orleans, I am leaving… and, yes, I guess I’m becoming a Southerner!”
At the conclusion of an inspiring speech, graduate Carolina González, wife of Deacon José Vidal, motivated her classmates to share the Word of God. “Persevere in your formation and growth, but above all, do not keep this knowledge to yourselves. Share what we have learned in class with our families, friends, neighbors, and communities,” she said.
Among the students, Marvin Pineda, from Shrine of St. Joseph Parish in Stirling, shared how the course strengthened his faith. “I now converse with God with immense reverence. Through the eyes of David, one can see God. My mission is to know Christ in others,” he said. Pineda
also dreams of creating a biblical film and traveling to holy lands to deepen his experience and inspire his project, while reflecting on classmates’ perspectives and growing together in faith.
Alba Cuartas, a catechesis facilitator, reflected on how the course enriched her teaching. “I can now share everything I have learned and continue sowing the love of God in the hearts of my students,” she said.
There were smiles all around as 62 graduates of the Hispanic Bible School were recognized for their two years of study and accomplishment. Bishop James F. Checchio applauded and congratulated the group and those who serve as teachers and organizers. Bottom right photo, are, from left, Father Fredy Triana Beltrán, parochial vicar, Holy Family Parish, New Brunswick, and Hispanic Bible School teacher; Deacon Edgar Chaves, director, Office of Hispanic Evangelization and Pastoral Ministry; Luz Escobar, bilingual administrative assistant; Bishop Checchio; Father Ronal Vega-Pastrana, assistant coordinator, Hispanic Lay Formation, and Father Gustavo Rodríguez-Pérez, coordinator of Hispanic Lay Formation. —Hal Brown photos
By Father Gustavo Rodríguez Pérez Special Contributor
In the spirit of the Jubilee of Youth, more than 150 Hispanic young people from across the Diocese of Metuchen came together at the St. John Neumann Pastoral Center, Piscataway, Sept. 13 for a day of praise, prayer, and encounter with Jesus in the Eucharist. The event, “Living the Faith: Finding and Having a Relationship with God,” was organized by the diocesan Office of Hispanic Evangelization and highlighted the vitality and hope that young Catholics bring to the Church.
From the opening moments, music and prayer set the tone for a celebration marked by energy and joy. Participants sang, prayed, and shared their faith in a spirit of unity that transcended cultures and backgrounds. Together they bore witness to the central message of the day: Christ is alive and walks with His people.
A key partner in the success of the gathering was Array of Hope Ministries, whose team provided leadership, guidance, and support throughout the day. Their dynamic presence, marked by powerful music and engaging witness, created an atmosphere that allowed the youth to connect deeply with their faith and with one another.
Guest speakers Joshua Rosa and Alanis Vega inspired the gathering with great reflections on the transforming power of the Gospel. Rosa is one of the founders
of Agnus Dei ministry, an author, Catholic speaker, and passionate follower of Christ. Vega serves as content creator and public face of the Array of Hope Ministries. Together they challenged the youth to respond courageously to God’s call and to say “YES” to the Lord in the present moment, despite the challenges facing today’s generation.
This culminating event was the result of a season of monthly diocesan Masses, led by Deacon José Diaz and Father Ronal Vega, dedicated to praying with and listening to the voices of Hispanic youth across the diocese. The gathering at the pastoral center was both a celebration and the fruit of months of accompaniment.
The day’s most profound moment came during Eucharistic Adoration. In silence before the Blessed Sacrament, many young people prayed with intensity, some moved to tears, others making commitments to live their faith more fully. It was a moment of deep encounter with Christ that left a lasting impression on all present.
For participants and organizers alike, the event was more than a one-day program; it was a sign of renewal for the local Church. Hope was not just a theme but a lived reality, visible in the songs, the smiles, and the generous response of the young people.
Father Gustavo Rodríguez Pérez is diocesan Coordinator of Hispanic Lay Formation.
Some 150 Hispanic youth gathered Sept. 13 for a joyful day of praise and worship, made possible, in part, by Array of Hope Ministries, who offered powerful music, engaging witness, inspiring speakers, all encouraging youth to say “Yes,” to the Lord in the midst of today’s many challenges. —Hal Brown photos
FROM THE OPENING MOMENTS, MUSIC AND PRAYER SET THE TONE FOR A CELEBRATION MARKED BY ENERGY AND JOY. PARTICIPANTS SANG, PRAYED, AND SHARED THEIR FAITH IN A SPIRIT OF UNITY THAT TRANSCENDED CULTURES AND BACKGROUNDS. TOGETHER THEY BORE WITNESS TO THE CENTRAL MESSAGE OF THE DAY: CHRIST IS ALIVE AND WALKS WITH HIS PEOPLE.
By Deacon Patrick Cline Correspondent
Twenty-five busses filled with pilgrims from all four counties of the Diocese converged on the basilica and were welcomed by Bishop James F. Checchio.
After a few pictures to commemorate the day, many people began by exploring the Shrine and discovering the mosaics, stained glass windows and other works of art that fill every corner of the building. Whether it was their first visit or they were seasoned travelers, this House of Mary could not help but inspire all who entered.
Some of the pilgrims found a pew or
Some desired to simply sit in solitude to pray. Others looked forward to the celebration of Holy Mass with hundreds of like-minded Catholics. Together, these faithful of the Diocese of Metuchen found their spiritual needs met with joy during the Sept. 20 Jubilee Year of Hope pilgrimage to the Basilica Shrine of the Immaculate Conception, Washington.
a quiet corner in the Upper Church to recover from the trip and to reflect upon the upcoming day and what they each hoped the visit would mean for them.
Olivia Benson from Immaculate
Conception Parish in Somerville was with her mother and her five-year-old daughter Cecelia, who is homeschooled along with her siblings. Benson explained, “There is only so much you can teach through books
and pictures but being here surrounded by all the art and beauty of the faith I believe will make the religion come alive for my daughter.”
As Bishop Checchio led the Angelus at the noon hour, he looked out at a church completely filled with members of the diocesan family. He commented, “Among the many beautiful mosaics surrounding us here, the people of the Diocese of Metuchen have created their own mosaic as the people of God.”
The schedule provided pilgrims with free time for personal devotion and reflection; others used maps to explore the many chapels of the Basilica Meanwhile, a number of priests of the Diocese were
“A pilgrimage has a vital part to play in our life of faith, for it removes us from our homes and our daily routines, and gives us time and space to encounter God more deeply. Such moments always help us to grow, for through them the Holy Spirit gently fashions us to be ever more closely conformed to the mind and the heart of Jesus Christ.
And “when … you return home, please remember that a pilgrimage does not end, it shifts its focus to the daily ‘pilgrimage of discipleship.’ We are all pilgrims and we are always pilgrims, walking as we seek to follow the Lord, and as we seek the path that is truly ours in life. That’s certainly not easy, but with the help of the Lord, the intercession of the saints, and by encouraging one another, you can be certain that, as long as you remain faithful, trusting always in God’s mercy, the experience of this pilgrimage will continue to bear fruit throughout your lives (cf. Jn15:16).”
available for the Sacrament of Reconciliation in the Upper Church.
The Metuchen Diocesan Festival Choir set the tone with a pre-Mass musical interlude. Bishop Checchio served as principal celebrant and homilist of the Pilgrimage Mass, with 28 priests of the diocese concelebrating.
The Bishop began his homily by reminding everyone that when the late Pope Francis announced 2025 as the Year of Hope, “he called hope the virtue that gives inward direction and purpose to the life of believers.” He added, “As you spent this day here, I hope you drew closer to, and drew strength from, Our Lady.”
The Gospel for the Mass was the
story of a tempest on the Sea of Galilee when the frightened apostles awake Jesus and accuse him of not caring if they lived or died. They thought, “If God does not care then what are we doing fighting for our lives while trying to do what Jesus asked us to do?”
Bishop Checchio said, “At times we, too, can be tempted to ask if God cares when we see the tempests that arise in our lives. That thought can destroy our zeal. But just as the disciples knew where to find Jesus, we, too, know where to find him.”
He continued, “He is always with us in every Tabernacle, in every Church in the world. He cares for us. As Christ’s
disciple today, we too have a responsibility to bring that caring presence of Christ to others in distress. We are to bring hope to others in need of it. That’s what this Jubilee Year reminds us. This pilgrimage brings us closer to Mary and to her son.”
Filippini Sister Alice Ivanyo, who serves as parish catechetical leader at Our Lady of Victories Parish, Sayreville, “just wanted to share in the Diocesan Jubilee celebration of the Year of Hope,” she said. “Being part of the Offertory Procession at the Mass, I felt that I was bringing not only gifts for consecration but also my gifts and all the intentions entrusted to me.”
Marissa Greco, a parishioner at St.
Francis Cabrini Parish, Piscataway, volunteered to help in any way at the Shrine. She directed people to the various areas where the Sacrament of Reconciliation was offered. Noting the entire pilgrimage had been a wonderful experience – the beautiful surroundings, the art, the music provided by the Diocesan Festival Choir, the celebration of the Mass by the Bishop – she felt interacting with other pilgrims, both from her parish and around the Diocese, was very special. “We weren’t parishioners from different communities,” Greco asserted. “We were Pilgrims of Hope of the Diocese of Metuchen walking our journey of Faith together.”
On Oct. 11, the Church celebrated the feast of Pope St. John XXIII, who, in the eyes of many of his brother cardinals, dissented from Church teaching when he deviated from the 16th century Council of Trent and declared the Church had to get in touch with the modern world, which he described in one Italian word: “Aggiornamento,” which means an “awakening to a new day.”
He struggled with the teaching of Trent which defined that the Mass had to be in Latin, and he encouraged his brother cardinals at the Second Vatican Council which he convened to bring us into the modern world, to permit the celebration of the Mass in the vernacular. In addition, he no longer wanted the priest to have his back to the people who, until this time, stood or sat passively like spectators, reciting their rosaries or praying their novenas.
He insisted that the laity take an active role in the liturgy. He allowed Catholics to receive the Eucharist in the hand and not just on the tongue, which was the norm before “Sacrosanctum Concilium,” the Dogmatic Constitution on the Liturgy. Pope John allowed delegated lay people to assist the priest in distributing Communion as extraordinary ministers –
‘Let today’s trouble be sufficient for today.’
something we take for granted today but, believe me, did not sit well with many of the religious leaders of the time.
He sanctioned dialogue with the people of Trent which had earlier condemned: Muslims and Jews. The Holy Father spearheaded a new field of theology called “ecumenism,” which is fostering theological studies between Catholics and non-Catholic Christians. Pope John convinced the bishops that mixed marriages between Catholics and non-Catholics should take place in the church proper and not in the rectory, as had been the custom since it was feared that non-Catholics would defile the church.
Before his death, he planted the seeds for the remainder of the Council which Pope Paul VI would cultivate and conclude, even the reinstatement of the permanent diaconate which had been suppressed for 800 years by earlier pontifical decrees. Pope St. John XXIII was a seeker, a questioner, but a holy man who, as Vicar of Christ, and having a well-formed conscience, listened to his conscience. He advocated that all Catholics cultivate a well-formed conscience, which is the vehicle of the Holy Spirit, especially in the process of discernment
to the single celibate life, a vocation to a religious community, the priesthood or to marriage.
While we attribute the opening of the Second Vatican Council to Pope St. John XXIII, this former Patriarch of Venice and the last pope to be carried on the shoulders of others when he was consecrated the Supreme Pontiff in 1958, we should remember the great courage it took on his behalf to inaugurate a gathering of this magnitude in 1962 to discuss such topics as the use of the vernacular in the liturgy, the role of women in the Church, the reform of religious life, and the importance of listening to the signs of the times. In concert with fathers of the Council, Pope St. John XXIII would simplify the posture and dress of the popes to follow. He emphasized the mandate of Christ in carrying out the missionary vocation of the Church.
Angelo Giuseppe Roncali, born on November 25, 1881, in Sotto Il Monte, Italy, was known for a phrase he coined, one by which we can all live better, healthier lives. He said “I will let today’s trouble be sufficient for today.”
Many of us are overwhelmed by problems: an adult child who is estranged from us, an addiction in the family, a bout
with cancer, a divorce, raising children in a society marked by so much gun violence, suicide by a teen, apostasy, working poverty or unemployment. All of these can weigh on us and make us anxious, make us physically ill, lead to insomnia, paranoia or even the temptation to deny the existence of God.
However, if we let today’s trouble be sufficient for today, this philosophy does not deny the existence of problems, but encourages us to face these one day at a time. It is this focus on the one day that makes Twelve Step support groups work so efficiently. It is this way of life that turned a simple Italian soul into a great Saint, the “Good Saint,” who, if called upon, will surely advocate for us in Heaven.
Father Comandini serves as diocesan coordinator of the Office for Ongoing Faith Formation.
People speak of us as “cloistered nuns” but that is a misnomer. Carmelites, Poor Clares, Passionists, Trappistines, we all do indeed live within a cloister, but that is not the essence of our lives. We are not “cloistered nuns” but “contemplative nuns,” that is, women religious who live a life “totally dedicated to contemplation.” That doesn’t mean that we spend all our time on our knees reciting prayers, though we do try to spend all our time in prayer, with our heart and mind focused on God. Technically, women religious who are “totally dedicated to contemplation” cannot be called on to engage in any other ministry. We can’t teach or nurse, or give professional counseling, or help out in the parish or diocesan offices. Our business –if you want to use that word – is prayer. And – not surprisingly – people often wonder if dedicating our life to prayer is worth it. Living such a life may be nice for us, personally, but does praying make any difference in the world? This is a question that has been asked with more and more insistence as we see violent confrontations and attacks become everyday events in our country and around the world. Believers of all faiths have been multiplying prayers as
down by gun fire. But do all these prayers change anything? The violence grows, the prayers multiply – but what difference do the prayers make?
Even on the personal level, people often complain that they have been praying about a problem, a situation, for years, and nothing has changed. Should we continue to pray if it has no effect?
In order to answer this question, I think that it helps to make a distinction between “prayers” and “prayer.” Prayers are words that we address to God. They are like the
God’s door and we know, because Jesus told us, that “for whoever knocks, the door shall be opened.” Yet it is not enough to knock at the door: when it is opened, we need to pass through the open door, to step over the threshold and enter the house. This happens when prayers become prayer, when our words become a relationship, when I realize that my words are not sounds and feelings and desires sent out into a hopeful “somewhere,” but that they are heard by the God to whom I am speaking.
It is possible to think that I am pray-
ing to God when in fact I am talking to myself. We see that in the parable of the Pharisee and the tax collector. The Pharisee, “standing by himself,” started his prayer, “O God, I thank you …” and then he proceeded to praise himself. When I pray, wherever I am, I need to realize that I am not “standing by myself.” I am standing in the presence of God, whether I am in church kneeling before the Blessed Sacrament, stuck in rush hour traffic, at home or at work. I am speaking to God who is always there, and when I realize this, then my prayers become prayer, and the pray-er is himself the prayer.
I forget who said, “You never come away from prayer unchanged.” I cannot come to God and remain the same. I am changed, and when I walk away from that contact with him in prayer, I am a different person. I see things differently, I respond to things differently. My problems, my weaknesses, my challenges have not changed, but I have, and I will deal with them in a way that I could not have done before that contact with him.
Raniero Cantalamessa wrote, “The greater the time devoted to praying over some problem, the less time will be needed in solving it.” That is because prayer enables me to see things as God sees them. This is how prayer does make a difference in the world.
Sister Gabriela of the Incarnation is a member of the Discalced Carmelites order in Flemington. Learn more at www. flemingtoncarmel.org.
More than 1,000 people gathered in St. Mary of the Assumption Cathedral, Trenton, Sept. 25 to pray for the sanctity of human life during the annual Mass for Life, drawing the lay faithful, clergy and religious from across New Jersey.
In addition to those in attendance, some 3,400 households watched the livestream of the Mass in either English or Spanish. In every respect, the Mass reflected the unity of the Catholic faithful across the five New Jersey dioceses in defense of human life. Joining Bishop David M. O’Connell, hosting Bishop and principal celebrant, were Bishop Kevin J. Sweeney of the Paterson Diocese and Bishop Joseph A. Williams from the Camden Diocese. Representing Cardinal Joseph W. Tobin, C.Ss.R., were Auxiliary Bishop Michael A. Saporito, Auxiliary Bishop Manuel A. Cruz, and Bishop Elias R. Lorenzo, O.S.B.
