Spirit atholic C See our Special Feature pages on our newest seminarians and new delegate for religious. Pp 4,5
THE
First Place!
Best Newspaper, Diocesan Non-Weekly
THE OFFICIAL NEWSPAPER OF THE DIOCESE OF METUCHEN
OCTOBER 29, 2026 • VOL. 31 NO. 9
New Season of Grace Just days away from his installation as the sixth bishop of the Diocese of Metuchen, Bishop Michael A. Saporito had the opportunity to gather with some 100 priests of the diocese during their annual convocation in Spring Lake. Story and photos will run in the November issue of The Catholic Spirit. See our supplement, “With Open Hearts,” welcoming Bishop Saporito, in this issue pp S1-S48. —Hal Brown photo
INSIDE Our Faith
9
Perspectives
23
Movie Review
42
Diocesan Events
43
Beatification of Fulton J. Sheen A Slice of Heaven in St. Louis
20-22
2 UP FRONT
The time has come and we are filled with joy, thanksgiving
Dear brothers and sisters, It was back in October of 2012 when Superstorm Sandy made that inconceivable left turn in the Atlantic Ocean and slammed into us on the New Jersey coast. I was pastor of St. Lawrence Parish in Laurence Harbor, right on Raritan Bay. The storm’s damage was legendary. Remember the photo of the roller coaster in Seaside Heights that collapsed into the ocean? For twelve days, my neighborhood was without electric power. Like I always heard they did, the Red Cross appeared nightly in our church parking lot and brought hot meals for anyone. Electric utility workers came in from places like Oklahoma and Michigan to repair our New Jersey power lines. Each morning as I woke up to another day without electricity I wondered, “Is
today the day?” Since last November I have served as Administrator of our Diocese of Metuchen. It has been an honor to serve. While grateful for the opportunity, every morning I found myself repeating my Superstorm Sandy question, “Is today the day?” Is today the day the phone will ring and the Apostolic Nuncio will tell me that we have a new bishop? Sure enough, the phone call came on the Saturday of Labor Day Weekend. Archbishop Caccia informed me that he had good news for the people of our diocese, in that Pope Leo had chosen Newark Auxiliary Bishop Michael A. Saporito to be the next Bishop of Metuchen. I thanked him, asked him to pass our thanks to the Holy Father, and told him we in the diocese would do everything we could to make Bishop Saporito feel welcome. I’ll admit, it doesn’t have the visual impressiveness of a Pope’s election (you know, the bells, the white smoke, and the first balcony appearance), but on September 15 in the Diocese of Metuchen, we truly had, in the words used to announce a new pope, an event of Gaudium Magnum (“great joy”) with the selection of
Bishop-Designate Saporito. A native of New Jersey, Bishop-Designate Saporito has been a priest of our neighboring Archdiocese of Newark since 1992, and a Bishop since 2020. He comes to us as someone who has served both in parishes and leadership positions on the diocesan level. The Second Vatican Council document on Bishops says, “In exercising his office of father and pastor, the bishop should be with his people as one who serves, as a good shepherd who knows his sheep and whose sheep know him, as a true father who excels in his love and solicitude for all…” In the weeks and months to come, our new bishop will make his way around the diocese so that you can get to know him (as he just as much wants to get to know all of you). With nothing but gratitude and respect to Archbishop Checchio for his years of service to our diocese, this will be an exciting time for our diocese. It also means, of course, that my time as Administrator of the diocese came to an end when Bishop Saporito took his seat in the Cathedra. Truly it has been the experience of a lifetime, which in the
45-year history of our diocese has only fallen upon one other priest. I am grateful to our diocesan staff for their work in our Vacant See, and to my brother priests for their patience of my leadership. Finally, after thirteen months of asking you to pray for our unknown next bishop, I can say let us offer a prayer of thanksgiving to the Holy Spirit for the Holy Father’s appointment of Bishop-Designate Saporito as the new Bishop of Metuchen. Ad multos annos! (To many [more] years!)
Bishop’s Appointment Bishop Michael A. Saporito has announced the following priestly appointment. • Very Rev. Jonathan S. Toborowsky is appointed Vicar General and Moderator of the Curia, effective October 22, 2026.
OCTOBER 29, 2026
THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT
Two bishops, diocesan administrator meet on the field for a high school celebration
“Above right, Diocesan Administrator Very Rev. Jonathan S. Toborowsky, center, joined by Archbishop James F. Checchio, right, and Metuchen Bishop-Designate Michael A. Saporito, left, led the students, faculty, and parents of St. Thomas Aquinas high school in the blessing of the newly refurbished John and Mildred Rasweiler Athletic Track on Friday, Oct. 13. Above, center, Bishop-Designate Saporito chats with benefactors John and Mildred Rasweiler. The dedication ceremony, held during the school’s homecoming festivities, provided an opportunity for both Bishops to spend time with members of the school community, all of whom were there to celebrate the significant milestone in the school’s history. —Heather Grande photos
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).
Catholic Spirit THE
THE OFFICIAL NEWSPAPER OF THE DIOCESE OF METUCHEN
Serving the Catholic community in Middlesex, Somerset, Hunterdon and Warren Counties The Catholic Spirit, P.O. Box 191, Metuchen, NJ 08840, Phone: (732) 529-7934, Fax: (732) 562-0969, e-Mail: news@catholicspirit.com
PUBLISHER: Bishop Michael A. Saporito ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER: Adam J. Carlisle EDITOR-IN-CHIEF: Mary Morrell, 732-529-7935 ADVISOR EMERITUS: Joanne Ward BUSINESS MANAGER: Mary Gregory, 732-529-7934 GRAPHIC DESIGNER: Peter Nguyen, 732-529-7956
The acceptance of advertising by The Catholic Spirit for print or online publication, does not constitute an endorsement of any product or service. The Catholic Spirit reserves the right to reject any advertising it considers objectionable. The Catholic Spirit is a member of the Catholic Press Association and the New Jersey Catholic Advertising Network The Catholic Spirit (U.S.P.S.#14-804) is published monthly by the Roman Catholic Church, Diocese of Metuchen, 146 Metlars Lane, Piscataway, NJ 08854. Subscription price is $30 per year. Periodicals postage paid at Bellmawr, NJ and additional mailing office. POSTMASTER: Send change of address notice to The Catholic Spirit, 146 Metlars Lane, Piscataway, NJ 08854.