More than 40 priests from the five dioceses concelebrated, and faithful from across the state participated in the Mass as readers, altar servers and gift bearers.
Bishop James F. Checchio of the Metuchen Diocese was in New Orleans for a press conference, having been appointed Sept. 23 by Pope Leo XIV as Coadjutor Archbishop there.
Jennifer Ruggiero, Secretary for the Secretariat for Family and Pastoral Life and director of the Office for Human Life and Dignity in the Diocese of Metuchen,
said, "The N.J. State Mass and March for Life brought Catholics and people of good will from across the state together to pray and witness to the sanctity of all human life. It was wonderful to see clergy, parishioners and students from the Diocese of Metuchen take part in this joy-filled celebration of life which was charged with a spirit of faith, hope and love."
Delivering his homily in both English and Spanish, Bishop Sweeney asked the members of the congregation to reflect on how they came to be there at the Mass for Life. He observed, “We are here because God is love and we believe that life is a gift from our loving God, who forms each of us in the womb of our mother and has created us male and female in God’s own image and likeness.”
Bishop Sweeney continued, “We are also here because we believe that our laws should change so that life would be protected and respected from the moment of conception.”
Recalling his own pro-life story, Bishop Sweeney recognized his Catholic high school principal, Msgr. Philip Reilly, who Bishop Sweeney described as a “true pro-life champion.” A leader of several respect life movements, Msgr. Reilly had invited people, including the young Kevin, a college sophomore at the time, to gather lawfully on the sidewalk outside an abortion clinic and spend time in prayer.
The “sidewalk counselors” minis-
Faithful from the Diocese of Metuchen were among the more than 1000 people who gathered in Trenton Sept. 25 for the N.J. State Mass and March for Life. Top left, students from Immaculata High School, Somerville, carry the banner. Top right, Religious from the Diocese join in the rally. Bottom left, Msgr. Seamus F. Brennan, Father David Skoblow, and Father David Keyes were among diocesan clergy in attendance. Bottom center, students from Immaculata High School, brought the gifts of bread and wine to Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M, during the Mass, and students from Mount St. Mary Academy, Watchung, were among those standing together for life. —Mike Ehrmann photos; Mount St. Mary Academy courtesy photo.
tered to the “moms and dads” – the pregnant women and the fathers who were intending to abort their child – by offering them medical and other forms of support and “inviting them to say ‘Yes’ to the gift of life that God had given them,” Bishop Sweeney related.
He remembered that Msgr. Reilly encouraged prayer for any pregnant woman entering the clinic and the child she carried. The Bishop recalled Msgr. Reilly’s saying that “our prayer might be the only experience of human love that the [unborn] child may have on this earth, if he or she is aborted.”
“Msgr. Reilly always reminded us to never condemn or judge the mom because only God knew what was happening in her heart,” Bishop Sweeney said.
The experience, the Bishop said, “helped me to learn what Jesus means when he says, ‘Amen I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will not enter the kingdom of heaven. Whoever humbles himself like this child is the great-
est in the kingdom of heaven. And whoever receives one child such as this in my name receives me” (Mt. 18: 3-4).
Following the Mass, many of the congregants took part in the NJ Rally and March for Life held on the campus of the State House annex, where they offered peaceful witness to the sanctity of unborn life. The rally and march were organized by March for Life, a national organization that promotes the beauty and dignity of every human life by working to end abortion – uniting, educating and mobilizing pro-life people in the public square.
The experience of coming together and showing support for life in a prayerful manner was appreciated by those who helped to coordinate the event as well as those who were seated in the pews.
The original article was written by Mary Stadnyk, associate editor, and Rose O'Connor, Digital and Social Media manager for The Monitor, Diocese of Trenton, and adapted for use by The Catholic Spirit.
Faithful from across the four counties of the Diocese gathered at seven locations Oct. 5 to participate in “Life Chain,” a peaceful and prayerful public witness of pro-life individuals standing for 90 minutes praying for our nation and for an end to abortion – a visual statement of solidarity by participants of all faiths, especially the Christian community, that abortion kills children and that the Church supports the sanctity of human life from the moment of conception until natural death. Life Chains were formed in Carteret, Great Meadows, Phillipsburg, Sayreville, Somerville, Washington and Perth Amboy where faithful from Most Holy Name of Jesus, Our Lady of Fatima and St. John Paul II parishes took to the streets.
By Will Kwiatkowski, Correspondent
What began as a simple idea among a Catholic Men’s Group at St. Francis Cathedral has extended into a diocesan-wide men's conference.
The Renewal of Hope Men’s Conference, taking place November 15 at Saint Francis Cathedral in Metuchen New Jersey, features three dynamic speakers – Dr. Ray Guarendi, Kevin Wells, and Father Kevin Kelly. This day is designed to reignite faith and bring hope to Catholic men across the diocese.
The idea for the conference emerged from conversations between Father Tim Christy, rector of St. Francis Cathedral, and members of the parish’s Men on Mission group, who wanted to bring a powerful event of faith formation closer to home.
“I had attended a couple of these
conferences before, and I always thought it would be awesome if our parish or diocese hosted one,” said Tom Sharlow, a member of the St. Francis Cathedral Men on Mission group helping lead the effort. “So when Father Christy mentioned it, I knew it was something we could do. With the support of the group, we’ve been able to make it happen.”
The conference theme, Renewal of Hope, connects to the Church’s preparations for the 2025 Jubilee Year of Hope. Organizers emphasize that the day is open to all men, whether practicing Catholics, those returning to the Church, or anyone seeking to deepen their faith.
“You don’t know where someone is on their journey,” Sharlow said. “They could be a practicing Catholic, or maybe they’ve fallen away and haven’t been to church in a while. The conference is a chance to bring men together, to hear
inspiring speakers, and to give the Holy Spirit room to move them. If you’re not happy with the world the way it is, and you want to make a change, it starts with each individual.”
The three keynote speakers bring compelling backgrounds and powerful personal stories.
Dr. Ray Guarendi is a clinical psychologist, father of ten, national radio and TV host, and author of more than 20 books on parenting, marriage, and Catholic life.
Known to audiences across the country through his call-in show “The Doctor Is In” and his long-running EWTN television series “Living Right,” Guarendi combines humor with practical wisdom.
“I’m going to give men a sense of standing strong against a culture that’s no longer on their side,” Guarendi said. “Good comedy has truth to it. It leaves people saying, ‘I can relate to that,’ and then I can drive home the message I want to leave with them.”
After covering major league baseball, Kevin Wells, a former sportswriter for the Tampa Tribune experienced a profound conversion that led him to Catholic evangelization.
Drawing from his personal experiences and encounters with people across the U.S. and abroad, Wells inspires men to deepen their faith and embrace hope in daily life.
“A lot of men forget about the theological virtue of hope,” Wells said. “Over and over in my travels, I meet parents who’ve lost their children to the faith. They feel hopeless. My goal is to tell stories that show how even on the darkest days – whether it’s a family crisis, personal struggles, or just the grind of life – God is always by our side. Hope is the anchor of the soul that never disappoints.”
Father Kevin Kelly, a priest of the Diocese of Metuchen, is also scheduled to speak. Known for his engaging preaching and young adult ministry, he has been described by parishioners as “a rock.” Sharlow said, “His energy and faith will really move people.”
The conference is open to men of all ages – high school students, young professionals, fathers, and grandfathers alike.
“We just want to spread the word,” Sharlow said. “This is about renewal, about hope, and about men coming together to be inspired and to make a difference in their families, their parishes, and their communities.”
The Men's Conference will take place from 9:15 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Nov. 15 at the Cathedral of St. Francis of Assisi. To register, scan the QR code. Entrance fee is $65 up till the day of the Conference.
By Pierre-Alain Giffard Special Contributor
In the face of declining church attendance and a growing secularization, the Catholic Church is called to reimagine the role of the parish as a missionary outpost that expresses God’s boundless love for all people (Evangelii Gaudium, 28). The statistics are sobering with regular Mass attendance plummeting, yet, this moment of crisis also presents an opportunity for the Church to return to its evangelistic roots and become a vibrant community that draws all people to the transformative love of Jesus Christ.
At the heart of this renewal must be the recognition that the parish is not merely a place for serving the needs of a dwindling number of regular churchgoers, but a community called to be a beacon of hope and a conduit of God’s love for the entire surrounding neighborhood. As Pope Francis has emphasized, parishes must shift from a maintenance mentality to a missionary one, casting aside the “we’ve always done it this way” approach in favor of actively reaching out to those who do not yet know the joy of the Gospel.
At the foundation of this missionary effort must be a dynamic life of prayer. The parish cannot hope to be effective in its evangelistic efforts without being steeped in constant, fervent prayer – both personal and communal. From Eucharistic adoration to prayer groups to intercessory prayer for the needs of the community, the parish must cultivate an atmosphere of dependence on the Holy Spirit, trusting that it is God who ultimately draws people to himself through the witness of his people.
Empowered by prayer, the parish should then become a place where relationships are vehicles of evangelization. The focus shifts to individual parishioners embracing a posture of openness, hospitality, and relational intentionality. Parishioners are challenged to become missionary disciples, fostering authentic
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Catholics through such storms not only that they be safe, but they be strong in battling these trends threatening to smother the Catholic soul.”
Bob Shanahan serves as president of the Blessed Sacrament Men’s Club, which came about as a group of men would gather after Mass for coffee. As interest in gathering more frequently grew, the group would read books, invite speakers, view presentations and engage in discussions with each other. The group also organized collections to benefit
bonds with neighbors, colleagues, and acquaintances. Through these meaningful connections, they can both exemplify God’s love and gently guide others toward a relationship with Jesus Christ.
This relational approach to evangelization also necessitates a rethinking of the parish’s Sunday experience. Rather than catering primarily to the needs of the faithful few, the parish must strive to make the Sunday liturgy and community life accessible, inviting, and engaging for those who are unfamiliar with or distant from the Church. This may involve everything from a welcoming greeter ministry towards visitors and newcomers, to easy-to-understand kerygmatic homilies, to music and hymns that elevates the mind and heart, drawing individuals into a deep spiritual experience. The aim is to create an environment where the unchurched feel welcomed, valued, and called into encountering the loving, transformative presence of Christ.
Hand-in-hand with this renewed Sunday experience must be a process for gradually integrating new believers into the life of the parish community.
Small groups – whether for prayer, Bible study, support, or service – become crucial incubators of faith, places where relationships deepen, spiritual formation occurs, and future leaders are identified and equipped. These small communities can then serve as springboards, sending members out to invite others and draw them into the larger parish family.
Caring for the less fortunate, both within the church community and beyond its walls, is also a vital expression of God’s love for the world. A truly missionary parish must prioritize outreach to those who are marginalized, suffering, or in need, embodying Christ’s call to serve “the least of these” (Matthew 25:40). By establishing ministries of mercy and justice, the parish becomes a living sign of hope, fostering relationships that transcend socioeconomic boundaries. Whether through organized initiatives like food banks or informal acts of kindness by individual parishioners, caring for the less fortunate demonstrates the transformative power of the Gospel in action.
Undergirding this entire vision for a missionary parish is the crucial role of the
those in need, and eventually the Rosary Rally idea came about. The idea was inspired by Minishak seeing rallies take place in Ireland – with streets filled with men praying the Rosary.
“The men had a strong belief that our society was going down a very bad path. The path was very anti-family, anti-social and certainly, anti-Church,” said Shanahan. “There was little we could do as individuals, so we turned to God and the Blessed Mother. At all of our rallies, we pray in recompense for the insults to our Lord and the wounds against his Immaculate Heart, and that of the Blessed Mother’s. We started out small, but as the word got out and with grace from our Lord, the number of participants has grown.”
pastor. As the chief shepherd, the priest must cast and regularly communicate the parish’s evangelistic purpose, modeling a spirit of prayer and leading the community in its outreach efforts. He must also empower and equip the laity, identifying and developing leaders who will share in the work of making disciples. Rather than clinging to a maintenance-oriented model of pastoral ministry, the priest must willingly let go of control, distributing responsibility and celebrating the ministry of all the baptized.
Ultimately, the revitalized parish becomes a manifestation of God’s extravagant love – a community that mirrors the Father’s relentless pursuit of the lost, the compassionate embrace of the prodigal, and the life-transforming power of the risen Christ. In such a parish, the barriers that often keep people distant from the church – whether intellectual, emotional, or cultural – are gradually broken down as the love of God is made tangible through the witness of his people.
This vision for the parish as an expression of God’s love is not an easy one, nor can it be quickly or painlessly realized. It requires a willingness to abandon our practices of “doing church as usual” and to embrace the sacrificial, Spirit-empowered work of evangelization. It necessitates a renewed commitment to prayer, a relentless focus on relationships, and a leadership model rooted in empowerment and collaboration. For those parishes who take up this challenge, the rewards will not only be in terms of numerical growth, but more importantly in the deeper, abiding fruit of lives transformed by the Gospel and a community that radiates the beauty of holiness to a world in desperate need of encountering the love of God.
Dr. Pierre-Alain Giffard is a theologian and practitioner whose work is marked by a unique blend of academic scholarship and pastoral leadership, providing insights and resources to nurture vibrant, mission-driven Christian communities
Shanahan, who lives in Clinton and attends Mass at the Shrine Chapel, added that “the Rosary Rallies give men the opportunity to do something. …We believe that by praying the Rosary and praying it in public, that we are helping to better ourselves, our families and our society. We all gain, and we learn that we are not alone.”
Hillsborough resident Margaret Sciarrino, who also attends the Shrine Chapel’s Traditional Latin Mass on Sundays, was inspired to attend the pilgrimage, and recalled, “I was blown away by witnessing the group of over 50 men pray the Rosary on Main Street in Somerville, not afraid to proclaim their love and belief in the power of the Rosary and other prayers to our Lady.”
By Deacon Patrick Cline, Correspondent
Thanksgiving came early to the Diocese of Metuchen as 13 men of the Diaconate Formation Class of 2027 were installed as Ordered Lectors for the Diocese Oct. 11 in St. Bernadette Parish, Parlin.
“It is good to be here with you at this Eucharist, as the Eucharist helps us to be a thankful people,” observed Bishop James F. Checchio, principal celebrant and homilist. “That’s the purpose of Eucharist. Thanksgiving. We recall Jesus’ love for us, his offering himself on the cross, his staying with us always in the gift of the Eucharist. Jesus thought of everything that we would need, and he provides it all for us.”
Preparation for ordination to the permanent diaconate is a five-year educational and spiritual formation program. The Rite of Installation as Lector is the second liturgical step for the men in formation. By this rite the men are appointed to read the word of God in the liturgical assembly.
Also witnessing the joyous “yes” were pastors of the Diocese – Father James Hagerman, St. Bernadette; Father John Barbella, St. John Vianney, Colonia; Father Michael Krull, Our Lady of Peace, North Brunswick, and Father Bede Kim, who serves as pastor of Our Lady of Victories, Baptistown, and St. Edward the Confessor, Milford.
Gratitude and thanksgiving were also manifested in the Gospel reading from St. Luke (17:11-19) wherein Jesus cured ten lepers of their affliction, but only one returned to thank the Lord.
The Bishop reminded the congregation, “Disciples of Jesus need to be aware of God’s blessing in their lives and to be always grateful. … The problem is so often, myself included, we are like the other nine and forget to give thanks.”
He continued, “That is why it is good to be here with you at this Eucharist, as the Eucharist helps us to be a thankful people. … We recall Jesus’ love for us, his offering himself on the cross, his staying with us always in the gift of the Eucharist. Jesus thought of everything that we would need, and he provides it all for us.”
Thirteen men of the Diaconate Class of 2027 were installed as Ordered Lectors by Bishop James F. Checchio Oct. 11 in St. Bernadette Parish, Parlin. Concelebrants at the joyful Mass were pastors of parishes from which the men hailed. Deacon Stephen Kern, director, Office of the Diaconate, called the 13 by name to the Bishop, who handed each a Lectionary and asked them to “be faithful in handing on the word of God so it may grow strong in the hearts of his people.”