3 OUR DIOCESE
Diocesan seminarian among 18 ordained to transitional diaconate at St. Peter’s Basilica
Rev. Mr. Bruce Cargill —Pontifical North American college photos By Mary Morrell, Editor-in-Chief
“He is the Vine, I the branch; I bear no fruit if I do not abide in him. He has begun the good work in me, and it is he who will bring it to fulfillment, providing I abide in Him.” Deacon Cargill also requested prayers for his brother deacons, for him, for the seminarians of the Diocese of Metuchen, and “for all those men whom God is calling to his service, that we may always abide in him and rely on him alone.” Going forward, Deacon Cargill has begun the first year of a two-year degree program called the STL (Licentiate in Sacred Theology), and will earn his STL in dogmatic theology at the Angelicum where he has studied for the past three years and where he received his Baccalaureate in Sacred Theology. “It is kind of like a master’s degree, but essentially, it is a teaching degree given by pontifical universities. I will be getting my STL in dogmatic theology at the Angelicum, which is where I had been studying for the previous three years, and where I received my STB (Baccalaureate in Sacred Theology).” He noted he will be at the PNAC this year, and “with the help of God,” come home in the summer to be ordained a priest, serve in a parish for those months, and return for one more year to finish the degree.
OCTOBER 29, 2026
“Relying on God’s help … now that more accurately describes the journey I have been on for the last five plus years,” he said. “Or, at least, I have been learning how to rely on God’s help by responding to his initiative in my life.” This reliance on God and his initiative resonates throughout the ordination liturgy, Deacon Cargill explained. “We 18 ordinands answered, ‘I do,’ to six questions posed by the bishop, capping off the last with, ‘… with the help of God.’ The bishop implores God’s help as he undertakes his office to ordain us, while the people of God ask for the intercession of the saints. As we place our hands in the bishop’s hands to promise obedience, he prays: ‘May God, who has begun the good work in you, bring it to fulfillment.’ In this light, following years of seminary formation, Deacon Cargill noted, the question of worthiness disintegrates. “The focus shifts from me to God and the work he has done and will continue to do in my life. And it is for this reason that I have confidence – not because of my own abilities or achievements, but because the One who has called me, who chose me, has appointed me to go forth and bear fruit.
THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT
Bishop Robert Barron of the Diocese of Winona-Rochester ordained 18 seminarians from the Pontifical North American college Oct. 1 at St. Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City, Oct. 1 including Bruce Cargill, a seminarian from the Diocese of Metuchen. During his insightful homily, Bishop Barron spoke about the fundamental role of deacons as authentic preachers of the Word of God, and urged new deacons to model their ministry after Blessed Fulton Sheen, noting that their mission as preachers must remain centered entirely on Christ rather than personal viewpoints. “Preaching is not sharing your opinions on culture or politics, not even offering your point of view on matters spiritual, nor is it talking about Jesus or God or the Church,” Bishop Barron said. “Authentic preaching happens when you allow Jesus to use you to speak his Word to his people. You preach when Jesus has so seized your heart, your mind, your personality that he effectively speaks through you.” Bishop Barron also reminded the candidates of the impact of their words, saying, “When Christ’s words resonate
through you to his people, things change. Hearts are set on fire.” In an interview with The Catholic Spirit, Transitional Deacon Bruce Cargill shared his thoughts about the experience, writing, “’Relying on the help of the Lord God and our Savior Jesus Christ, we choose these, our brothers, for the Order of the Diaconate.’ Hearing these words from Bishop Barron at the Altar of the Chair in St. Peter’s Basilica, referring to my brother seminarians and me, felt like a dream. Although Msgr. Powers, rector of the North American College, had just affirmed that we had been found worthy to be chosen, I did not feel worthy. “All I had been doing up until this point was following,” he reflected. “I had been called, and I responded. A light had shone in my darkness; a shout broke through my deafness. Since that moment, I have been following, imperfectly and with wobbly steps. How could I be worthy? This sentiment, he learned, is not uncommon among candidates for Holy Orders. “My seminarian brothers and I were in the same boat. Yet the words at the beginning of the Ordination rite’s statement color the rest: ‘Relying on the help of the Lord God and our Savior Jesus Christ…’
4 SPECIAL FEATURE
‘He will guide you where you need to be’ Newest diocesan seminarians reflect on vocation, formation
Whether through time as young men attending Mass, or the inspiration of clergy and religious who modeled lives dedicated to God, the four newest seminarians in formation for the Diocese of Metuchen each
have unique experiences that led them to discern their vocation to the priesthood. And while their background and perspectives might differ, the four men all share agreement on the importance of answering God’s call to discernment. “It is not common to feel this call, so
why ignore it if you think God is calling you,” said seminarian Justin Hummel, who graduated from Immaculata High School in June. He is now in his first year attending the College Seminary of the Immaculate Conception at St. Andrew’s Hall, on the campus of Seton Hall
University. “If it is God’s will, then it will happen, and if it is not, then He will guide you where you need to be.” The four seminarians, who are at various stages in their formation, recently shared reflections on their vocations and formation journeys with The Catholic Spirit.
Kyle Giuliano
Justin Hummel
Donovan Kenny
Lucas Pick
For Kyle Giuliano, a member of St. Thomas the Apostle Parish, Old Bridge, the call to the priesthood came at a young age. “I have been discerning a calling to the priesthood since I was five years old,” said Giuliano, who is in his third year attending St. Andrew’s Hall. “I have always loved attending Mass and being involved as an altar server when I was able to. I feel the altar is my home, and the place I am at peace.” The youngest of five children, Giuliano grew up active in his faith and parish community. He went on to spend two years at Mount St. Mary’s College, majoring in theology and being involved in swimming. “My parents wanted me to live a little bit before I entered the seminary and experience life on the outside first,” he said. “I enjoyed my two years there, but I’m so happy I’ve made the switch. It is where I belong.” Giuliano credits the late Msgr. Richard Behl, as well as Father Jerome Johnson, for supporting him through his faith and discernment journeys. “It’s been a beautiful discernment thus far,” he shared. “There have been some bumps in the road, but overcoming them was part of the journey and made me stronger.”
One of five children, Hummel grew up as a member of his family’s home parish of Saint John the Evangelist, Dunellen. He attended Catholic school at St. James, Basking Ridge, from Pre-K through eighth grade before continuing his faith-filled education at Immaculata. He was inspired to become an altar server by the example of his older brother, Jacob, and also noted the impact that a seventh-grade teacher – Sister Annelyth Pandi, SCC – had on supporting his discernment. “As she taught my class, I observed her love for the Eucharist and how much joy her vocation brought her, and I wanted to live like her,” he said. “And so I started discerning the priesthood.” In his own formation, Hummel said he enjoys beginning each day with Holy Hours, morning prayer and Mass. He joins his classmates in praying the Liturgy of the Hours, and recalls feeling a sense of belonging on his first day when they sung hymns during evening prayer. “I love it, I am surrounded by other seminarians who push me to become the best version of myself,” he said. “I grew up with two brothers, but now I have over 20. I am so blessed.”