—John Batkowski photo
Addressing the Candidates directly the Bishop instructed them, “My brothers, shortly you will be receiving the Ministry of Lector. Yes, you will read the sacred Scriptures at Mass as officially installed Lectors. But fundamentally you are called to be so immersed in the Word you proclaim that it becomes a part of your life that it exudes from you in all that you do. We thank you brothers and we pray with you.”
Deacon Stephen Kern, director, Office of the Diaconate, then called each man by name to come forward. Bishop Checchio inquired as to their resolve “to
complete your preparation and to form mind and heart in such a way to serve Christ the Lord and his Body the Church to undertake ministry in the Church through Holy Orders?” And, after each man replied, “I do” Bishop Checchio added, “The Church accepts your resolve with joy. May God who has begun the good work in you bring it to fulfillment.”
Then as the men knelt before the Bishop he placed a Lectionary in the hand of each candidate and said, “Take this book of Holy Scriptures and be faithful in handing on the word of God, so that it may grow strong in the hearts of his people.”
Aura Colon, wife of Candidate Miguel Colon from Our Lady of Peace Parish, North Brunswick, said, “At the Mass I was very emotional and proud as well as thankful for the blessings for my husband and our family.”
For Anne Gutsick, wife of Deacon Patrick Gutsick, a Deacon Mentor for the Class of 2027, “The Mass brought back wonderful memories of my husband receiving this Rite. It is a beautiful step in the diaconate process for the candidates. They now have the responsibility of proclaiming the word of God.”
By Christina Leslie, Contributing Editor
Nearly 400 pillars of the Church of Metuchen filled the banquet hall of the Imperia, Somerset, Sept. 18 for the annual Pride in our Priests dinner sponsored by the Knights of Columbus. As the individuals crucial in the life and work of the Diocese of Metuchen – retired and active priests, seminarians, religious and Knights – exchanged pleasantries and renewed their bonds, Knights of Columbus State Treasurer Scott Williams explained why the fraternal order hosts the event each year to honor those who pledge their lives to take up the Lord’s Cross.
“Our charity, unity, fraternity and patriotism bonds unite us in deep and abiding gratitude,” Williams, a parishioner in St. Cecilia, Monmouth Junction, said. “Our priests are the pillars upon which the community stands. They help us become better versions of ourselves. We stand shoulder to shoulder with our priests who are the hands and feet of Christ. This partnership with clergy is not one-sided; it is a relationship borne of trust, respect and affection.”
Members of the Knights’ State Council presented Bishop James F. Checchio a check for $5,000 for use for the Special Olympics. The shepherd expressed his gratitude to the Knights and noted their new Pope showed signs of support to the Catholic fraternal order as had the recently deceased Pope Francis.
“I am so grateful for what you do, not just tonight, but all year long,” the Bishop began. “Pope Leo XIV is a bless ing for us. He deserves our prayers. He seems to have St. Augustine’s virtue of compassion, of heartfelt appreciation, and connection with someone suffering and a desire to do something about it.”
Bishop Checchio added, “That’s not just an emotion, but also an action. Loyalty is a two-way street. That’s the Knights of Columbus. The Knights pro duce so many beautiful things for our Church. I am so grateful.
“Keep doing it, You have my love and the love of the priests,” he conclud ed. “You have all the right actions. Keep doing it.”
Metuchen Diocese clergy were feted Sept. 18 at the annual Pride in our Priests dinner sponsored by the Knights of Columbus. Nearly 400 men gathered at the Imperia, Somerset, to extol one another’s good works in the parishes and community. From top, Bishop James F. Checchio stands with N.J. K of C state officers, including Knights State Chaplain Bishop Emeritus Paul G. Bootkoski, center. Bottom left, Bishop Checchio accepts a check earmarked for the Special Olympics from Knights’ State Treasurer Scott Williams. Bottom right, the Knights’ Color Corps added tradition and dignity to the event. —John Batkowski photos
The K of C are so important, they are the first guys I go to wherever something is needed. Sometimes I have to tell them to slow down they do so many events! It’s all for the parish. The work they do for vocations, prayer life, and service to community is very inspiring.
Every day the Knights support us. This is a beautiful event to come together in our communal celebration of the church, especially since our Bishop is present with us. This is a beautiful moment of unity and a sign of the church being very active.
Deacon Rick Fortune, Cathedral:
Great to get together to support the priests, take an opportunity to say thanks for all they do, and celebrate.
Father Michael Krull,
I can always rely on them to come forward, if there is a fundraiser they are always there, they do charitable work, they are the pastor’s right arm.
The K of C does a lot for the parish, not only fraternity, unity and charity, but they provide great programs for men thinking about the priesthood, events inside and outside the parish.
By Jill Kerekes, Special Contributor
Parish catechetical leaders and catechists gathered at the St. John Neumann Pastoral Center, Piscataway, Oct. 3 for a morning focused upon receptivity of the Word. Led by Dr. Stella Marie Jeffrey, who serves as a Strategic Partnership Liaison Fellow at the Catechetical Institute of Franciscan University of Steubenville, the group of 30 attendees explored the idea of “gift ontology” through meditations on sacred scripture with a particular focus on the Blessed Mother.
Dr. Jeffrey began the morning with a brief witness on her own experience with the Blessed Mother. She experienced a crisis of faith as a young adult and began to question if she really believed what the Church professes. Given a Miraculous Medal as a gift, she clipped it to her key chain and would periodically meditate upon it, asking Mary for guidance. Dr. Jeffrey related that she felt Mary’s presence in a concrete way when she and her sister were involved in a serious car accident, praying the Hail Mary prayer as their car was rolling over and over down a steep
‘Always be ready to give an explanation ... for a reason for your hope’
of the protection of the Blessed Mother during the entire ordeal and it was after this accident that her Marian devotion really “kicked in.”
Following Dr. Jeffrey’s witness, the PCLs and catechists meditated on the Annunciation account in the Gospel of Luke. Mary’s “Yes,” her fiat, is the revelation of her perfect openness to being the recipient of the gift of the Word. In addition, Mary continued to say “Yes” to God as she traveled to Bethlehem, late in her pregnancy, over 90 miles to visit her cousin Elizabeth, and throughout her life as Jesus’ mother.
“Gift ontology,” explained Dr. Jeffrey, “involves a gift, a giver, and a receiver.” We are also “receivers of the gift of Word,” she continued, “most essentially in the Sacraments, with the Holy Trinity as the giver.”
Using the examples of Baptism and Confirmation, Dr. Jeffrey stressed the need for the receiver to unwrap the gift that is received. “We receive faith, hope, and love at our Baptism and the seven gifts of the Holy
Spirit. Have you opened them up?” she asked. In terms of the Sacrament of Con firmation, where we “receive an increase in the gifts of the Holy Spirit and a special strength to spread the Gospel and to never be ashamed of the Cross. Have we opened those gifts?” Dr. Jeffrey asked again.
The PCLs and catechists next meditated on various passages in the Gospels of John, Luke, and Mark and the First Letter of John to further delve into the meaning of the “Word” and followed with an additional meditation from Acts of the Apostles. The audience read and discussed how the first Christian converts received the gift of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost and how these early Christians “opened this gift” in the way we are also called to open it: through repentance, prayer, fellowship, formation in the faith, and the sacraments.
Dr. Jeffrey concluded the discussion of receiving the gift of the Word with a brief mention of the precepts of the Church. Quoting the Catechism of the Catholic Church, she emphasized that the five precepts – Mass attendance on Sundays and holy days, confession of sins once a year, reception of the Eucharist
Catechetical Sunday, celebrated Sept. 21, is meant to honor the role of catechists and the mission of handing on the faith. It provides an opportunity for all Catholics to reflect on their responsibility to share the Gospel and to recognize those who serve as catechists in their communities. The day encourages a rededication to the mission of evangelization and catechesis within the Church. For Dorothy Zmigrodsky, parish catechetical leader for both Our Lady of Mount Virgin Parish, Middlesex, and St. James Parish, Woodbridge, it is a day to recognize “our catechists and catechist’s assistants with a special blessing and commissioning for the academic year ahead. Parents being the first catechists to their children, our parish catechists build on that catholic foundation by journeying together with the parents and children to learn and grow in the faith. As Catholics, we are all called to teach, live and share our faith. Catechetical Sunday recognizes the dedication and renews the commitment to pass on and share the Gospel: “Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations” (Matthew 28:19).
Left, Dr. Stella Marie Jeffrey, speaker for the morning with religious educators, explores the idea of “gift ontology,” and being receptive to the Word of God. Above, PCLs and catechists do some table work, reflecting on Marian devotion, passages from the four Gospels, and the gift of the Holy Spirit.
—Jill Kerekes
photos
at least during the Easter season, observance of days of fasting and abstinence, and helping to provide for the needs of the Church – are “positive laws meant to guarantee the minimum needed for growth of love of God and neighbor.” In other words, these are the minimum requirements of our “opening the gift.”
When asked about the morning, one enthusiastic catechist remarked how much she loved meditating on Sacred Scripture to help guide her in her own life and noted, “I had never really considered myself a receiver of the gift of the Word like Mary. This is something that I really need to take to prayer!”
Jill Kerekes serves as director of the
OCTOBER 19
humility, joy, and pastoral closeness.
World Mission Sunday, promoted by the Society for the Propagation of the Faith–one of four Pontifical Mission Societies–was established by Pope Pius XI in 1926 as the day of prayer and giving for missions. From its inception, this day has been rooted in the work of our foundress, Blessed Pauline Jaricot, who established prayer circles through which she sent thousands of pennies to the Church in the United States throughout the 19th century.
Presently, the World Mission Sunday collection supports 1,124 mission territories–places where the Church is young, growing, poor, persecuted, and in need of support. This collection funds the formation of seminarians, catechists, and religious sisters, builds churches and schools, and sustains healthcare and social outreach programs.
people to become missionaries). Just call for more information: 732-243-4583 or email us: pontifical.mission.societies@ diometuchen.org
As “Missionaries of Hope Among the Peoples,” I thank you, on behalf of Bishop Checchio, for all you do for the missionary work of the Church–every October on World Mission Sunday–and everyday throughout the year.
In Christ Jesus Our Lord,
Reverend John G. Hillier, Ph.D. Diocesan Director
Your prayers and sacrificial gifts on World Mission Sunday will support Priests, Consecrated Sisters & Brothers and Lay
Pastoral Leaders who proclaim the Gospel, serve the poor and support persecuted Christians throughout the world.
World Mission Sunday is an opportunity to gather in solidarity and respond to our vocation to share the joy of the Gospel with our brothers and sisters in need. We all can be participants of Christ’s message of salvation through prayer, charity and celebration.
1. U.S. Missionary representative, left, and Bishop of the Diocese of Kumbakonam, India, right, meets with Missions Office Director Father John G. Hillier.
2. The Carmelites of Mary Immaculate (CMI) St. Paul Province, Bhopal, India, visit Mila Dionisio, Missions Office assistant director, to introduce the current and past Provincial along with some of the CMI priests in the Metuchen Diocese.
3. Father Hiller greets Lucille Ravens, left, and Theresa Bellavia, right, from Our Lady of Peace Parish, North Brunswick, who faithfully make and supply rosaries to the Office of Missions for diocesan children and visiting missionaries.
4, 5. Student participants in the 2024 World Mission Sunday Family Event are greeted by Bishop James F. Checchio at the footsteps of the Cathedral as they process in for the noon Mass. — (1 to 3) Mila Dionisio photos, (4, 5) Hal Brown photos
In memory of Monsignor Edward C. Puleo, a faithful benefactor friend to the Missions.
Pray for the success and safety of missionaries and the communities they serve.
Your financial contributions make a tangible impact on the lives of people in mission territories. Every dollar counts!
Share our mission with your friends, family, and community. Together, we can make a difference.
Explore opportunities to actively engage in missionary activities and support projects for needy people.
By enrolling your loved ones in the Society for the Propagation of the Faith, they will enjoy the spiritual benefits of Missionary Masses, which are offered daily, including daily Mass at the Vatican. They also share in the good works of Missionaries worldwide.
How to Enroll: Please call 732-243-4580, or E-mail: pontifical.mission.societies@diometuchen.org. The suggested offering is as follows:
Metuchen’s own missionaries doing work abroad
Deacon Enock Berluche
Source de Vie, Beraud, Haiti
Mr. William Mosca
Franciscans In Action, Beraud, Haiti
Sister Mary Vertucci, MM
Maryknoll Sisters, Anrusha, Tanzania
Father Daniel Healy and Ms. R. Carol Vaccariello
Anawim Community, Metro Manila, Philippines
Joanne Garcia
Family Mission Company, Camiguin Islands, Philippines
Diocesan Mission Office
Reverend John G. Hillier, Ph.D. Director
Mila Dionisio
Assistant Director
Tess Kint
Administrative Assistant (Part-Time) Volunteers
Patricia Murphy, Shannon White, Charlie Zammit, Barbara Peterson
For more information about Catholic Missionaries, or how to help the Mission Church, call or write us: Pontifical Mission Societies, P.O. Box 191, Metuchen, N.J. 08840 (732) 243-4580 pontifical.mission.societies@diometuchen.org
PLEASE REMEMBER US ... in your prayers and in your generous gifts of charity AND CONSIDER US
“Heralds of the Gospel” who minister to the poor, the disadvantaged and persecuted Catholics IN YOUR ESTATE PLANNING
Pontifical Mission Societies Diocese of Metuchen
Attention: Father Hillier, Director P.O. Box 191 Metuchen, NJ 08840 • 732-243-4580
pontifical.mission.societies@diometuchen.org
By Christina Leslie Contributing Editor
A trip of 10,400 miles by an Australian Cardinal to a Ukrainian Catholic school in the Diocese of Metuchen, the first such visit in the school’s 62-year history, proved that no distance is too far to spread the word of God and spiritual fellowship.
The Ukrainian Catholic Church of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Perth Amboy, welcomed Cardinal Mykola Bychok Sept. 19, for a Divine Liturgy and pastoral visit. The Ukrainianborn prelate, who has served as Cardinal of the Ukrainian Catholic Eparchy of Sts. Peter and Paul in Melbourne, Australia, since 2020, was elevated to cardinal by Pope Francis in December, 2024, and is the youngest member of the conclave which elected Pope Leo XIV this past May.
The arrival of His Eminence was marked by deep emotion and heartfelt celebration, reported the faith community’s pastor and chief administrator, Father Ivan Turyk. He was joined by Assumption School students and their principal, Lissette Shumny, as the community wel comed the Cardinal with traditional gifts of bread and salt, bouquets of flowers, and a special welcome poem prepared by the children. Greeting guests with bread and salt is an ancient tradition symboliz ing hospitality, prosperity and protection in eastern European cultures. Bread rep resents wealth and a wish for abundance, while salt symbolizes lasting friendship, protection from evil and health.
In his homily, Cardinal Bychok rein forced Assumption Catholic School’s en during commitment to faith and learning, and encouraged all in attendance to deepen their relationship with God and continue growing in both knowledge and virtue.
To conclude the liturgy, the congre gation and ACS students joined together in singing Ukraine’s spiritual anthem, “Bozhe Velykyi Yedynyi (O Great and Only God).” The Cardinal lit a handmade candle, offering a heartfelt prayer for peace in Ukraine, saying: “We ask You to send Your holy angels to watch over the land of Ukraine. Let this flame be a symbol of hope, a prayer rising toward heaven, and a reminder that light will always overcome darkness.”
The Liturgy’s cantor, Nancy Bialkowski, had first met Cardinal Bychok when the Ukraine-born prelate served in Newark as a Redemptorist. Thrilled to be a part of the service, she credited Anna Lawrence, Assumption School’s music teacher, for leading the youngsters in song during the Divine Liturgy. “Our school consists of children from many different backgrounds and ethnicities” said Bialkowski. “They sang the ‘Our Father’ and other hymns so beautifully. This strikes me because we had both the Eastern and Western Churches’ members present.”
Following the Liturgy, Cardinal Bychok toured Assumption School, met with faculty, and took time to personally
Ukrainian Catholic Church of the
the
Virgin
Sept. 19 to its Perth Amboy church and school for a Divine Liturgy and pastoral
Father
Assumption School students and their principal, Lissette Shumney (bottom center), in greeting the Ukrainian-born prelate (bottom left) with traditional gifts of bread and salt. Cardinal Bychok interacted with the students and prayed with police officers during his visit. —Courtesy photos
speak with many students. He encouraged them to embrace their faith and recognize the God-given potential within each of them.
Father Turyk reflected upon Cardinal Bychok’s visit, calling it “an incredibly moving and historic moment for our parish… [which] brought a deep sense of honor and spiritual renewal.” He continued, “To have a cardinal – especially the youngest in the Church and someone who had just taken part in the conclave to elect Pope Leo – stand at our altar and lead us in the Divine Liturgy was both humbling and uplifting.”
Father Turyk added, “It reminded us that our parish is part of something much greater: the universal Catholic Church… it was a once-in-a-lifetime experience – a moment of grace and encouragement in the midst of uncertain times for our global and Ukrainian communities.”
The school visit by Cardinal Bychok also impacted the students, Father Turyk said, by making the Church feel alive and real to them in a new way.“From the mo ment they welcomed him with bread, salt and flowers, the children felt proud to be part of a tradition that honors both faith and culture,” the pastor recalled. “The Cardi nal’s warmth, kindness and interest in their lives made a deep impression. His stories about Australia, his encouraging words, and especially his blessing, made the stu dents feel seen, valued and inspired.”
Father Turyk concluded, “Many will likely remember his visit as a defining moment in their faith journey – one that showed them that holiness is not distant or unreachable, but present, personal and filled with hope.”
Marianne Komek, long-time corre spondent for The Catholic Spirit, served to coordinate information for this article.
The recent canonization of two great men, Carlo Acutis and Pier Giorgio Frassati, offers us hope in a world plagued by evil and violence. Though they were born almost a century apart, their lives have many similarities. Both died of illnesses at young ages, 15 and 24 respectively, both lived their faith with zeal and humble valor, and as Pope Leo noted, “Both had a great devotion to the saints and to the Virgin Mary, and they practiced charity generously.”
Eighty thousand pilgrims traveled from near and far to witness Holy Mother Church raise up the lives of two holy men as models of goodness and love. It seems that we all long to be a little closer to heaven, so we are naturally drawn to beauty, truth and goodness. In this Year of Jubilee, walking through the Holy Doors in the Basilicas of Rome is like entering heaven on earth.
Nothing beats standing amidst cheering crowds while the Popemobile comes near. Meeting people from all over the world, hearing their stories and what
left, St. Peter’s Basilica, Rome, adorned with photos for the two newly canonized saints. Top right, Pope Leo XIV on his pope mobile greets the congregation following the Canonization Mass. Bottom left, Members of Knights of Columbus Council 18672, named the St. Carlo Acutis Council, kneel in prayer at his canonization. Bottom right, Bike riders from a youth ministry in Milan who adopted the motto Tutto con amore (Everything with love) after St. Riccardo Pampuri, a young doctor who treated the majority of his patients for free. —Anna Githens photos
brought them to Saint Peter’s Square is truly uplifting. As we stood shoulder to shoulder witnessing the canonization of our brothers in Christ, I was reminded that we are one family who loves Jesus and his Church.
One of the most important messages the two young saints conveyed is to not waste any moment of one’s life. “I die serene because I have not wasted even a minute of my life in things God does not like,” said Carlo Acutis, the first millennial saint, who also asserted, “The only thing we really have to fear is sin.”
It was inspiring to see so many young people in attendance. Present at the canonization were a group of students who had ridden their bicycles from Milan to Rome, cycling together “with love” as a form of pilgrimage. Their youth ministry is named after Saint Riccardo Pampuri, a young Italian medical doctor who, after serving in World War I as a medical corporal, became known for treating the poor free of charge.
Also present were young men from the Knights of Columbus in Detroit, Michigan. Their new college council, formed in early 2025 out of the Detroit Catholic Campus Ministry, is named the Saint Carlo Acutis Council. Embroidered on the back of their shirts were the words of Carlo Acutis, “Non ego, sed Deus”, which is Latin for “Not I, but God.”
Parents with their six children – in-
cluding a four-year-old with Downs Syndrome – drove eleven hours from Austria to witness the canonization. A group of entrepreneurs from “Truthly,” the world’s first Catholic action app, were excited to be there. There was certainly no shortage of youthful enthusiasm that day.
“Dear friends,” said Pope Leo XIV in his homily, “Saints Pier Giorgio Frassati and Carlo Acutis are an invitation to all of us, especially young people, not to squander our lives, but to direct them upwards and make them masterpieces. They encourage us with their words: ‘Not I, but God,’ as Carlo used to say. And Pier Giorgio: ‘If you have God at the center of all your actions, then you will reach the end.’ This is the simple but winning formula of their holiness. It is also the type of witness we are called to follow, in order to enjoy life to the full and meet the Lord in the feast of heaven.”
The day after the canonization, in a Word on Fire interview, Bishop Barron was asked why so many young people are becoming Catholic and why young men are leading the drive. He responded, “We under challenged men for a long time. Men like challenges ... a softer version of Christianity doesn’t appeal to men … or to women.”
Mentioned in the interview was a recent N.Y. Post article titled, “Young people are converting to Catholicism en masse – driven by pandemic, internet,
‘lax’ alternatives”, and a Harvard survey confirming that Catholicism is seeing a major resurgence among Gen Z. “Young men are responding to the moral and spiritual challenge within Catholicism, the call to a heroic life, to real sanctity, not spiritual mediocrity,” said Bishop Barron. “Because God is love he wills the good of the world and of you in particular. He is calling you to ever greater, heroic self-gift. Think John Paul II, think of Frassati, think of these great saints.”
Jesus said, “You will know the truth and the truth will set you free.” We know the truth by virtue of the grace we received in our Baptism, and we are called to live it. “Yes, because the greatest risk in life is to waste it outside of God’s plan,” said Pope Leo XIV.
Saint Carlo and Saint Pier Giorgio knew the truth and heroically lived it. Thousands flocked to their canonization driven by a desire to be like them. For some that means proclaiming truth to the world through the witness of their lives, for others that means repenting, amending one’s former ways, asking God for help and saying, “Here I am Lord. Use me. Help me to know your will.”
Anna M. Githens is a freelance writer with a career background in finance, teaching and journalism. She holds an MA in Theology, a BA in Economics and a Certification in Theology of the Body.
By Dr. Carol Funk Special Contributor
Soup is a simple culinary invention that was a good mother’s way to provide a simple meal from bits of food let over from the week. Imagine a peasant woman, with almost nothing in the cupboard, shoring up her family by bringing a pot of water to a boil, adding herbs from the garden, some vegetables left from harvest not good enough to sell at market, and a few scraps of meat.
Perhaps there is a handful or grain to throw in - barley, rice, dried peaswhatever she could find to add body. In the kitchen, she spies some stone-hard bread that even the most hungry mouths could not chew. In a spurt of inspiration, she finds that pouring piping hot liquid
over the bread softens it, providing added nourishment for her family. It will sustain her family until the next breakfast.
In a physical way, she is doing what Jesus did miraculously – he manifested God’s abundance by feeding the many with only a little at hand. Many had come by foot, braving the crowds, just to hear him speak. But first, they were hungry. They had to be fed. How could so many be fed with five loves and two fish? Jesus opened himself to the providence of the Father, trusting there would be enough. All were fed. Baskets were filled to overflowing.
Maybe you have had an experience of spiritual hunger. Perhaps, you have had the experience of unexpected multiplication. Be aware of God’s providence for you as you prepare soup for your family.
Ingredients
• Four cups of chicken stock. If stock is not available, use “Better Than Boullion” paste, three tablespoons to four cups of water;
• One quarter to one half pound of cooked, shredded chicken breast or thighs;
• Add one-third cup each of: chopped celery, sweet onion, carrots, mixed frozen “fiesta style” vegetables;
• One fourth cup of black beans, pre-soaked and cooked or canned black beans rinsed with cold water;
• One fourth cup of diced red and green bell peppers;
• Two medium corn tortillas cut into long strips one eighth of an inch wide. Save one half of one tortilla for garnish. Rainbow colored tortillas can also be used for added color.
• One ripe medium avocado. Peel and cut lengthwise into one fourth inch strips.
• Half cup of shredded jack cheese for garnish.
• Juice of one lime. Keep several lime slices for garnish.
• Three tablespoons of Pico de Gallo salsa, any commercial brand.
• Half cup of light sour cream or yoghurt for garnish as desired.
Method
Add all the vegetables and chicken, to water and chicken bouillon. Omit water if using chicken stock. Stir and add beans. Cook on medium high heat for 45 minutes, until the raw vegetables are cooked.
Add the Pico de Gallo salsa. Add the tortilla strips, reserving half for garnish. The tortilla strips will thicken the mixture and provide “noodles” for the soup. Shut off the heat and allow the soup to rest for a few minutes. Squeeze in the lime juice. Stir. Ladle the soup into for bowls. Sprinkle the jack cheese on top of the hot soup. It will melt and become stringy.
Sprinkle cilantro in each bowl. Arrange two avocado slices for each one. A dollop of sour cream on top melds the spicy up with the refreshing cream and cilantro. Use some tortilla strips and lime slices as a side garnish.
This soup is a meal in itself and can be made ahead omitting the avocado and tortillas.
This recipe was provided from Dr. Funk’s cookbook, “Come, Taste and See” which was reviewed in the June 2025 issue of The Catholic Spirit.
Teachers from across the Diocese of Metuchen gathered for a special Spirituality Day, organized by the Office of Schools, centered on the theme “Pilgrims of Hope.” The day provided an opportunity for Catho lic educators to pause, reflect, and renew their commit ment to the mission of faith-filled teaching.
The program began with an opening prayer, fol lowed by an inspiring presentation that invited teachers to embrace their vocation as witnesses of hope in their schools and communities. The day concluded with the celebration of the Holy Mass, uniting participants in prayer and purpose as they continue their journey as Catholic educators.
Teachers and principals will continue to deepen their spiritual growth through ongoing faith formation workshops, building on the inspiration of the speaker, Michael Dopp, pastoral associate, St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church, Fort Wayne, Indiana. Dopp has been involved in a variety of ministries dedicated to the new evangelization and is founder of Mission of the Re deemer Ministries (www.missionoftheredeemer.com).
These workshops, as explained by the Office of Schools, will nurture the commitment of educators as “Pilgrims of Hope,” strengthening their mission to lead and teach with faith-filled hearts.
By David Karas Correspondent
Students attending Immaculate Conception School, Annandale, are supported academically as they grow in their faith –and this new school year brings new opportunities both in and out of the classroom.
“At ICS, children don’t just learn — they grow in faith, character, and curiosity. Our joyful, supportive community challenges students academically, nurtures them spiritually, and inspires them to live Gospel values every day,” said principal Constance Fortunato. “With engaged teachers, strong family partnerships and a commitment to seeing and valuing every child, ICS prepares students to thrive in school, in life and in their faith.”
As youngsters arrive each day, they gather as a full school community to hear about events, celebrate birthdays and hear announcements – and even parents are invited to join. After the Pledge of Allegiance, a patriotic song, prayer and a joke of the day that Fortunato shares, they head to class to hit the books.
This fall, the school is celebrating Saint Carlo Acutis, with the theme “Wired for Heaven – The Eucharist is my highway to Heaven.” The theme also aligns with the school community’s goal to mark
the Jubilee Year by fostering a community where all members feel seen and valued.
“We will follow his joyful example as we help students discover how their faith ‘powers’ their lives,” said Fortunato. “Through prayer, academics, service, and sustainability efforts, we will walk together as pilgrims of hope, building a school community where every student knows they belong.”
School leaders are taking another step to help bring students together as a community. For many years, students at Immaculate Conception have been part of Faith Families – through which students in K-8 grades spend time each month getting to know each other, learning about a saint and a virtue and participating in a service project. Starting this year, that model will be expanded into an ICS House System.
“Each of our 13 Faith Families will now be part of one of four larger Houses, which will create an even greater sense of unity and belonging,” said Fortunato. “Students, faculty and staff will belong to one of these four Houses throughout their ICS years.”
Fortunato said that the school is also working towards creating its outdoor classroom, featuring improvements to their courtyard made over the summer
and a new indoor hydroponic growing system, which they will use to grow a variety of lettuces this year.
Whether it is through some of those innovations or the everyday connections students have with their peers and teachers, Immaculate Conception is a place students enjoy coming back to each day.
“I work hard to create a culture that is loving, supportive, and encouraging. How could it not be if you are following Jesus and loved by our Blessed Mother,” said Fortunato. “At ICS, we use eclectic teaching strategies in order to meet the needs and learning styles for all our students. The teachers understand emotional support is important, and are creative in their approach to teaching, while maintaining a high academic standard.”
For third graders James M. and Owen B., learning about division has been an academic highlight – as has gathering as a school community each morning.
“I like coming to school because everybody is kind,” James added.
Michael E., another third-grade student, said that gym class is his favorite, and added that he looks forward to seeing his friends each day when he gets to school.
Fortunato said that faculty likewise enjoy being part of the ICS family, and look forward to coming to work.
“They are surrounded by colleagues who support and encourage them, students who bring joy and energy, and families who appreciate their dedication,” she said. “Rooted in faith and guided by a shared mission, our school is a community where teachers know they belong, and where every day offers the opportunity to shape lives with love, learning, and hope.” She added that the sense of community that she and her team work to create and foster at Immaculate Conception helps to set the school apart.
“What makes our school special is the supportive and joyful community we’ve built together, where colleagues encourage one another, families partner with us, and students thrive in an environment rooted in kindness, respect, and faith,” she said. “Together, we belong to something greater than ourselves, and our work truly makes a difference.”
St. Thomas Aquinas High School recently hosted one of its most meaningful and anticipated events of the year – the Aquinas Star Dinner. The Oct. 2 event has been a cherished tradition of the school for 38 years, bringing together students, alumni, parents, and current and former staff. Each year, STA nominates two children facing serious illnesses as their “Aquinas Stars” and invites their Stars, along with their families, to enjoy a special evening filled with joy, compassion, and togetherness.
It is a reminder of the importance of giving back and the impact a united school community can have on others. This year's Aquinas Stars are Jonny and Austin! Rooted in the school’s Catholic faith, the evening also serves as a living example of Christ’s call to serve others with love and humility.
The program is led by advisor Diane Fucci and student co-chairs Adrianna Torres and Isabella DePasquale.
Star program at STA has been the most rewarding experience. I truly love be ing able to give back to the community, especially to those who need support,” DePasquale said.
to my heart. I have helped out since I was
a freshman, and it has become something I look forward to each year,” Torres said.
A heartfelt thank you goes out to the dedicated staff, generous student body, and all who volunteered, supported, and contributed to making the event possible. Their kindness and commitment helped create an unforgettable evening that embodied the school’s mission of faith and service.
to continue fostering compassion, unity, and love. To learn more about the STA Aquinas Star program you can visit us online at www.stahs.net/aquinasstar.
Story Contributed by Giuliana Marucci, Class of 2029.
Guided by the example of St. Thomas Aquinas, the Trojan community continues to live out the Gospel message through acts of charity, compassion, and hope. The Trojan community looks forward to coming together at future events
VATICAN CITY (CNS) –Holiness flourishes in those who serve the weakest, and Christians should defend the truths of the faith, no matter the cost, Pope Leo XIV said, highlighting key traits of the new saints he proclaimed. Meeting with visitors from different countries who were in Rome for the Oct. 19 canonization of seven new saints, Pope Leo said, “the men and women we proclaimed saints yesterday are shining signs of hope for all of us, because they offered their lives in love for Christ and for their brothers and sisters.”
Pope Leo XIV greets pilgrims gathered in the Paul VI Audience Hall at the Vatican Oct. 20, 2025, following the Oct. 19 canonization of seven new saints. —CNS photo/Lola Gomez
“I hope you return to your homelands with hearts filled with gratitude and an ardent desire to imitate the new saints,” he told the visitors in the Paul VI Audience Hall Oct. 20. Speaking about St. Peter To Rot, a martyred lay catechist from Papua New Guinea who was arrested in 1945 during the Japanese occupation in World War II and was killed by lethal injection while in prison, the pope said he offers “an inspiring example of steadfastness and fortitude in preaching the truths of the Gospel when confronted by difficulties and challenges, even threats to our lives.”