Donovan Kenny is one of two new seminarians participating in a Propaedeutic Year – a dedicated, introductory 12-month period of formation and vocational discernment prior to beginning rigorous, academy theological studies. He is spending the year at the Blessed Stanley Rother House of Formation, on the campus of Mount St. Mary’s Seminary, Emmitsburg, Md. A member of Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Parish, Hackettstown, Kenny grew up in an active Catholic family. His faith development continued while attending Rowan University, Glassboro. “I was involved in the Catholic Campus Ministry, where I deepened my faith through different retreats, service opportunities, and fellowship with other Catholics,” Kenny said. “It was through this ministry that I began to feel the call to the priesthood. In particular, I was inspired by my campus chaplain, Father John Rossi, who, for me, offered a great witness to the priesthood and who encouraged me and supported me in my discernment.” While Kenny is beginning his formation, he has been struck by “the brotherhood of the seminary.” “There are men from all over the country, of all different backgrounds, but we all share this special calling to the priesthood,” he said, “and we are all trying to grow our relationship with God each day.”
Kenny is joined in Emmitsburg by fellow Diocese of Metuchen seminarian Lucas Pick, who hails from his home parish of St. Ann, Raritan. An alumnus of his parish school and St. Joseph’s High School, Metuchen, he went on to study biology at The College of New Jersey, Ewing. He credits his family with helping him to establish a firm foundation in his faith, which he has cultivated through service as a member of the Knights of Columbus and through his own service maintaining his parish garden for some 15 years – supporting a plot that provides local families in need with fresh produce. His call to the priesthood came in the summer of 2025. “The thought came to me quite unexpectedly and I felt an incredible amount of excitement and peace with the concept,” Pick said. “The more I researched the vocation, the more excited I became. God granted me many graces as I began my discernment, and it became evident to me that not only did God exist, but he loved me individually and was seeking a personal relationship with me beyond anything I could imagine.” He credits a number of clergy, and attending daily Mass at the Carmel of Mary Immaculate and St. Mary Magdalen, Flemington, with supporting his discernment. While he first arrived at the seminary in August, he has enjoyed camaraderie with his fellow seminarians, and the chance to participate in service projects as well. “I feel quite secure that this is the right place for me as I continue to consider God’s call toward the priesthood,” he said.
By David Karas, Correspondent
OCTOBER 29, 2026
THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT
Third Year College
First Year College
Propaedeutic Year
‘I want to be a light’ Kyle Giuliano encourages other men to explore their own vocation, and to consider whether they are being called to the priesthood. As his formation journey continues, he looks forward to the opportunity to become a priest. “I feel my peers have religion in their heart, but do not practice it as much as they could,” he said. “I want to bring them back to the Church and encourage them to get involved. In the world full of darkness, I want to be a light.”
Propaedeutic Year
By Christina Leslie Contributing Editor “Religious women and men bring a very important piece of Gospel living wherever they are,” said Sister of Christian Charity Bernadette McCauley, the new Metuchen Diocese Delegate for
Religious and Consecrated Life. “It is important to support, understand it and keep it alive.” Descended from Irish immigrants who settled in New York City’s South Bronx borough, Bernadette was one of six children born to Michael and Elizabeth McCauley. “The values of faith,
looking through the window. There comes a time you open the door, come inside and see for yourself – not what you perceive but actually experience. Come to the Cross,” she continued. “You live Christ’s life by your life. You are not running away from life, but running toward something different and beautiful, but not without sacrifice.” As she begins her new role as delegate for Religious and Consecrated Life, Sister Bernadette aims to introduce herself to the communities of men and women which minister in the four counties of the Metuchen Diocese, learn about their charisms and discover the myriad ways they foster a strong religious presence. She likened the different charisms of the diocese’s nearly two dozen religious communities to the brilliance of a precious jewel, saying, “We are not in competition with each other, but are different shades of same diamond. We reflect different light, depending on the sun, and are equally valued and equally important.” Sister Bernadette will work in the diocesan Pastoral Center and reside in the convent of St. Francis of Assisi Cathedral alongside the religious who teach in the school, including her younger sibling, Sister of Christian Charity Mary Elizabeth McCauley. The new delegate weighed the differences of religious and secular impact on the world. “A life of service fosters in us a desire for more generous living, and teaches us how to give of ourselves,” she stated. “Society teaches us to live for ourselves, and that we need everything for us be happy. But that happiness is short lived. In religious life, you wonder, ‘How could I be happy to live this simply, to take a vow of obedience, to take a vow of chastity?’ When you experience that joy, you think it is the best kept secret.”
SPECIAL FEATURE
Sister of Christian Charity Bernadette McCauley, Metuchen Diocese Delegate for Religious and Consecrated Life —Tiffany Workman photo
family and hard work were imbued in us early on and played a huge role in my vocation,” she recalled and credited the influence of the Sisters of Christian Charity, the Christian Brothers and the Redemptorist Fathers in her decision to enter the SCC community upon her high school graduation. “The way they cared, the way they taught, the different characteristics of the sisters was our example, and they treated each other with such respect,” she explained. “How was it possible to live in such peace and harmony, especially through the uncertainties of the 1960s and 1970s? It was no surprise that after high school graduation I entered the SCC community.” Sister Bernadette earned a liberal arts degree from the Assumption College for Sisters, Mendham, in 1978; a Bachelor of Arts degree in elementary education from Felician College, Lodi, in 1981, and a Master of Science degree in counselling education from Marywood University, Dunmore, Pa., in 1996. She is a licensed professional counsellor in Pennsylvania; on the National Board for Certified Counselors; a member of the National Religious Vocation Conference, and a member of the American Association of Christian Counselors. Over the course of her 50 years as a Sister of Christian Charity, she has exercised her ministry to children, families and young women as teacher and counsellor. Sister Bernadette served in the order’s Mendham motherhouse for 15 years as director of vocations and formation for postulants. For the past five years, she also served as ongoing formation program facilitator for women’s and men’s religious communities. Sister Bernadette likens the procedure of discerning as a visit to someone’s home. “It gives them a sense of not just
5
New Delegate for Religious ‘running toward something beautiful’
Celebrating the gift of the Rosary with a gift of a Rosary
OCTOBER 29, 2026
—Mark Lee photos
THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT
During a St. Augustine of Canterbury, Kendall Park, school Mass Oct. 7 on the Feast of the Our Lady of the Rosary, students were treated to a special lesson on the Rosary from their pastor, Father Robert Lynam. After a rousing hands-up question and answer session on the different Mysteries of the Rosary, Father Lynam, and two Maronite students, who are brothers, held up a large set of Rosary beads carved from cedar wood, a gift from St. Sharbel Maronite Catholic Church, Somerset. The Rosary beads will be draped around the recently installed statue of Saint Sharbel which was blessed by Pope Leo XIV. At the close of the lesson, an altar server placed roses at the feet of a statue of Mary, Our Lady of the Rosary, while students prayed the Hail Mary.
6 OUR DIOCESE
Annual By Christina Leslie Contributing Editor Bearing messages of mutual admiration and appreciation for their good works in the Diocese of Metuchen and beyond, scores of faithful gathered in the Grand Marquis, Old Bridge, Sept. 15 for the annual Pride in our Priests dinner sponsored by the Knights of Columbus. Active and retired priests, seminarians, deacons and religious socialized with those Knights from councils throughout the four counties of the Metuchen Diocese, including its newest shepherd, Bishop Michael A. Saporito, announced earlier that day as the sixth shepherd of the Diocese. Knights of Columbus State Treasurer Scott Williams, a member of St. Cecilia Parish, Monmouth Junction, explained the two-fold goal of the annual celebration.
PRIDE IN OUR
PRIESTS
dinner celebrates clergy, Knights
“The Pride in our Priests dinner allows not only our fellow Knights to spend time with their pastors in a social setting,” said Williams, “but also allow our pastors to meet and greet with fellow priests they don’t see very often.” “It’s an opportunity to recognize our priests,” added Bill Marzzacco, a member of Somerville Council 1432 and 16 years as a Knight of Columbus. “Some of the priests haven’t seen each other in years. It’s like a homecoming for them; look around: they are having a ball.” Father Dawid Wejnerowski, parochial vicar of Immaculate Conception Parish, Spotswood, was grateful for “the support the Knights give to us. They always work for the priest and their min-
istries,” he continued. “This is an opportunity to give them thanks as well.” State Council officers expressed the Knights’ gratitude to Bishop Emeritus Paul G. Bootkoski who had served as state chaplain to the fraternal organization for many years, and to Father Jonathan S. Toborowsky, who had filled the role of diocesan administrator for a year at the departure of now-Archbishop James F. Checchio of New Orleans. Both clergy were awarded donations for use in good works during their ministry. Following another prolonged standing ovation from his new flock, Bishop Saporito first addressed the priests present, urging their support in spreading the Good News. “I look forward to being with you and ministering among you. Before the last six years as auxiliary Bishop of New-
1
ark, I was a parish priest,” he told them. “I understand the challenges you faced and we’re going to face them together.” Admittedly unfamiliar with names and locations of its 90 parishes in his new diocesan home, Bishop Saporito promised, “I do know this: I am a people person. I’m going to be out there at those parishes, you are going to see me, and we are going to enjoy being together.” Metuchen’s newest shepherd then turned his attention to the Knights, imploring them to join him in spreading the message of Christ to their fellow parishioners. “Faith in Christ changed the whole direction of my life,” he said. “We must bring that fire, that presence to so many who still need to hear that message. Help me to do that, and this is going to be wonderful.”
2
OCTOBER 29, 2026
THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT
The Knights of Columbus of the Diocese sponsored the annual Pride in our Priests dinner Sept. 15 in the Grand Marquis, Old Bridge. The convivial evening allowed both groups of ministers to show their appreciation for the good works which benefit the Church of Metuchen. 1- Bishop Michael A. Saporito, left, is greeted by Father Joseph Desmond, 2- and Knights of Columbus officers of the N.J. State Council. 3- Reflecting the organization’s four pillars of charity, unity, fraternity and patriotism, members of the Knights’ Color Corps bear flags at the start of the dinner. 4- N.J. State Treasurer Scott Williams (center) presents Father Jonathan S. Toborowsky (left) and Bishop Saporito (right) with donations from the Knights of Columbus for their use in the Diocese. 5- Bishop Emeritus Paul G. Bootkoski is flanked by (on left) Williams and (on right) James P. Sweeney, K.O.C. State Deputy, New Jersey State Council. —Hal Brown photos
3
4
5
7
Pray for an end to “Mail Order Abortion”
October has been designated by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) as Respect Life Month. Each year, Respect Life Month is an opportunity for Catholics and all people of good will to reflect on the sanctity of human life at all stages and in all conditions, to pray for its protection and to take action where needed. This year, the USCCB Committee on Pro-Life Activities is inviting Catholics to join a focused effort of prayer and action to stop the spread of abortion pills. Many people are unaware that today most abortions are no longer done by surgery in clinics but by taking pills, known as medication abortion or chemical abortion. Over half of all abortions in the United States today are medication abortions. The abortion pill refers to a two-pill regimen, the first of which is mifepristone (also known as RU-486),
which was designed to kill preborn babies up to ten weeks gestation. At ten weeks gestation a baby is about the size of a strawberry (roughly 1.5 inches), has a fully formed beating heart and major organs are beginning to work together. The administration of mifepristone is followed by misoprostol to help remove the baby’s remains from the womb. In 2021, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) made the abortion pill more readily available by removing the in-person dispensing requirement. This means that following a telehealth appointment, a woman can order the abortion pill online and have the prescription mailed to her home or picked up at a local pharmacy without an in-person exam, ultrasound screening or follow-up exam. Medication abortion is legal in 37 states, though some states have imposed restrictions. In states where medical abortion is legal, there are often no minimum age requirements for these drugs and there have been no studies on their safety for young girls. The lack of safety requirements puts women and girls at risk. Complications include hemorrhaging, ectopic pregnancies and infection. From September 2000 through December
2022 the FDA recorded 4,218 “adverse events,” including the deaths of 32 women. This easier access to the abortion pill also increases the chances of them being used by abusive partners or sex trafficking criminals against a woman’s will. With the sharp increase in medication abortion over the past few years, a recent study was conducted to see if mifepristone could be detected in water sources. Water supplies were collected in three American cities and significant levels were found in all but one of the nine samples. Given the effects this chemical can have on aquatic and human health, including fertility, pregnancy and fetal development, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has announced an unprecedented study of American’s drinking water which will screen for a broad range of chemicals, including mifepristone and misoprostol. As Catholics, we believe that all human life is sacred. Part of our Gospel call is to speak up for our vulnerable brothers and sisters which includes both innocent preborn babies in the womb and their mothers and fathers who may be facing hardships. Sadly, abortion is not a rare occurrence, it is widespread. According
PERSPECTIVES
A woman becomes emotional as she prays with a rosary during Eucharistic adoration following the opening Mass of the National Prayer Vigil for Life Jan. 19, 2023, at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington. In a statement Sept. 29, 2026, Bishop Daniel E. Thomas of Toledo, Ohio, chairman of the U.S. bishops’ prolife committee, urged the faithful to mark Respect Life Month with prayer for an end to abortion and action to stop use of the abortion pill. —OSV News photo/Bob Roller to state records, in New Jersey alone, there are 100,000 live births each year, but a reported 61,000 abortions. That means that nearly 40% of all pregnancies in New Jersey end in abortion. As part of the USCCB Prayer and Action Campaign, Catholics are asking pharmacies to stay out of the abortion business by stopping the sale of mifepristone for abortion. So far, several grocery stores and “big box” stores with pharmacies in them, as well as many other online pharmacies, have chosen to not sell the abortion pill. Those wishing to send this message to pharmacies can do so by visiting: https://www.votervoice.net/NCHLA/Campaigns/139193/Respond During this Respect Life Month, let us pray for our nation, invoking the intercession of St. Joseph, Defender of Life, that we may end the widespread availability of the abortion pill and build a society where mothers are supported in welcoming their children. You can also share the risks of the abortion pill with your friends and family and sign up for Respect Life Prayer and Action information to help protect women and babies from these dangerous drugs at www. respectlife.org/prayer-and-action.