Pope Leo also highlighted the outstanding traits of: St. Vincenza Maria Poloni, founder of the Sisters of Mercy of Verona, Italy, who lived from 1802-1855; St. Maria Troncatti, a Salesian sister born in Italy in 1883, sent as a missionary to Ecuador in 1922 and killed in a plane crash in 1969; and St. Bartolo Longo, an Italian lawyer born in 1841. He had been a militant opponent of the church and involved in the occult, but converted, dedicating himself to charity and to building the Pontifical Shrine of the Blessed Virgin of the Rosary of Pompei. He died in 1926.
With two sections filled with school families and parishioners and a nearly sold-out stadium, the chorus from School of St. Elizabeth, Bernardsville, demonstrated pride in their school and country by performing the National Anthem at the beginning of the last home game of the Somerset Patriots’ 2025 season Sept. 6 at TD Bank Ballpark in Bridgewater.
Under the direction of William Alford, music teacher and Our Lady of Perpetual Help Parish director of music, the students rehearsed twice during the first week of school. Recalling the multiple times they performed the anthem last year, Alford said, “The anticipation of singing for the Patriots started last
spring, continued through the summer and came to a peak when they returned to school. It was truly a long-awaited moment beautifully fulfilled.”
Highlights of the evening included a chorister’s catch of a foul ball, a school parent snagging a t-shirt slingshot to the stands, and another St. Elizabeth parent winning an Irish trivia game, as well as fireworks at the end of the game, and a win by the Patriots, sending them to the Eastern League Playoffs.
Father Jay Siceloff, pastor of the Bridgewater faith community, said, “It was a fantastic way to start the school year. There was so much excitement leading up to the game. This was a great promotion
for the school and something families will happily remember for a long time.”
The eighth grade choristers shared their enthusiasm, saying, “Singing the National Anthem at a Somerset Patriots game was such an amazing opportunity! It was incredible to hear our voices fill the stadium in harmony with the school community rallying around us in support. Sharing the experience with our friends was incredibly enjoyable, and pure joy filled the air as everyone smiled!"
Parents and students also commented about the joy felt from experiencing a beautiful night with school and church friends and family. Plans are underway for a repeat performance next season.
Hosted by the Rosary Altar Society
Saturday: November 29 th, 9 am to 4 pm 23 Manalapan Road • Spotswood, NJ
Quality holiday and handcrafted items
Breakfast/Lunch/Snacks available for sale
Free admission & parking • Crafters tables still available Contact Jay at 609-409-0199
Contributed by Marisa Friedman, School of St. Elizabeth director of marketing and advancement.
On September 17, Jacqueline Muratore, Mount Saint Mary Academy assistant directress, and Eileen Honicky, college counselor, provided the seniors pictured above at Mount Saint Mary Academy in Watchung with their letters of invitation to the Cum Laude Society. Sister Lisa Gambacorto, directress and Cum Laude president, was also on hand to offer congratulatory wishes to the honored students. Muratore said, “This academic distinction of Cum Laude recognizes the highest level of scholastic achievement. This accolade reflects a dedication to academic excellence, unwavering focus and discipline, and a genuine curiosity that goes beyond the classroom. These students have not only flourished in their courses, but they have shown a true passion for learning and a commitment to their education. We are incredibly proud of their accomplishments and look forward to seeing all that they will achieve in the future.”
Pictured, left to right, are, front row, Maddison Cudia, Sabrina Tse, Gemma LoGrippo, Sarah Algier, Sister Lisa Gambacorto, directress, and, back row, Meghan Dwyer, Madilyn Zatorski, Mackenzie Daly, and Aashrita Banerjee.
To place your ad in the directory please call Mary at 732-529-7934
Certificates of Commendation from the National Merit Scholarship Corporation were presented in the Parlor at Mount Saint Mary Academy, Watchung, on Sept. 17 to Commended Students in the National Merit Scholarship Program. Pictured, left to right, are: Sabrina Tse, Meghan Dwyer, Aashrita Banerjee, and Sister Lisa Gambacorto, directress. Jacqueline Muratore, assistant directress, said of the commendation, “The recognition of our Mounties as Commended Students in the National Merit Scholarship Program is a testament to their hard work, dedication, and exceptional academic promise. This achievement places them among the top students nationwide, and we celebrate this significant milestone with them and their families. Congratulations on this well-deserved honor." Also present to congratulate students was Eileen Honicky, college counselor.
Gospel for October 26, 2025
Luke 18:9-14
Following is a word search based on the Gospel reading for the Thirtieth Sunday in Ordinary Time, Cycle C: about whom we focus on at prayer. The words can be found in all directions in the puzzle.
PARABLE DESPISED WENT UP TEMPLE PRAY PHARISEE OTHER TAX COLLECTOR THANK YOU I FAST TWICE A WEEK BEAT HIS BREAST BE MERCIFUL TO ME TELL YOU HUMBLED EXALTED
T
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A
N
K
O
U
L I L C B L T F M S O A
Y M I C H O J E V E O N
A W E E K C J M D D B A
T E L L Y O U E L L A K © 2025 TRI-C-A Publications; tri-c-a-publications.com
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[Note: The lectionary provides a number of options for the readings this Sunday. This column is based upon the following texts: Wisdom 3:1-9; Romans 8:31b-35,37-39; and John 11:17-27.]
This Sunday we mark All Souls Day (officially known as the Commemoration of All the Faithful Departed). The idea of praying for the dead was already known in Rome by the year 200, and the custom of including an All Souls Day in the liturgical calendar was a nearly universal custom before the year 1000.
Immediately following All Saints Day, this remembrance forms part of an important annual celebration of the Communion of Saints (the universal fellowship of those who believe in Christ); and so the saints in heaven (the Church triumphant) intercede before the throne of God for us on earth (the Church militant) and for those who are in purgatory (the Church suffering); even as we honor the memory of those in heaven, we on earth join with them in prayer for the souls in purgatory. The tenor of this day is set by our profound hope that all the faithful departed will share in Jesus’ resurrection from the dead. This hope is based upon the loving care which God showers upon his people.
Underlying all the scripture readings chosen for this day is the reality that death is hard. The mystery, fear, and anguish of death, whether that of ourselves or of a loved one, is among the most dreaded of human experiences. The sorrow and loneliness brought on by death grieves us in powerful, personal ways. While none of us can really escape such sentiments, we must accept St. Paul’s reminder that we are not people without solace. For Christians, our understanding of death, though still very painful and very real, is transformed by the prism of faith, hope, and love.
his death. We are assured that this sharing of lives between Christ and his followers continues even after earthly death. Death is thus transformed from life’s end into a necessary passage from imperfection to perfection.
In his Letter to the Romans, St. Paul enkindles our hope in eternal life after death. He is so sure of our identification with Christ that he begins to boast of this relationship. To the Christian community at Rome he asks, “If God is for us, who can be against us?” (Romans 8:31b). Paul reasons that baptism produces the strongest of bonds between Christ and the individual Christian. This bond can never be broken. Paul confidently continues, “What will separate us from the love of Christ?” (Romans 8:35a). He answers with such assurance that his words themselves become a bulwark of hope: “I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor present things, nor future things, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 8:38-39). Christian hope nullifies death’s terrifying sting.
November For the prevention of suicide Let us pray that those who are struggling with suicidal thoughts might find the support, care, and love they need in their community, and be open to the beauty of life. Pope’s Monthly Prayer Intentions
We share the faith that Jesus stirred up in Martha: “I am the resurrection and the life; whoever believes in me, even if he dies, will live, and everyone who lives and believes in me will never die” (John 11:25-26). Jesus’ words here serve as a firm foundation of belief in eternal life for all who join themselves to him in faith. By identifying himself with the power of resurrection and life, Jesus invites all people to join with him and promises that those who do so will possess eternal life. Those who live this life in union with Christ are assured that God will grant them eternal blessedness with him.
As Christians, we believe that our identification with Christ begins at Baptism. By water and the Holy Spirit we become members of Christ, that is, we are grafted on to his body. Because of this intimate association with Jesus, we share in his joys and sorrows, his life and
After consoling us that “the souls of the just are in the hand of God,” (Wisdom 3:1), the author of the Book of Wisdom then explains the difficulties of living and dying not as signs of God’s anger or punishment, but rather as tests by which God enables us to prove our love for him. God’s love for us remains present even amid our worst trials: “Chastised a little, they shall be greatly blessed because God tried them and found them worthy of himself” (Wisdom 3:5) God’s love is so steadfast that it transforms even our darkest moments into opportunities for God to draw us closer to himself.
Facing death remains one of life’s greatest trials both for those who die and for those who are left behind. While our Christian faith does not eliminate the pain of death, it does subordinate the darkness of suffering to the brightness of hope in Christ’s love always drawing us closer to his Father in heaven. It was her understanding of the infinity of this love which led St. Therese of Lisieux to describe her own death (and ours): “I am not dying; I am entering life.”
Msgr. John N. Fell serves as Episcopal Vicar for the Vicariate for Clergy.
Sister Mary Nowicka, 90, who spent more than 70 years as a dedicated Little Servant Sister of the Immaculate Conception, died Sept. 7 at Saint Joseph Nursing Home in Woodbridge.
Born March 24, 1935, in Konin, Poland, and baptized Anna, she had little exposure to religious nuns or priests because of Communism’s grip on her country. By the seventh grade, she learned of an acquaintance enrolled in religious school and begged her parents for permission to study there.
Upon completion of a basic vocational school, Sister Mary entered her congregation in 1953, became a novice the following year, and made her first vows in 1956. She made her final vows in 1959.
Beginning as a preschool teacher and later sacristan and seamstress in Sanok (Eastern Poland), she was sent to Zambia as a missionary in 1969. There, she studied English, taught sewing and embroidery to students, and became the local superior.
Upon returning to the U.S. from Zambia, Sister Mary was initially at St. Joseph Convent, Woodbridge, before being assigned to then Sts. Peter and Paul Parish, Three Rivers, Mass., where she spent 10 years serving the parish and preparing children for their sacraments. While there, she completed an associate degree, opened a kindergarten and directed school plays.
In 1988, she was assigned to Our Lady of Lourdes Parish, Milltown, where she taught second-graders at its school for seven years. From 1994 to 1996, she taught at Saint Matthew School, National Park, then returned to Our Lady of Lourdes for six years. Amidst all of her service, she earned a bachelor’s degree.
In 2002, Sister Mary began ministering to Saint Mary’s Nursing Home, Cherry Hill, serving as sacristan, distributing Communion, assisting in activities, leading discussion groups and visiting with residents and families.
She retired to prayer ministry at the Little Servant Sisters Provincialate in Cherry Hill in 2013, and in 2021, went to Saint Joseph Senior Home, Woodbridge, where she continued her prayer ministry.
Her community regarded Sister Mary as a faithful, prayerful religious and evangelist, who loved the Church and her community. She is remembered as encouraging youth to pray, a conscientious teacher, sacristan, and participant in senior pastoral care and activities, and above all prayer ministry.
A Mass of Christian Burial took place Sept. 11 at the Chapel of Saint Joseph Senior Home in Woodbridge. Interment followed at Saint Joseph Cemetery in Blackwood.
Memorial contributions in the late Sister Mary Nowicka’s memory may be sent to the Little Servant Sisters, Provincialate, 1000 Cropwell Road, Cherry Hill, N.J. 08003.
Sister Judy Ward, age 87, died in Overlook Hospital, in Summit, Sept. 26. She was born in Long Branch, the daughter of William and Angelina (Grandinetti) Ward. Sister Judy, formerly known as Sister Mary John Bosco, was a Sister of Mercy for 69 years.
Judy first met the Sisters of Mercy at Saint James School in Red Bank, and entered the Community in 1956. Sister Judy was an artist who earned a bachelor’s degree in Art from Georgian Court College, Lakewood, and a master of arts degree from the University of Notre Dame, Indiana.
Sister Judy taught art for 25 years in several Mercy schools, including 10 years at Mount Saint Mary Academy in Watchung and eight years at Notre Dame High School, Lawrenceville.
She then ministered as a substance abuse counselor at a number of facilities. Since the year 2000, Sister Judy put her technology and artistic skills at the service of her Mercy Community, serving at the Mount in communication, creating monthly newsletters, and sending out announcements to keep the sisters connected.
In 2006, she expanded this service by establishing “Catherine’s Legacy,” through which she designed beautiful, inspirational cards. In recent years, she established a large following with her Facebook postings, which offered uplifting poems and quotes each day, along with a sketch by Judy of the author.
Sister Judy was predeceased by her parents and her twin sister Jean. She is survived by her cousins, Patricia Mills, Susan Mills-Phillips, Donna Byers, Robert Mills, Cynthia Mills, Jeffrey Curry, Lisa Curry, John Curry, and numerous relatives from Long Branch.
Sister Judy was an unforgettable character. She connected with people wherever she went, often sketching those she met, be it the waitress at the diner or the receptionist at the doctor’s office. She would hand out cards containing her sketches of Jesus to the staff at the hospital. She was generous with her talents and her time.
Her artwork is found throughout the community buildings, including an oil painting of Mother Mary Patrick in the infirmary. Her cards and postings reflected her desire to help people ponder the spiritual in their lives. As her motto suggests, she hoped to lead them to “Be still and know that I am God.”
Sister Judy’s funeral services were held in Immaculate Conception Chapel at Mount Saint Mary, Watchung, Oct. 2. Burial at Holy Redeemer Cemetery in South Plainfield followed.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Sisters of Mercy, 1645 US Highway 22, Watchung, NJ 07069
Christopher Donahue, 70, former editor-in-chief of
A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated Oct. 4 in Our Lady of Lourdes Church, Milltown, for Christopher M. Donahue, who died Sept. 29 in St. Peter’s Hospital, New Brunswick, after a courageous battle with cancer. Donahue, who served the Metuchen Diocese as former editor-in-chief of The Catholic Spirit newspaper, was 70. Born in West Springfield, Mass., Aug. 15, 1955, Chris moved to Wilmington, Del., in 1964. He attended Concord High School, where he developed a life-long love for soccer. In 1972, he was named an All-American by the National High School Soccer Coaches Association. He went on to earn four varsity letters in soccer from the University of Delaware, where he graduated in 1979 with a degree in English and Journalism.
Chris began his career in journalism at the Wilmington News Journal in Delaware. He started at the sports desk, where he worked as a copy editor and reporter, covering high school, amateur, and professional sports. He was a beat reporter for the Philadelphia Flyers. Chris moved into news reporting, and, after relocating to New Jersey in 2000, he went to work for The Courier News in Bridgewater. Eventually, Chris felt called to move away from the secular press, and began work as a staff writer at The Catholic Spirit, the newspaper of the Diocese of Metuchen. where he served for almost 20 years, eventually becoming Editor-in-Chief.
Chris was a communicant of Our Lady of Lourdes Parish, Milltown, and a Fourth Degree member of the Knights of Columbus, Council 7250. Chris loved sports, especially soccer, and was a devoted fan of the Tottenham Hotspurs, the Philadelphia Eagles, and the Boston Red Sox. He also was an avid golfer.
Predeceased by his parents John and Marie Donahue of Mass., Chris is survived by his beloved wife of 25 years, Cathryn (nee McCarthy); brother and sister-inlaw John E. and Joan Donahue of Asbury Park; brother and sister-in-law Steven and Bernadette Donahue of Newark, Del.; sister and brother-in-law Denise and Ben Cosenzo; sister and brother-in-law Charlotte and Dennis Elko, and sister and brother-in-law Kate and Michael Lussier of Ga. Chris will also missed by his many aunts, uncles, cousins, in-laws, and his 24 nieces and nephews. Chris especially cherished a special bond with his great-nephew Dominic, who was born with Trisomy 18. He is also survived by his beloved and faithful friends Miss Tessie Marie and Winkie.
Arrangements were handled by the Bronson and McNamara Memorial Home of Milltown. Entombment was at Holy Cross Burial Park, Jamesburg. In lieu of flowers, a donation may be made to the Jerome Lejeune Foundation (info@lejeunefoundation.org), an organization devoted to research and advocacy for children living with Trisomy 18.
When you drive through New Brunswick, you may not notice a building on Remsen Avenue that used to be a firehouse. That building is the Unity Square Community Center and they are feeding the community.
According to the New Jersey Department of Health data published in January 2025, 7.9% to 9.7% of the population in Middlesex and Warren counties are experiencing food insecurity. In the local areas surrounding these two Catholic Charities’ facilities, the concentration of need is even higher.
“At Unity Square our primary initiative to address food insecurity is the Choice Food Resource Center,” said Michelle Gil, program director. “We distribute food every Tuesday and on the first three Fridays of each month. Tuesdays and the second Fridays are by appointment only; and anyone in need can register for an appointment. The other days are open distribution with no appointment or registration required. This hybrid model allows us to support both those who regularly rely on our services and those who may need occasional help.”
On average, 380 families are served monthly through Unity Square’s food resource center and the numbers are unfortunately growing, as more people need
people on a single Friday.
Instead of handing out pre-packed bags, Unity Square has adopted a “shopping model” of food distribution. Community members—who the staff lovingly call “our neighbors”—are guided by trained volunteers who act as personal shoppers. Together, they walk through the pantry, choosing from a wide variety of pantry staples, as well as fresh produce, dairy and meat.
“This model offers people respect and provides an opportunity for human connection and trust-building between volunteers and community members while allowing them to select what their household actually needs and will use,” said Gil. “It reduces food waste and creates a welcoming, dignified experience—something every person deserves, especially in moments of vulnerability.”
Unity Square proudly maintains two community gardens with a total of 32 raised beds that are available to community members who register. The gardeners are responsible for maintaining their own plot throughout the growing season, from March through November, and they are free to plant a variety of produce for their own personal use.
“The gardens promote healthy eating, physical activity and community bonding,” said Gil. “It’s wonderful to see neighbors
talking, sharing their garden produce, help ing one another navigate systems or exchanging advice. These moments remind us that food insecurity doesn’t need to be just a transactional response—it needs community, empathy and belonging.”
Praise for volunteers and community partners
Catholic Charities collaborates with a variety of community partners that not only provide much needed food for distribution, but also extend the range of services offering utility assistance, health screenings and more. By bringing partners into the centers, Catholic Charities makes it easier for people to access multiple resources in one trusted space. This helps transform a food pickup into an opportunity to connect with a range of critical services under one roof.
The Impact of your Gift
We might never know the recipients of our Works of Mercy or the impact our financial gift had on their lives. Consider the family that was helped by Catholic Charities during a period of unemployment and on the path to self-sufficiency or, the person whose struggle with addiction is being alleviated through Catholic Charities’ counseling services. Who would guess that becoming a Champion for Catholic Charities by making a modest donation could have such far-reaching results. When a community responds in generosity, that is exactly what happens.
Be assured that every gift makes a difference and every gift, no matter the amount, is greatly appreciated.
How you can help
MAKE A GIFT
• Please join our team today and become a Champion for Catholic Charities by making a gift or purchasing a raffle ticket. Your generosity is not just filling shelves—it’s feeding families, restoring dignity and creating a space of belonging for so many.
“Our volunteers and community partners are the heart of what we do,” said Gil. “We simply could not operate without the dedication of our volunteers, many of whom are Rutgers students, local residents, parish groups, and even former clients. In addition to assisting with intake, shopping support and stocking, they offer kindness, consistency and support to our neighbors, becoming trusted faces in the community.”
VOLUNTEER • Catholic Charities, Diocese of Metuchen also welcomes volunteers. To learn more call 732-387- 1315.
Tiffany Workman is the Communications Specialist in the Office of Communications and Public Relations.
When the school doors at St. James, Basking Ridge, had only been open a few days, the reigning State Champs were completely prepared for their first contest of the season in southern Jersey. The Nike Cherokee Challenge, which took place at Cherokee High School, Marlton, is the largest early season meet in the
school races in the Mid-Atlantic Region. The meet had well over 100 teams from multiple states and has a storied history dating back to 2004.
As has been meet tradition, the girls’ middle school race launched first at 9 a.m. on the notoriously fast course, and the SJS girls were up to the task of
Captain, Claire Johnson, who ran the course in near school record time and had an impressive sixth-place finish. Johnson was followed by a barrage of teammates with top 20 finishes— Julia Daus, with a top 10 finish, and Livy Battista, Avery Pfistner and Emiliana Galeone each with top 20 finishes.
The St. James boys were up next, not to be overshadowed. They approached the start with unique confidence. With current school 2400M XC record holder Liam Johnson and school 3000M record holder Kaden Pye both on the line, plus a strong and experienced supporting cast, the boys were looking to follow up on last year’s strong performance. It was Pye who crossed first for the Spartans with a 3rd place finish, seizing the school record from Johnson, who broke his own prior record and grabbed a top five finish. They had support from Johnny Roberts who had a top 20 finish and Mav Heinze and Filip Sasko both of whom medaled. Heinze was the youngest athlete to medal at the meet.
Coach Matthew Wizeman said he felt really good about the team’s preparation going into the meet. “These athletes worked really hard this summer, and they were ready to hit the ground running,” said the coach. “Our mantra is that the two most important words for a quality XC season are 'July and August'. These early season meets are won and lost on the trails over the summer. Our goal now is to keep up the intensity throughout the season and stay injury free. This is clearly one of our athletes’ favorite meets, but we have bigger goals later in this season.”
John Falcone serves as director of admissions for St. James School, Basking Ridge.
Caritas Chamber Chorale will present a series of three a cappella choral concerts entitled “From a Sincere Heart” Oct. 24-26, which explore some of the many ways people are drawn to faith and one another. A freewill offering benefits the Adorno Fathers’ African Mission.
Comprised of a compelling selection of choral anthems, folk tunes, and lively spirituals, the centerpiece of the program is Maurice Duruflé’s timeless “Quatre Motets sur des thèmes grégoriens, Op. 10”. Also featured is Caritas charter member Christopher Rath’s recent setting of the hymn “Love Is His Word.” The Chorale also offers Frank Ticheli’s transcendent “Earth Song” for all suffering from violence in Eastern Congo, where the Adorno Fathers’ African Mission operates.
The schedule includes: Oct.24, 7:30 p.m., All Saints’ Church, 559 Park Avenue, Scotch Plains; Oct. 25, 7:30 p.m., Our Lady of Mount Virgin Church, 600 Harris Ave., Middlesex; Oct. 26, 3 p.m. St. Catharine Church, 215 Essex Ave., Spring Lake.
The concerts are free and open to the public. The entirety of a freewill offering will benefit the Pierluigi Fabbiani Nursery School, the Gianni Diurni Primary School, and the Foyer de l’Enfance Paolo Di Nardo Orphanage, run by the Adorno Fathers’ St. Francis Caracciolo Mission in Goma, Democratic Republic of Congo, Africa.
Since its founding in 2005, Caritas’ audiences have supported the Adorno Fathers’ St. Francis Caracciolo Mission in DRC, Africa through freewill offerings.
on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and Spotify. For more information, please see www.caritaschamberchorale.org or contact director@caritaschamberchorale. org.
By Jeanette Land, Special Contributor
Are you feeling burned out, stressed out and worn out? Have you taken your spiritual temperature lately? You just might be suffering from spiritual paralysis!
If so, take time to discover where God fits in your life by reflecting on where you’ve been, where you are now and where you’re going in the future. Consider making a retreat.
Just as a yearly physical is good for your body, a yearly spiritual check-up is good for your soul.
In Mark 6:31, Jesus said to his Apostles, “Come away by yourselves to a deserted place and rest a while.” That’s good advice. Jesus often went to a lonely place to pray to his Father by himself. If it was important to Jesus, shouldn’t it be important to you? Give a gift to yourself: Schedule a retreat with God.
Our Lady of Florida Spiritual Center is where I go to relax and care for my soul, away from the concerns of everyday life, apart from the madding crowd. In a tranquil setting, overlooking Little Lake Worth, I have the opportunity to rediscover God’s living presence within, by being still and daring to begin the journey from my head to my heart.
This may well be the longest journey you’ll ever take … and the most rewarding. If you have listening ears and a hearing heart, you will come to know, without a doubt, that God has called you by name and loves you with an overwhelming, unconditional love beyond all imagining.
There are various types of retreats that appeal to different people: for women, men, married couples, young adults, and those in recovery from substance abuse. There are preached group retreats
that feature talks on a central theme and periods for reflection. Some retreats are more reflective and spiritual than others, and are for those who feel a need for solitude and a chance to be alone. Others are geared for discussion and reflection within a group setting.
If you choose to make a private, directed retreat, you can expect to meet daily with a spiritual director, who may assign passages of Scripture for you to read, ponder and digest. Your director will listen as you respond to what the Lord may be saying to you and then guide you in your prayer and spiritual growth. Silence is optional. In order to experience the grace of a private retreat, a three-day minimum stay is recommended.
I have made group weekend retreats, days of recollection and about 15 Holy Week Retreats (with my husband) that began on Wednesday evening and ended after the sunrise service and brunch on Easter morning. Since 1992, I have made a yearly appointment with God by scheduling a silent, private directed retreat of three, five, or seven days.
Since I’m a contemplative, I welcome the silence and solitude of a private retreat. When I’m silent before God’s presence, I can hear his voice more clearly in my spirit. As I reflect in the silence, I experience a spiritual renewal that refreshes and rejuvenates me. The grace of my retreat strengthens me for the year ahead.
BLUE ARMY OF OUR LADY OF FATIMA SHRINE
674 Mountain View Road E., Asbury, NJ 08802
908-689-7330 • retreat@bluearmy.com
Lift Up Your Soul at the tranquil 150-acre Fatima Shrine. Host Your Retreat for Youth, Couples, Parish or Vocational Group.
MOUNT ST. MARY HOUSE OF PRAYER
1651 U.S. Highway 22, Watchung, NJ 07069 908-753-2091 • www.msmhope.org e-mail: msmhope@msmhope.org Retreats, Spiritual Direction, Programs
SAN ALFONSO RETREAT HOUSE
755 Ocean Avenue, Long Branch NJ 07740 732-222-2731 • info@sanalfonsoretreats.org www.sanalfonsoretreats.org
A Redemptorist Spiritual Center overlooking the Atlantic Ocean offering preached retreats, days of prayer and use of the facility for outside groups.
LOYOLA JESUIT CENTER
161 James Street • Morristown, NJ 07960 973-539-0740 • Fax: 973-898-9839 www.loyola.org • retreathouse@loyola.org
Retreats for lay men, women, priests, religious; days/evenings of prayer. Groups planning their own programs are welcome.
THE SHRINE OF ST. JOSEPH
1050 Long Hill Road, Stirling, NJ 07980 908-647-0208 • www.stshrine.org Day & Overnight Retreats Gift & Book Shop - open daily
ST. JOSEPH BY THE SEA
400 Route 35 North, S. Mantoloking, NJ 08738 732-892-8494 • sjbsea@comcast.net • sjbsea.org
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.
VILLA PAULINE RETREAT AND SPIRITUAL CENTER 352 Bernardsville Road, Mendham, NJ 07945 Sr. Theresa Marie Tran, SCC 973-543-9058 • villapauline@scceast.org sccus.org • Preached/Directed/Guided & Private Retreats, Spiritual Direction, day & weekend programs
My yearly retreat at Our Lady of Florida Spiritual Center, a Passionist retreat house in North Palm Beach, Fla., (ourladyofflorida.org/retreats/) is of utmost importance to me. It is my gift to myself. It is my pathway deeper into the Heart of God.
“Come to me all who labor and are burdened and I will refresh you” (Matthew 11:28). Why don’t you schedule a retreat with God – the rewards will be heavenly.
For those considering a retreat, check out The Catholic Spirit Retreat Guide below.
Jeanette Martino Land has been a freelance Christian writer since 1990 and has been published by numerous publications, including Ligouri Publications.
• sjbsea@comcast.net
To join this retreat guide, email mgregory@diometuchen.org
MANCHESTER, England (OSV News)
– England is mourning after a terror attack on a Manchester synagogue during Yom Kippur left two Jewish men dead and three others seriously injured. The Oct. 2 attack targeted the Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation on the holiest day in the Jewish calendar. Witnesses say the attacker drove into a crowd, then stabbed a worshipper before being shot dead by police. Cardinal Vincent Nichols of Westminster called the events “expressions of utter hatred,” offering heartfelt prayers for victims, their families, and the wider Jewish community. The violence on a Jewish holy day "shocks me to the core,” he said, urging unity and respect across faiths. Prime Minister Keir Starmer condemned the act as antisemitic, while Catholic leaders across the UK echoed messages of sorrow and solidarity. Three suspects have been arrested on terrorism-related charges. Bishop John Arnold of Salford in his Oct. 2 statement urged to "work together in hope to strengthen our community solidarity," underlining "We must remain united in our common beliefs against those who sow hatred and division," praying for "peace and tolerance around the UK and the world." Cardinal Nichols added, "It is a duty of us all to work together to ensure a more cohesive and respectful society, one in which such violence and inhumanity have no place."
Police and others gather near the scene after a report of an incident in which a car was driven at pedestrians and a stabbing attack, near a synagogue in north Manchester, England, Oct. 2, 2025. A man attacked a synagogue killing at least two people and seriously injuring others in what the police called an act of terrorism on Yom Kippur, the holiest day in the Jewish calendar. —OSV News photo/Phil Noble, Reuters
Pope will declare St. John Henry Newman doctor of the Church Nov. 1
VATICAN CITY (CNS) – Pope Leo XIV announced he will proclaim St. John Henry Newman a doctor of the church Nov. 1 during the Jubilee of the World of Education. Speaking after Mass Sept. 28 for the Jubilee of Catechists, the Pope said St. Newman "contributed decisively to the renewal of theology and to the understanding of the development of Christian doctrine."
The Dicastery for the Causes of Saints had announced July 31 that Pope Leo "confirmed the affirmative opinion" of the cardinals and bishops who are members of the dicastery "regarding the title of Doctor of the Universal Church which will soon be conferred on Saint John Henry Newman, Cardinal of the Holy Roman Church, Founder of the Oratory of Saint Philip Neri in England." St. Newman was born in London Feb. 21, 1801, was ordained an Anglican priest, became Catholic in 1845, was made a cardinal in 1879 by Pope Leo XIII and died in Edgbaston, near Birmingham, England, in 1890.
Compiled from Our Sunday Visitor and the
Pope Leo calls rhetoric from Hegseth, Trump meeting with generals ‘worrying’
US bishops' president begs Americans to see Christ ‘in every person,’ reject political violence
Melissa Villalobos of Chicago lights a candle during a vigil in advance of the canonization of St. John Henry Newman, at the Basilica of St. Mary Major in Rome Oct. 12, 2019. Villalobos' healing through the intercession of St. John Henry Newman was accepted as the miracle needed for the British cardinal's canonization.
—CNS photo/Paul Haring
WASHINGTON (OSV News) – Pope Leo XIV expressed concern about rhetoric used by President Donald Trump and Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth shortly after their Sept. 30 meeting with top U.S. military officials. Hegseth called a rare, last-minute gathering at the Quantico base in Virginia, calling in senior U.S. military officials stationed all over the globe. During the meeting, Hegseth – who uses the moniker "secretary of war" since Trump signed an executive order on Sept. 5 adding the "Department of War" as a secondary, ceremonial title for the Department of Defense – said, "The only mission of the newly restored Department of War is this: warfighting, preparing for war and preparing to win, unrelenting and uncompromising in that pursuit" for the sake of peace. In comments to reporters at Castel Gandolfo, Pope Leo said, "This way of speaking is worrying because it shows an increase in tension, and also this vocabulary of changing the Minister of Defense to the Minister of War. Let's hope it's just a way of speaking." Trump also spoke, adding he wanted the military to quell "the enemy within," referring to several U.S. metropolises as "unsafe." Msgr. Stuart Swetland, a moral theologian and former U.S. Navy officer who is president of Donnelly College in Kansas City, Kansas, told OSV News he thought that suggestion from Trump is likely also why the pope found the event's rhetoric "worrying." He noted U.S. law and tradition has "a very limited use of the military domestically," so broadening its domestic use is "problematic."