NJCC to voters: Ask Gov. Sherrill to opt in N.J. for students to access federal tax dollars the first and primary educators of our children, and that parents have the obligation of educating their children in the manner best suited for their development and needs. The Federal Scholarship Tax Credit will create opportunities for families to access much-needed resources to expand their options for choosing the best tools and learning environment for their children.” As indicated in the Internal Revenue Code Section 25F, taxpayers living in participating states can allocate federal tax dollars already owed – up to $1,700 per individual or $3,400 for married couples – as a nonrefundable tax credit to an approved Scholarship Granting Organization: a nonprofit organization that provides scholarships for K–12 educa-
tion-related expenses, which is certified by the state. Scholarship Granting Organizations then use those contributions to provide scholarships for tuition, books, fees, supplies, tutoring and other educational services. “You may have heard this program described as a ‘school voucher’ scheme that will hurt public education, or as a benefit for wealthy families who could already afford private school,” reads the NJCC Action Alert. “Neither is accurate, and we need your voice to help set the record straight. By federal law, scholarships are limited to students from households earning no more than 300% of their area’s median income, keeping the focus on working- and middle-class families.” Continues on page 43
OCTOBER 29, 2026
Federal tax dollars could soon be applied to education expenses for eligible New Jersey families at no cost to the state – but only if Governor Mikie Sherrill opts in by Jan. 1, 2027. The New Jersey Catholic Conference, public policy arm of the bishops of New Jersey, launched an advocacy campaign Oct. 5, featuring dedicated web pages, an Action Alert and a packet of digital and social media graphics and bulletin inserts to be shared throughout the state via Catholic schools, parishes and media outlets. The campaign urges voters to reach out to Governor Sherrill and ask her to say “yes” to New Jersey’s participation in the Federal Scholarship Tax Credit.
According to the NJCC’s website, if the Governor accepts the program for NJ, it would provide federal tax dollars to New Jersey families for educational assistance. The program would impose no cost to the state, and scholarships would benefit both students attending public and non-public schools. Each state must formally opt in to the FSTC by the new year to receive the benefits. The Diocese of Trenton’s Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M., in his role as chairman of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Committee on Catholic Education, advocated for the FSTC as “a transformative opportunity for children across the country.” In a brief message released Oct. 2, he writes, “The Catholic Church teaches that parents are
THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT
By EmmaLee Italia, Contributing Editor
8 YOUTH AND YOUNG ADULTS
‘No Half Saints’ marks first year of faith-filled conversations By James McEvoy, Correspondent
OCTOBER 29, 2026
THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT
One year and 20 episodes into its mission, the “No Half Saints” podcast has measured its success not simply in likes, clicks or views, but in its impact on the spiritual lives of its listeners. “The individual responses, relationships formed, and conversations that take place because of the episodes are most important. It’s important to see that viewers are still engaging with the newer episodes, in that way viewership is important,” said Jay Donofrio, diocesan director of Youth and Young Adult Ministry. “It is a balance between not making views and subscribers be the only measurement, while still valuing it and wanting it to increase,” Donofrio added. “Ultimately, the hearts and souls that are being impacted, even if only a few, are the biggest blessings that result from these conversations.” Launched in August 2025 as a co-production between the diocesan offices of Communications and Public
Hope Through Education assists families with educational scholarships
Relations and Youth and Young Adult Ministry, “No Half Saints” has included episodes on topics ranging from how Catholics can utilize social media to navigating faith on college campuses. That expansion has happened organically, Donofrio said, as potential guests visit the Diocese for events or other opportunities arise. While individual guests have brought subjects such as prison ministry and human trafficking awareness to the podcast, its core mission still centers on fostering listeners’ spiritual lives. “How the guest is able to articulate their specific area/expertise and how that can help with the listener’s own spiritual life, is how the mission has grown to be more open to the Holy Spirit,” he said. Reflecting on the podcast’s first year, Donofrio said he is most proud of the impact guests’ stories have had on listeners. Those guests have included former Bishop James F. Checchio, now Archbishop of New Orleans, and Dr. Stella Marie Jeffrey, strategic partnership
liaison fellow at the Catechetical Institute of Franciscan University of Steubenville. “The diversity of how the lay people, priests, religious sisters, have brought a uniqueness to each and every episode is what I appreciate,” he said. “I’m also happy with the relationships I’ve formed with the guests. After each conversation I feel like not only do I personally know them better, but I have a new friend in Christ.” As the podcast has evolved, Donofrio said he has also learned the importance of making guests comfortable enough to share their stories and expertise. “Along the way as the host of the podcast I have learned that the comfortability of the guests allows for a better conversation. The Holy Spirit does the rest,” he said. “Building rapport with my guests means a significant difference in the flow of the conversations.” Donofrio acknowledged that sustaining the podcast has not been without challenges, particularly remaining inspired while resisting the urge to measure
Hope Through Education hosted their annual HOPE Gala at Trump National Golf Club, Bedminster, New Jersey, Sept. 13. Hope Through Education is an independent 501(C)3 organization that provides economically disadvantaged children with scholarships to attend quality, values-based schools. The black-tie event was hosted by gala chair and HOPE Honorary Advisory Board Member Emma Watters, wife of Jesse Watters. Guests included Secretary Sean Duffy, Secretary of Transportation; Jeanine Pirro, United States Attorney for the District of Colombia; Martha MacCallum, FOX News Anchor, and Kellyanne Conway, FOX News Contributor. The star-studded evening included a garden cocktail reception and performances by country music singer-songwriter Jillian Cardarelli. For more information visit www.hopethrougheducationusa.org. Contact: info@hopethrougheducationusa.org. Contributed by Hope Through Education. Pictured, at right, are scholarship recipients from St. Thomas Aquinas High School, Edison; Immaculate Conception High School, Somerville; St. Augustine of Canterbury School, Kendall Park, and St. Joseph Elementary School, Carteret. —Courtesy photo
—Jay Donofrio photos
success through views and likes. “A big challenge with a lot of creative endeavors is staying inspired and motivated in order to sustain the longevity of projects,” he said. Looking ahead, Donofrio hopes to continue improving the podcast both technically and editorially. He pointed to improvements in lighting and camera angles over the past three episodes while also looking forward to exploring new topics with future guests. “Each guest has a unique, God-written story,” he said, reflecting on the advice he would give himself if he could return to the podcast’s beginning. “God called you to start having these conversations,” he said of a hypothetical conversation with himself. “Therefore, focus on the conversations and pour yourself into them fully.” So far, that appears to be a mission fulfilled. “Leave the rest to Our Lord,” he added.