WASHINGTON (OSV News) – Five years after the release of Pope Francis' encyclical on fraternal love, and amid a rise in political violence, the leader of the nation's Catholic bishops is pleading for a rediscovery of – and respect for – a common humanity. "I ask every American to reflect on the value of every human life. I beg you to see Christ in every person, even those whose politics you oppose," said Archbishop Timothy P. Broglio, president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops and head of the U.S. Archdiocese for the Military Services. The archbishop shared his thoughts in an Oct. 1 pastoral invitation for reflection ahead of the fifth anniversary of "Fratelli Tutti," which Pope Francis penned in 2020 as an exploration and exhortation on the issues of human fraternity and social friendship. Archbishop Broglio's reflection was released just days after several high-profile killings, including deadly attacks on a Latter-day Saints church in Michigan and a Catholic church in Minnesota, and the assassination of conservative political activist Charlie Kirk at a Utah university campus. While not naming those specific incidents, Archbishop Broglio lamented that "places once regarded as safe harbors to grow and learn – our schools, universities, and churches –have become sites of heartbreaking tragedy and bloodshed." He called for a renewed embrace of the Gospel values, including the corporal works of mercy, listening and dialogue. The archbishop concluded his reflection with a call to pray "that we may discover anew that all are important and all are necessary, different faces of the one humanity that God so loves. Amen."
A senior military officer, wearing uniform adorned with service ribbons and badges, attends a meeting convened by U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, at Marine Corps Base Quantico in Virginia Sept. 30, 2025. In an unprecedented gathering, almost 800 generals, admirals and their senior enlisted leaders were ordered into one location from around the world on short notice. —OSV News photo/Kevin Lamarque, Reuters
The American Heart Association presents Get With The Guidelines® - Stroke Gold Plus award for proven dedication to ensuring all stroke patients have access to best practices and life-saving care
Saint Peter’s University Hospital, New Brunswick, a member of Saint Peter’s Healthcare System, has received the American Heart Association’s Get With The Guidelines®Stroke Gold Plus quality achievement award for its commitment to ensuring stroke patients receive the most appropriate treatment according to nationally recognized, research-based guidelines, ultimately leading to more lives saved and reduced disability.
Stroke is the fifth leading cause of death and one of the leading causes of disability in the U.S. A stroke occurs when a blood vessel that carries oxygen and nutrients to the brain is either blocked by a clot or bursts. When that happens, part of the brain cannot get the blood and oxygen it needs, so brain cells die. Early stroke detection and treatment are key to improving survival, minimizing disability and accelerating recovery times.
Get With The Guidelines puts the expertise of the American Heart Association and American Stroke Association to work for hospitals nationwide, helping ensure patient care is aligned with the latest research- and evidence-based guidelines. Get With The Guidelines - Stroke is an in-hospital program for improving stroke care by promoting consistent adherence to these guidelines, which can minimize the long-term effects of a stroke and even prevent death.
“Saint Peter’s University Hospital is committed to improving patient care by adhering to the latest treatment guidelines,” said Dr. Roger Behar, neurologist at Saint Peter’s University Hospital. “Time is the most critical factor in stroke care. Rapid treatment improves the chances of preserving speech, movement and memory and reduces the chances of long-term disability.”
Each year, program participants qualify for the award by demonstrating how their organization has committed to providing quality care for stroke patients. In addition to following treatment guidelines, Get With The Guidelines participants also educate patients to help them manage
their health and recovery at home.
“We are incredibly pleased to recognize Saint Peter’s University Hospital for its commitment to caring for patients with stroke,” said Dr. Steven Messe, volunteer chair of the American Heart Association Stroke System of Care Advisory Group.
“Participation in Get With The Guidelines is associated with improved patient outcomes, fewer readmissions and lower mortality rates — a win for health care systems, families and communities.”
Saint Peter’s University Hospital also received the American Heart Association’s Target: StrokeSM Honor Roll award. To qualify for this recognition, hospitals must meet specific criteria that reduce the time between an eligible patient’s arrival at the hospital and treatment with thrombolytic therapy. In addition, the hospital received the American Heart Association’s Target: Type 2 Diabetes™ Honor Roll award. Target: Type 2 Diabetes aims to ensure patients with Type 2 diabetes, who might be at higher risk for complications, receive the most up-to-date, evidence-based care when hospitalized due to stroke.
“Just 30 minutes of exercise each day helps control weight, blood sugar and blood pressure, which all help to lower the risk of stroke and diabetes. Try three 10-minute walks to get started,” said Janine Brys, MSN RN CEN, nurse manager of the Robert and Joan Campbell Adult Emergency Department at Saint Peter’s University Hospital.
Saint Peter’s University Hospital also meets specific scientific guidelines as a Primary Stroke Center, featuring a comprehensive system for rapid diagnosis and treatment of stroke patients admitted to the emergency department.
To learn more about Saint Peter’s stroke program, visit saintpetershcs. com/stroke.
Saint Peter’s also offers nutrition counseling and diet education. To make an appointment at Saint Peter’s Thyroid and Diabetes Center, visit saintpetershcs.com/diabetes.
Saint Peter’s Health and Wellness Center offers physical, occupational, and speech and language rehabilitation after a stroke. To make an appointment, visit saintpetershcs. com/hwc.
MORRISTOWN / NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ – October 6, 2025 – Atlantic Health and Saint Peter’s Healthcare System today announced that after lengthy discussion and careful analysis of the rapidly evolving health care landscape nationally and its impact on hospitals and health systems across the country, the two New Jersey based healthcare providers have mutually agreed not to pursue their planned member substitution transaction.
“While disappointing, unfortunately we have determined that this is the most appropriate path forward,” said Saad Ehtisham, President and CEO, Atlantic Health. “Despite this, our two organizations have enjoyed a shared history of collaboration on behalf of our patients that I hope will continue to guide our work in the future.”
“Although we have agreed to mutually terminate the pending transaction, we are disappointed by this result,” said Leslie D. Hirsch, President and CEO of Saint Peter’s Healthcare System. “Saint Peter’s has proudly fulfilled its Catholic mission for over 118 years in the communities it serves. Saint Peter’s takes great pride in the fact that it is well-positioned for continued success, as it now rethinks its future.”
While the decision ends this transaction, both systems remain committed to their respective missions and will continue to improve care for their communities through partnerships such as the Healthcare Transformation Consortium and potentially other efforts to ensure the residents of central New Jersey have access to the highest quality care.
Children’s Hospital at Saint Peter’s University Hospital will soon be greeted by familiar and friendly faces – Snoopy and friends – thanks to a new mural that was painted on Oct. 2 in the hospital’s pediatric playroom. The mural is a permanent gift to The Children’s Hospital at Saint Peter’s as part of a joint effort between Peanuts Worldwide, Saint Peter’s, and the Foundation for Hospital Art (FHA).
With enthusiasm and paintbrushes in hand, pediatric patients and staff collaborated on bringing to life the paint-bynumbers-style, 56”x49” six-panel mural, which celebrates Peanuts’ 75th Anniversary year. The comic strip debuted on October 2, 1950. The mural features a brightly colored image of the Peanuts ensemble including Charlie Brown, Snoopy and Woodstock, Linus, Lucy, Franklin, and Sally, all dancing happily.
“We are thrilled and moved to see Charles Schulz’s iconic characters share their irrepressible joy with the patients at The Children’s Hospital at Saint Peter’s University Hospital,” said Melissa Menta,
senior vice president, Global Brand and Communications, Peanuts Worldwide. “At a time when we all need hope and humor, we believe he would be thrilled to know that his work is bringing both to adults and children across the globe.”
According to the National Institutes of Health, creative expression can play a role in recovery and provide a means of personal empowerment.
“The team at Saint Peter’s is excited to offer this one-of-a-kind group art initiative,” said Kristal Neal, child life coordinator at The Children’s Hospital. “Snoopy represents the best of all of us – imagination, confidence, resilience, and of course, enormous good humor. These types of artistic projects offer numerous benefits to a patient’s well-being including the reduction of stress and anxiety often associated with being in a hospital setting and away from one’s home.”
Saint Peter’s Child Life Program uses play and specialized therapies to support young patients, offering engaging activities in both group and bedside
By Greg Johnson, Correspondent
Sophia Padin lives by a mantra that you should do something because you love it – not just because you’re good at it.
The Mountainside native fostered a love for volleyball during the COVID-19 pandemic. Up until that point she mostly played basketball, but a non-contact sport became more feasible with all the restrictions on society.
“I think it was a blessing that I got into volleyball,” Padin said. “I just love the sport, and I love all the people that I’ve met on the way of playing the sport.”
Her passion has run so deeply from her introduction to volleyball in fourth grade to now being as a junior at Mount Saint Mary Academy, Watchung, that Padin has become one of the top setters in New Jersey.
With a few weeks left in this season and next season of her high school career, Padin has already become the school’s all-time leader in assists with more than 1,400.
Volleyball is a sport where players typically don’t have a set position at a young age. Padin started as a libero [defensive specialist] and then switched to an outside hitter. She turned into a setter when she was 14 and has grown at that spot ever since.
“I like being a setter because really, you’re kind of the quarterback of the team,” Padin said. “You move the ball around everywhere. It’s a really important position because you’re supposed to make the hitter look good. The hitter’s supposed to make you look good. You have to run the tempo of the plays. It’s just very important.”
Padin enjoys communicating with her teammates and setting them up for kill shots. She also serves the ball and occasionally scores as well via service points and kill shots.
Darek Libucha, who has coached volleyball at Mount Saint Mary for 15 years, says Padin is the best setter he has ever had and is a leader on and off the court.
“Once in your life you can get a player like her,” Libucha said. “She was born with those setting skills, because when I saw her for the first time, her hands, the setting was really, really good. She came from Holy Trinity Middle School, so she played over there. And her freshman year with us, when I saw her, I knew she was gonna be great.”
Libucha knows a good setter when he sees one because he played the position in Poland before coming to the United States. Currently he works with Padin on back setting (when setters hit the ball behind their head) and has seen her grow during every practice.
“In my opinion, she’s a D1 college
player,” Libucha said.
In addition to playing close to 30 matches in a high school season and practicing with the team on other days during the fall, Padin trains with a private coach every week for about three hours in a given day.
She also plays club volleyball, starting at age 11 with CJVA and now with the Princeton Volleyball Club.
“I’ve been working a lot in the gym with just playing volleyball and getting the reps in and working on my setting and the technique and running tempos and just getting a good connection with my hitters to make sure I’m setting them up in the best position for them to make plays,” Padin said. “Another big thing is conditioning, strength. A big part of it is injury prevention, just making sure that I’m working on strengthening my ankles and every part of my body so that I’m not injuring myself or others on the court.”
To that end, Padin credits the training staff at Mount Saint Mary with doing a good job of taking care of the players, whether it be wrapping ankles or taping fingers before matches.
Collectively, the Lions are producing one of the best stretches in school history. They finished with a 23-6 record last season and were 10-3 this season as of Oct. 10 after moving up to the Skyland Conference’s more challenging Delaware Division.
Libucha said he believes this team is capable of making the Somerset County championship and having big runs in the prep school tournament as well as the Non-Public A Tournament.
“I know that my freshman year, we had a lot of good incoming freshmen, and we have a lot of good underclassmen right now on our team,” Padin said. “I feel like our program is only going to get better and better and more competitive.”
Padin has been at the forefront of that movement, but she is quick to credit her support system: her “amazing” coaches who train her, her family members who drive her long distances to practices in Princeton, and God, to whom she prays before every match.
She plans on playing college volleyball but doesn’t expect to make a decision on which school until her senior year because she’s contemplating the best path for her academics as well.
In the meantime, she wants to keep working hard and be a shining light for New Jersey volleyball.
“It does feel really exciting to be where I am right now, especially working for it every single year,” Padin said. “Coming from a state that’s not the strongest in volleyball, it’s really important to just keep working at it so we keep building the sport.”
By Greg Johnson, Correspondent
Boys soccer had long been a sport that simply existed at Edison’s St. Thomas Aquinas High School. Losing was the norm as the program cycled through numerous coaches. There wasn’t enough talent or chemistry for the kids to taste success and understand what it means to truly play organized soccer.
That all changed last year when Jason Chung came into the picture.
As someone who had played soccer at Rutgers-Newark and coached kids at the youth level through college, Chung was the perfect hire to lead St. Thomas Aquinas into a prosperous new era.
“My first few summer practices, I could tell a lot of the kids were athletes, for sure, but had never been coached to play as a team, or just simple soccer stuff,” said Chung, who also coaches club soccer at Ironbound and FC Neshanic. “They basically were just put on the field and told, ‘OK, go play this game’ … and figuring out which players fit into the mold and where, positions-wise, that was definitely a big part of it.”
What made Chung a natural fit was that he already knew four players on the team from club soccer, and he was fa-
miliar with the school since he attended nearby Martin Luther King Elementary School and John Adams Middle School in Edison.
One player who didn’t know Chung when he started coaching St. Thomas Aquinas last fall was Luca Malovini, but Malovini made a major impact as a freshman with the second-most points (26) on the team.
“I’ve definitely learned a lot from him,” said Malovini, a South River native who plays club soccer at Cedar Stars Academy and aspires to play Division I college soccer. “He’s a very smart coach, and he knows what to do during a match.”
The sophomore is now one of the top forwards in the Greater Middlesex Conference and led the Trojans to a 9-3-1 start this season with eight goals and three assists.
“Even for as young as he is, he’s a leader on the field and the kids respect him,” Chung said. “More than anything else, he’s a good kid. He’s a really good kid.”
Other team standouts include center backs Bryan Leao and Mateus Miranda, who are senior captains. Midfielders Snyder Reyes and Ian Asinger are also captains and “without a doubt the beating heart of the team,” Chung said.
Meanwhile, Elias Araujo is a top scoring threat alongside Malovini, and
Above, Head coach Jason Chung instructs St. Thomas Aquinas during a game.
juniors Domenic Grande and Hector Fuentes have both played well while splitting time at goalie.
St. Thomas Aquinas has already won more games since last fall (20 and counting) than it did in the previous eight seasons combined (15), which included three straight winless seasons from 2020 to 2022. And it has already won its division two years in a row.
“It feels great,” Malovini said. “We definitely built a great team with all the talent we have, but we also built a good chemistry, at the same time, which definitely helped us win the games against these good teams and win the division each year.”
Offensively, the Trojans like to utilize counter attacks, control possession and build plays through the back line. Defensively, Chung demands that his back line stays vocal, organized and not miss opportunities for headers.
The challenge at the high school level, especially for shorter players like the 5-foot7 Malovini, is learning how to navigate bigger and older center backs. Outmuscling opponents isn’t an option, so Malovini prides himself on his IQ and speed. He is also an excellent shooter who can rip the ball into the top corners of the net from virtually anywhere with his right foot.
“I definitely know the game pretty well, (more) than most of the other opponents, and also my technical ability,” Malovini said. “I’m very skillful, and after I get out of my feet and get past the defender, I can just shoot, and hopefully it’s in the back of the net.”
A typical practice under Chung runs for an hour and a half. The Trojans emphasize ball work, fitness and simulating upcoming opponents with specific drills.
For example, if St. Thomas Aquinas is about to face a team with bigger players, Chung will literally line up against his own players in practice. Or for more technical opponents, the team will run rondos, which are essentially keep-away drills with quick passing and receiving.
The Trojans aspire to win the GMC Tournament in late October after advancing past the group stage to the final eight. They also want to advance further in the state tournament after making it to the Non-Public A South quarterfinals last year. That marked the program’s first state tournament win in nine years.
“That’s definitely the goal,” Chung said. “I think as much as the kids loved obviously winning the division back-toback years, they want something bigger this year.”
AI’m very sorry you went through such a painful experience. But with respect to your specific question, I think you may be misunderstanding the basic principles of the Church’s marriage nullity process.
First of all, the goal of the Church’s nullity process is to determine whether there was some problem or issue at the time of the wedding which was serious enough and of such a nature so as to prevent a true marriage from ever being contracted in the first place.
This is in line with Jesus’ teachings in the Gospel of Matthew on the absolute permanence of marriage, “unless the marriage is unlawful” (Mt 19:9). The Church seeks to discern whether there was some invalidating “unlawful” element present.
Some of these potential causes of marital nullity are truly nobody’s fault. For example, severe psychological disturbances or mental illness can leave a person incapable of the free consent
Qneeded to enter a binding marital union. But such issues are medical concerns, and almost by definition are not the result of any deliberate ill will on the part of the afflicted spouse.
There are other grounds for nullity that are due to one or both parties’ bad intentions. As one example, Canon 1098 of the Code of Canon Law tells us that:
“A person contracts invalidly who enters marriage inveigled by deceit, perpetrated in order to secure consent, concerning some quality of the other party, which of its very nature can seriously disrupt the partnership of conjugal life.”
Obviously, this level of fraud is a very serious sin on the part of the deceiving spouse. No one would doubt that someone who committed this sin is morally in the wrong and should make a good confession.
Yet perhaps counterintuitively, this moral dimension is not an area that the Church’s nullity process is meant to ad-
My husband and I got a divorce because my husband had an affair. Why doesn’t the Church agree with me that it was his fault and grant my annulment? Why is my Church siding with him? (New York)
dress – even while condemning sin in general and admonishing the specific sins that lead to a failed or invalid marriage are part of the Church’s overall pastoral mission in the big picture. Judges in marriage tribunals are not there to judge the souls of the parties in nullity cases, nor are they interested in assigning personal blame to either party. Rather, a marriage tribunal is only concerned with determining whether an alleged ground for nullity can be proven in a particular case.
Another counterintuitive piece of information about the marriage nullity process is that adultery in and of itself is not a ground for nullity. There is one ground called “partial simulation against the good of fidelity” (see Canon 1101, 2) where one party essentially never intended to be faithful and entered the union with the thought that they would always keep the door open to extramarital affairs.
But committing adultery because this was something that was always en-
ANNOUNCING AN UPCOMING RETROUVAILLE WEEKEND FOR COUPLES
JANUARY 30 –FEBRUARY 1, 2026
Is your marriage going down the right road . . . or is it a little off track? Life can be difficult, and so can the challenges you face in marriage. Does the distance between you seem wide? Are you already separated? Looking for a better way? Retrouvaille can help and offers hope for a better relationship Retrouvaille is a peer ministry of volunteer couples that can help you learn the tools of healthy communication, build intimacy and heal, just as they have done in their own marriages. Retrouvaille is Christianbased, and Catholic in origin, but welcomes couples of all faiths as well as non-religious couples. Retrouvaille can help get your relationship back on track.
Jenna Marie Cooper, who holds a licentiate in canon law, is a consecrated virgin and a canonist whose column appears weekly at OSV News. Send your questions to CatholicQA@osv.com.
visioned as a possibility ever since the time of the wedding is different from a scenario where a person intended to be faithful when they said “I do,” but then later succumbed to temptation many years into the marriage.
Since I don’t know the details, I can’t comment on your particular case. But assuming that you petitioned for a declaration of nullity on the ground of “partial simulation against the good of fidelity,” and further assuming you received a negative decision from the tribunal where a declaration of nullity was not granted, my best guess is that the tribunal could not find sufficient proof that your husband always reserved to himself the right to have adulterous relationships from the very beginning.
But while I’m sure this decision is disappointing for you, it does not mean that the Church is siding with your husband, and even less that the Church approves of his behavior.
All Hallows’ Eve by Anthony DeStefano
$14.99
Available on October 14, 2025, From Sophia Institute Press
There is something more enthralling than the usual tales of vampires, monsters, and ghouls. In All Hallows’ Eve, bestselling author Anthony DeStefano takes young readers on a lighthearted but spine-tingling journey that unveils the true spiritual meaning of Halloween.
Join a group of friends as they encounter Hulga May, a mysterious woman who sweeps and prays in a dark cemetery every Halloween night. As Hulga shares her haunting tale, children and adults alike will learn about the profound significance of prayer, penance, and the souls in Purgatory. This finely crafted story blends eerie suspense with heartfelt lessons, making it ideal for young readers in search of both thrills and wisdom.
For too long, Christians have allowed the secular culture to dominate what is essentially a deeply religious holiday. With this story, DeStefano reclaims Halloween by placing its emphasis not on evil spirits, monsters, and pagan and occult practices but where it belongs—on the countless souls who have died in God’s grace and long for deliverance into the Heavenly realms.
• It’s Educational and Engaging: All Hallows’ Eve introduces children to life-changing Catholic teachings in an accessible and memorable way. Unlike typical Halloween stories, this book focuses on the true meaning of the holiday, rooted in the traditions of All Hallows’ Eve, All Saints’ Day, and All Souls’ Day.
• With Important Values and Lessons: The book encourages children to reflect on the power of prayer, the reality and purpose of Purgatory, and the interconnectedness of all souls through the Communion of Saints.
• A Moving Story of Redemption: All Hallows’ Eve follows the transformation of a selfish girl into a selfless soul, illustrating God’s infinite mercy and the hope of conversion.
• With a Unique Twist: A true thriller, the book has an impactful surprise ending that will captivate readers and make it a holiday classic!
“DeStefano’s thoughtful yet charming book … engages children in the mysteries of the faith with a method that has already proven itself through the successes of J. R. R. Tolkien and C. S. Lewis—storytelling … I hope his contribution will aid in sowing the seeds of faith for future generations.”
Bishop John O. Barres, S.T.D., J.C.L., D.D., Diocese of Rockville Centre
“Halloween has been hijacked by secular culture … but we should not give up on its strong Catholic roots. DeStefano’s exciting story teaches kids about faith, prayer, penance, Purgatory, and the Communion of Saints. A great gift for all the children in your life.”
Bishop Joseph L. Coffey, Archdiocese for the Military Services, USA
“I found this little book touching and inspiring. Reclaiming the grace of this beautiful season is important for children and for us all.”
Msgr. Stephen J. Rossetti, Educator, Psychologist, Exorcist, Author, Diary of An American Exorcist
join this Business Directory, email mgregory@diometuchen.org
“What a beautiful way to introduce kids to the afterlife … In a fun story, readers gain a deep understanding of the bond between generations … I wish I’d read this to my children—I’ll be sure to read it to my grandchildren!”
Mike Aquilina, Author, TV host, co-founder of St. Paul Center for Biblical Theology
“Too many Catholics have joined the war on Halloween, forgetting its thoroughly Catholic roots … All Hallows’ Eve is a noble attempt to reclaim this celebration. Parents, teachers, and Catholic school librarians will find a valuable resource here.”
Rev. Peter M. J. Stravinskas, PH.D., S.T.D., Editor, The Catholic Response, The Catholic Educator, President, Catholic Education Foundation
“Anthony DeStefano’s All Hallows’ Eve is a timely reminder of what … Halloween is really all about: praying for the souls in Purgatory … Easy to understand and enjoy, it packs a powerful message, perfect for kids!”
Timothy Michael Cardinal Dolan, Archbishop of New York
Directed by Sean McNamara (‘Soul Surfer,” “Reagan”), written by Gregory Poirier and based on O’Leary’s bestselling memoir, “On Fire,” this film is an emotional and faith-filled portrait of resilience as O'Leary not only battles to survive but ultimately discovers what it means to truly live. From frontline workers to family members, and the support of the wider community, this film is a celebration of heroes.
By John Mulderig OSV News
NEW YORK (OSV News) – The touching though flawed fact-based drama "Soul on Fire" (Sony) recounts events in the life of author and inspirational speaker John O'Leary. As played by Joel Courtney, he makes a thoroughly sympathetic protagonist.
Gregory Poirier's faith-tinged script, moreover, has a goodhearted tone and contains almost no problematic content. Yet the story it tells is, by its very nature, too grim for little kids.
As a nine-year-old (James McCracken), John caused an explosion and fire by playing with matches and gasoline that not only destroyed his family's home but left him hovering near death. Burned over 100% of his body, he was initially given little chance of survival by the doctors treating him.
Yet, with the encouragement of his loving parents, dad Denny (John Corbett) and mom Susan (Stephanie Szostak), a caring male nurse named Roy (DeVon Franklin), and Hall-of-Fame St. Louis Cardinals broadcaster Jack Buck (William H. Macy), John gradually healed and emerged from the hospital after a five-month stay. Still, a difficult readjustment to life lay ahead.
Flash forward to his college years and O'Leary is a hard-drinking, party-loving fraternity brother. His free-
wheeling escapist lifestyle eventually gets reigned in, however, after he falls for fellow student and aspiring occupational therapist Beth (Masey McLain).
John initially hesitates to woo Beth, imagining that his scarred body and fingerless hands will prove an insurmountable barrier to romance. But Beth's compassionate influence on his life will ultimately contribute to his ability to spread his message of hope and resilience.
Although marred by some forced humor and awkward interactions, considered overall, director Sean McNamara's screen version of O'Leary's 2016 memoir "On Fire: The 7 Choices to Ignite a Radically Inspired Life," makes for uplifting viewing. This is especially true of avid baseball fan John's relationship with Jack. The latter is shown to be as clever as he is generous.
While the presentation of John's wounds and pain-wracked recovery is restrained, it would nonetheless be too upsetting for youngsters. Teens and their elders, on the other hand, will appreciate the light that awaits at the end of the dark tunnel John was forced to traverse.
The film contains frightening events, gruesome sights and at least one crude term. The OSV News classification is A-II – adults and adolescents. The Motion Picture Association rating is PG – parental guidance suggested. Some material may not be suitable for children.
“Soul on Fire is one of those rare films that transforms hearts. John O’Leary’s story proves that when the world says, “impossible,” God says, “watch Me work.” When nineyear-old John suffered burns over 100% of his body, his journey from victim to victor became a masterclass in faith under fire.
“This film captures the everyday miracles that surround us—the nurses, family members, and community who become the hands and feet of Jesus. Whatever fire you’re walking through right now, Soul on Fire will reignite your faith and remind you that God specializes in turning ashes into beauty."
Pastor Jimmy Evans, Founder, Tipping Point Ministries
“Soul on Fire is more than a movie—it’s a movement. John O’Leary’s story is a blazing testament to the power of faith, resilience, and God’s redeeming love.”
Paul M. Neuberger, C-Suite for Christ
“This film is an amazing encouragement for anyone dealing with adversity.”
Dr. April Jones, CEO, Storehouse Wellness
Additional resources at https://soulonfiremovie.com/resources include a 5-day faith devotional plan, a student discussion guide, and a faith-led business leaders discussion guide.
Formation Event - Forming “Out of Sequence” Children and Teens, 9 a.m.-3 p.m., Our Lady of Lourdes, Whitehouse Station. Sponsored by the Office of Discipleship Formation for Children and the Office of OCIA (Order of Christian Initiation for Adults). The event is designed to help aid those who minister to children who are out of the ‘normal’ grades 1-8 formation programs in the Diocese of Metuchen. This includes PCLs, catechists, OCIA directors, and OCIA catechists. Speaker will be Dr. Bill Keimig, director of the Catechetical Institute (CI) at Franciscan University of Steubenville, Ohio, who has extensive experience in catechetics and OCIA. For questions contact Jill Kerekes at 732-529-7930 or jkerekes@diometuchen.org. For questions about OCIA email rcia@diometuchen.org.
Anchored in Hope, Radiant with Joy; a day of spiritual reflection, Our Lady of Lourdes Parish Hall, 233 N. Main St., Milltown, 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. The day will include Mass, Eucharistic Adoration, Reconciliation, the Rosary and two talks by Father Steven Bolton, parochial vicar of Holy Trinity Parish, Bridgewater, and vice-rector of the Shrine of the Blessed Sacrament in Raritan. Refreshments will be served. Please RSVP to 732-261-0604 with your name and telephone #.
Annual Mass to honor Fray Martin of Porres, 6:15 p.m., Our Lady of Fatima Parish, 380 Smith St., Perth Amboy. Sponsored by the Peruvian Community of Fatima Parish Chapter. Claretian Father Gilles Njoba will serve as celebrant. For more information call 732-442-6634.
Court Regina Coeli #940 Catholic Daughters of America is holding its next meeting to discuss and share ways to give back to the community. New members encouraged and welcomed! St. John the Evangelist Parish, Dunellen, 7 p.m. Members have been working on Linus blankets and the Box of Joy for the upcoming holiday season. Fellowship, small apps and desserts are part of an enjoyable and fruitful evening. For more information, contact Maribel Popadick at maribel20@msn.com.
Adoration at Pastoral Center – The faithful are invited to Eucharistic Adoration at the St. John Neumann Pastoral Center, Monday through Friday, from 9 -11:45 a.m. As Pope St. John Paul II noted. “The Church and the world have a great need of Eucharistic adoration.” Anyone interested in signing up should contact Angela Marshall at amarshall@diometuchen.org.
Perpetual Adoration - Shrine Chapel of the Blessed Sacrament The Shrine Chapel of the Blessed Sacrament, Raritan, is looking for adorers to sit with the Blessed Sacrament Monday through Friday from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament is also being offered the first Saturday of each month (Night Vigil) from 8:00 p.m. to 8:00 a.m. Anyone interested in signing up should visit https://blessedsacramentshrine.com.
Willing to buy your home or townhouse in as-is condition. Quick 30 day cash closing. I’m a Licensed realtor in the State of NJ. Eugene “George” Pantozzi 908-392-2677 (call or text) georgepantozzi@hotmail.com
The Diocese of Metuchen is seeking a freelance photographer to cover important events throughout the Diocese, particularly the Bishop’s pastoral visits. The ideal candidate will have knowledge of how to appropriately photograph liturgical events in the Diocese and assist the Office of Communications and Public Relations, as well as The Catholic Spirit. Interested candidates should contact Adam Carlisle at acarlisle@diometuchen.org.
settings. A dedicated music therapist provides music to comfort, soothe, and reduce pain, even teaching long-term patients the art of songwriting and music-making. The program also includes visits from specially trained therapy dogs, giving children and teens a chance to relax and enjoy some friendly, comforting company. These creative therapies make a big difference in brightening patients’ days and helping families feel more at ease during their stay.
The mural at Saint Peter’s is one of hundreds being placed in hospitals on all seven continents as part of the multi-year “Take Care With Peanuts” Hospital Mural Program. Launched in 2020, the Take Care initiative of global caring, whose themes come directly from Schulz’s strips, encourages everyone to “Take
continued from page 40
Care of Yourself,” “Take Care of Each Other,” and “Take Care of the Earth.”
The first hospital mural campaign, also in 2020, was such a success that it continues as a “memorable moment” for the brand. Throughout the year, Peanuts has celebrated with Memorable Moments around the globe, of which the Hospital Mural Program is a cornerstone.
“Our nonprofit is dedicated to making hospital visits a friendlier, more hopefilled experience for patients through the power of art – and who can do that more effectively than Peanuts?” said Scott Feight, executive director, Foundation for Hospital Art. “Charles Schulz created indelible characters who bring joy to all who see them, which is why Peanuts is such a perfectly aligned partner for the Foundation for Hospital Art.”
Our Lady of Mount Virgin Church
Saturday, November 22, 2025 10 am - 3 pm
450 Drake Avenue, Middlesex, NJ 08846, 732-356-2149, ext. 1001
Wide variety of new and “gently used” merchandise for sale. Shoppers Treasure Hunt: Fill a bag from selected items for $10.
Forming “Out of Sequence”
Children and Teens: -”Catch-Up Kids” - Children and Teens in OCIA
SATURDAY
NOVEMBER 15
9:00am Mass - 3:00PM
Our Lady of Lourdes 390 County Road 523 Whitehouse Station, NJ 08889
Presenter: Dr. Bill Keimig Deputy Director of the Catechetical Institute (CI) at Franciscan University of Steubenville, Ohio
W ho should attend?
PCLs, Catechists, OCIA Directors and OCIA Team Members
Cost $25 - includes Breakfast and Lunch no refunds, pre-registration only
SCAN TO REGISTER
Questions ????? Contact: Jill Kerekes jkerekes@diometuchen.org (732)-529-7930
Sponsored by: The Office of Discipleship Formation for Children and The Office of OCIA
• Outstanding academics that celebrate each student’s God-given talents
• Opportunities for every student to excel in sports, clubs and service opportunities
• Academic scholarships and need-based financial assistance
See what our high schools have to offer your family at diometuchen.org/highschools. Follow to the schools’ websites for information on admissions and scholarship testing coming soon. Registration deadlines are in early November. Join our family in the Diocese of Metuchen.
Immaculata High School – Somerville immaculatahighschool.org
St. Thomas Aquinas High School – Edison stahs.net
Mount Saint Mary Academy – Watchung mountsaintmary.org
Saint Joseph High School – Metuchen stjoes.org
Independent, non-diocesan educational institutions under the auspices and direction of a religious order
Roman Catholic Diocese of Metuchen diometuchen.org