OUR FAITH
“Your loving gifts of prayer, sacrifice AND financial help will especially make a difference in the lives of Catholics who continue to be horribly persecuted throughout the world.”
As “spiritual sister” to missionary priests, Thérèse corresponded with them, offering sacrifices, and adopting them in prayer. One of those missionaries traveled as far away as China (accomplishing only what Thérèse could do in her heart). Thérèse believed that prayer and hidden sacrifices were just as vital to evangelization as traveling to distant lands. She famously wrote that she wanted to be a missionary “from the beginning of creation until the end of the world, transcending the physical limits of her convent.” Pope Pius XI placed her on equal footing with St. Francis Xavier, a Jesuit who physically converted thousands in Asia, to show that active preaching and contemplative prayer share the same missionary goal. As we celebrate World Mission Sunday 2026, I ask St. Thérèse to touch A stained-glass window at St. Mary Church in Glenmore-Stark, Wis., depicts Our Lady of the Rosary, seen on the saint’s feast day, Oct. 7, 2022. —CNS photo/Sam Lucero
O F F I C E
O F
M U LT I C U LT U R A L M I N I S T R Y
THOUGH MANY
WE ARE ONE IN CHRIST D I O C E S A N M U LT I C U LT U R A L M A S S & FA I R
NOVEMBER 7, 2026 11:00 AM - 2:00 PM
St. John Neumann Pastoral Center 1 4 6 M e t l a r s L a n e , P i s c a t a w a y, N J 0 8 8 5 4
Visit www.diometuchen.org/multiculturalministry for more information.
J o i n u s f o r H o l y M a s s a t 11 : 0 0 a m , followed by a festive celebration o f t h e d i ff e r e n t e t h n i c g r o u p s i n o u r d i o c e s a n f a m i l y, sharing their food and dance.
RSVP appreciated. Register yourself or a group!
OCTOBER 29, 2026
ther in 1887, Thérèse had the privilege of being present for an audience with Pope Leo XIII. She was close enough to courageously ask the Holy Father whether he would permit her to enter the Religious Sisters of Carmel at her current age of 15. His response: “Go … go … You will enter if God wills it!” One year later she was accepted into the Carmel where she provided spiritual assistance to many missionaries by her prayers and sacrifices for them. She had hoped to one day be a missionary in China. After eight years of being at Carmel, however, she began suffering symptoms of tuberculosis, which eventually claimed her life. Like St. Mother Teresa of Calcutta, St. Thérèse, as a contemplative nun, was unable to feel our Lord’s presence or consolations. Nevertheless, she remained confident of His love, saying to Him: “You may sleep in my boat; I shall not awaken You. You are hiding Yourself, but I know well where You are hidden: You are in my heart. I do not feel it, but I know it. I believe in Your love for me and I believe in my love for You” (from “I Believe in Love: A Personal Retreat Based on the Teaching of St. Thérèse of Lisieux” by Father Jean C. J. D’Elbee).
the hearts of many in our diocese to become Religious missionaries as Priests, Brothers and Sisters. I also implore those of you who are able to make regular gifts to our missionaries and their missions by becoming donors to our special Mission Appeals at Christmas, Lent and during the Summer months. Your loving gifts of prayer, sacrifice AND financial help will especially make a difference in the lives of Catholics who continue to be horribly persecuted throughout the world. For more information on how you can become a missionary or how to support the missions, please send a note to my attention: Office of Pontifical Missions, PO Box 191, Metuchen, NJ. 08840. Father Hillier serves as diocesan director, Office of Pontifical Mission Societies, the Office for Persons with Disabilities and Censor Librorum.
THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT
I always love October, mostly because it is the month dedicated to Our Blessed Mother, Mary (with the Feast of Our Lady of the Holy Rosary on Oct. 7) which necessarily makes it Pro-Life month, as well as the Month of Missions, culminating in World Mission Sunday on the third Sunday of October. October always gives us the wonderful feasts of St. Francis of Assisi, our Holy Guardian Angels, St. Teresa of Ávila, early bishop and martyr St. Ignatius of Antioch and the Apostles Simon and Jude. At the beginning of October, we celebrate the feast of St. Thérèse of Lisieux (also known as St. Thérèse of the Child Jesus). She is a Doctor of the Church, sharing the designation with only four other women in Church history: St. Hildegard of Bingen, St. Catherine of Siena, and St. Teresa of Avila. As Director of the Pontifical Office of Missions in the Diocese of Metuchen, I have often asked: “Why was St. Thérèse, a contemplative, cloistered nun, named by Pope Pius XI in 1927 as the universal patron saint of missions?” Pope Pius XI would first point to St. Thérèse’s deep spiritual dedication and prayers for missionaries worldwide, despite living her entire religious life as a cloistered nun who never traveled. St. Thérèse of Lisieux (1873-1897) was only 24 years old when she died from tuberculosis. She was one of five siblings/ sisters who became religious sisters and she is the daughter of parents who were both later canonized by the Church. Her dad is St. Louis Martin (August 22, 1823 – July 29, 1894) and her mom is St. Azélie-Marie “Zélie” Guérin Martin (December 23, 1831 – August 28, 1877). Canonized together in 2015, Louis and Zélie are Saints because they model what Christian marriage ought to be, demonstrating a depth of holiness and faith that all married couples are meant to live. The key to the marriage of Louis (a watchmaker) and Zélie (a lace maker) was centered on the motto,”God must be served first.” Prayer, fasting, and charity were paramount for this Catholic couple. Louis and Zélie Martin show how the home and the family are the place where we grow in holiness. The couple had nine children, losing four children in infancy, and Zélie dying of breast cancer when Thérèse was only four years old. Through all their suffering, they never stopped trusting in God. In fact, they created an atmosphere of faith, hope and love, nurturing vocations to religious life for their other five children. During a trip to Rome with her fa-
9
October: A special time for prayer, devotion and a missionary spirit
Main speakers for the annual John Main Seminar, held Sept 17-20, at American University, Washington, D.C., included, from left, contemplative pastor Tia Norman, Episcopal Bishop Mariann Budde, Special Olympics International Chairman Tim Shriver and Benedictine Father Laurence Freeman. —Msgr. Joseph Kerri-
PERSPECTIVES
10
Confronting contempt and conflict contemplatively
gan photo.
For two words that begin with the same seven letters, there’s quite a divergence in meaning evoked by “contempt” and “contemplation.” However, in his keynote address as well as his facilitation of a recent international meditation conference that I attended, Tim Shriver, chairman of Special Olympics International, brought the two together into a head-on collision. “Healing the Breach: Finding Faith, Meaning and Dignity in a Season of Contempt” was the theme of the annual John Main Seminar, held Sept. 17-20 on the campus of American University in Washington, DC. John Main, OSB (1926-1982) was a Benedictine monk who popularized a mantra-based form of prayer called Christian Meditation. After his death, his work was institutionalized through the founding of the World Community of Christian Meditation (WCCM), created by his successor, Benedictine Father Laurence Freeman. (More than forty years ago, even though I didn’t realize it at the time, the first silent retreat I ever participated in was a Christian Meditation retreat led by Father Freeman. At this year’s 43rd annual John Main Seminar, I finally got to meet Fr. Freeman for the first time since!) The 14th-century mystic Meister Eckhart once noted, “What we plant in
“What we plant in the soil of contemplation we shall reap in the harvest of action.” the soil of contemplation we shall reap in the harvest of action.” And in his presentations, Shriver took aim at the action world of relationships, especially those fueled by contempt, division and conflict. He noted that approximately 100 million people in the United States have lost a relationship with someone in their family through conflict. Shriver quoted the psychologist John Gottman, who said, “Contempt is poisonous to a relationship ... it makes it virtually impossible to solve a problem.” Shriver has developed what he calls a “Dignity Index,” a contemplative tool that calls us to accept our divine goodness, safeguard the presence of God and then practice this in moments of interpersonal conflict. When we act from a place of grounded wholeness, Shriver then invites us to see from our hearts, to “behold” the other, and to see dignity instead of contempt in that other. At the lowest and less-admirable end of Shriver’s eight-point index, contempt reigns supreme. Shriver captures this with an example of someone’s think-
ing at that level: “They’re not even human. It’s our moral duty to destroy them before they destroy us.” As one moves up the index, that thinking shifts. For example, point five is described as, “The other side has a right to be here and a right to be heard. They belong here too.” And at the peak of the index, things have come full circle and dignity is front and center, as expressed by Shriver: “Each of us is born with inherent worth, so we treat everyone with dignity – no matter what.” Shriver cited several prominent examples of how dignity is still possible to maintain amidst even horrid contempt: the Holocaust victim Etty Hillesum, theologian Howard Thurman and Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Shriver was joined at the seminar’s dais by Father Freeman, Episcopal Bishop Mariann Budde of the Diocese of Washington, contemplative pastor Tia Norman, and, via ZOOM, the financier Ray Dalio, each of whom, from their own unique perspectives, echoed Shriver’s insights. Integral to the structure of the semi-
~ Me iste r E c k hart
nar was the prayer time. There were two 25-minute meditation sessions each day, as well as lengthy and reflective morning, midday and evening prayer services. Some participants rightly described the seminar as a retreat. No matter what the label, the gathering’s prayerful ambiance gave the teaching and presentations a more contemplative boost. One of the best takeaways from the seminar was voiced by one of my tablemates, who said, “This weekend made me want to be more curious, and less furious, about people I clash with or don’t see eye-to-eye with.” If more people felt and acted this way, we really would be “healing the breach!” Msgr. Kerrigan is pastor of St. Joseph Church, Bound Brook, and an instructor in the Institute of Contemplative Leadership at Mepkin Abbey, SC.
OCTOBER 29, 2026
THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT
Reflections sought from adorers at Diocese’s Traveling Eucharistic Rosary Congress For the second year in a row, the Diocese of Metuchen hosted a Traveling Eucharistic Rosary Congress (https:// rosarycongressusa.org/). This year’s Congress was held Oct. 3-9. A Eucharistic Rosary Congress is seven days and nights of continuous Eucharistic Adoration in which the Holy Rosary is prayed aloud at the top of every hour, day and night, without interruption. Hosted in a parish or diocese, it is a sustained act of communal prayer before Our Lord in the Blessed Sacrament, offered for the conversion of sinners, the consecration of our nation, and the triumph of the Immaculate Heart of Mary. A Traveling Eucharistic Rosary Congress moves through up to seven parishes across a diocese, uniting multiple communities in a shared week of prayer, Eucharistic Adoration, and the
Rosary. Thirteen parishes/shrines from five different deaneries in the Diocese of Metuchen – five more than last year – participated in this year’s Congress. If you participated in this year’s Congress, The Catholic Spirit invites you to submit your reflection (three to five sentences), as well as a photo or two, for inclusion in the November/December issues. Please submit your reflections to Mary Morrell at mmorrell@diometuchen.org. We look forward to hearing from you! Submitted by Adam Carlisle, Secretary of the Secretariat of Evangelization and Communication. Pope Leo XIV leads Eucharistic adoration during a prayer vigil at the Plaza de Lima in Madrid June 6, 2026.
—CNS photo/Lola Gomez
11 OUR DIOCESE
600 roses blessed and distributed in honor of St. Thérèse of Lisieux By Jame McEvoy, Correspondent
The Carmelite Monastery, Flemington was redolent with the scent of nearly 600 flowers Oct. 1 as it celebrated the feast day of its patron, St. Thérèse of Lisieux. Presiding over the Mass was Bishop Manuel A, Cruz, D.D, Auxiliary of the Archdiocese of Newark, and highlighted with the distribution of the roses, flowers and musical performances by the Discalced Carmelite nuns who lived there.
—Mark Lee photos
parents Louis and Zelie,” he added. Her parents were canonized by Pope Francis in 2015. Father Miara concluded by encouraging the faithful to seek St. Thérèse’s intercession in deepening their devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary. “May we ask the Little Flower of Jesus to obtain for each one of us a constant and tender devotion to this most
OCTOBER 29, 2026
“St. Thérèse is best known as the Doctor of the Little Way and Spiritual Childhood but can also be counted among the great Marian saints of the Church,” Father Miara said, noting how she extolled the Blessed Mother in her own autobiography. “From her youngest years, devotion to the Queen of Heaven was cultivated in the heart of Thérèse Martin by her saintly
excellent of mothers,” he said. Sister Gabriela noted the roses were donated by Jim Besch, whose late mother, Jacqueline, was a longtime friend of the Carmelites. “She suggested years ago that Jim, who was a rose grower at the time, donate the roses for St. Thérèse,” she said. “Jim has continued to do this every year for a number of years.” Jacqueline, who died in 2014, had a longstanding devotion to St. Thérèse. Her family has continued the tradition, which dates to the late 1990s, in her memory, according to previous reporting in The Catholic Spirit. St. Thérèse was canonized May 17, 1925, by Pope Pius XI and declared a Doctor of the Church by Pope St. John Paul II in 1997. She is one of only four women to hold the distinction, which recognizes saints whose teaching has made an important contribution to the life of the Church. Her writings include the spiritual autobiography “Story of a Soul.”
THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT
The faithful gathered Oct. 1, at the Carmelite Monastery in Flemington for a special Benediction and Blessing of Roses honoring St. Thérèse of Lisieux on her feast day. Presided over by Bishop Manuel A. Cruz, D.D., Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Newark, and featuring a homily by Father James Miara, pastor of the Shrine and Parish Church of the Holy Innocents, New York City, the annual observance holds particular significance for the Carmelite Sisters, as St. Thérèse, a 19th-century French Discalced Carmelite nun, has long been associated with roses. Sister Gabriela of the Incarnation, O.C.D., a Discalced Carmelite at the monastery, said the Carmelites spent the previous day arranging the 600 roses. The ceremony began with a hymn, followed by exposition of the Blessed Sacrament, Scripture readings, Father Miara’s homily and prayers. Bishop Cruz then blessed and distributed the roses. Central to St. Thérèse’s spirituality is her Little Way, which emphasizes expressing love and trust in God through ordinary acts of kindness, service and the everyday challenges of life. “It is an opportunity for the people to learn to know and experience the power and love of St. Thérèse, and to help them follow her Little Way as God guides them,” said Sister Gabriela. The blessing recalls St. Thérèse’s traditional promise to send a “shower of roses” from heaven, symbolizing the graces and blessings received through her intercession. Father Miara connected St. Thérèse’s devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary with the observance of her feast day on Oct. 1, the beginning of the month traditionally dedicated to the Holy Rosary.
12 PROFILES
Faith as the foundation for new South Brunswick Police Chief
times he witnessed God at work in the lives of others. After his own health scare, he recognized God’s call for him to share some of those experiences with others. It was in November 2024 when Ryan was at work on an otherwise ordinary day. He didn’t feel right and wound up going to the hospital – kicking off a more than 16-hour journey during which his heart repeatedly stopped while he was awake. “It went from an ordinary day to repeated, life-threatening moments,” he said. “I had to hand everything over to God.” He was transferred to a hospital in Philadelphia, where doctors were able to stabilize him. As he recovered, he knew he had to start sharing his story with others – and he has now presented to more than a half dozen parish and Catholic groups throughout the Diocese. “We all have to speak about our faith,” he said. “When you speak about our faith, it comes alive and it lives.”
By David Karas, Correspondent
OCTOBER 29, 2026
THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT
For James E. Ryan, the same faith he grew up exploring and cultivating has not only guided and grounded him through his 31-year career in law enforcement – it has also brought him to communities across the country and abroad, and has inspired him to share his story with others. “It has really been the centerpiece for everything,” said Ryan, who began his tenure September 1 as the seventh police chief in the nine-decade history of the South Brunswick Police Department. “I just saw service and faith intertwined from early on in my life.” Ryan grew up South Amboy, where his family regularly attended Mass. He went on to graduate from St. Joseph’s High School, Metuchen, and was a volunteer for his town’s first aid squad. From a young age, Ryan saw service to others as a way of living his faith each and every day – and becoming a police officer was a natural next step for him. “As my career went on in policing, really the faith aspect started to come out stronger,” said the long-time member of St. Cecilia Parish, Monmouth Junction. His faith was also on display during his swearing-in ceremony September 15, when the pastors of both his parish and St. Augustine of Canterbury joined him on stage. Relying on faith In a recent interview with The Catholic Spirit, Ryan reflected on how his faith has been a source of support throughout his more than three decades as a first responder. “The stuff we see, the things we experience, I don’t know how people without faith do it. I really don’t,” said Ryan. “There are some bad days, and if you don’t have faith to rely on, I don’t know how you keep coming back every day.” Ryan, who with his wife Kim, raised four children, is the first South Brunswick Police chief to have served in every rank throughout the department – including patrol officer, detective, patrol sergeant, detective sergeant, lieutenant, captain and deputy chief. He served in the latter role for the past eight years, during which he oversaw daily operations of the agency. He has earned a bachelor’s degree from Kean University, Union, and a master’s degree from New Jersey City Uni-
James E. Ryan, police chief, South Brunswick Police Department —Courtesy photo versity. He is also a graduate of the New Jersey State Association of Chiefs of Police Command and Leadership Academy, as well as the prestigious FBI National Academy. Outside of his professional role, Ryan has also served on the boards of the South Brunswick Soccer Club, South Brunswick Education Foundation, NJ State PBA Survivor and Welfare, and Woman Aware. He also spent more than a decade coaching youth soccer and basketball. Faith alive through service to others Following the encouragement of Msgr. Joseph Kerrigan, who at the time was pastor of Ryan’s former parish of St. Bartholomew, East Brunswick, Ryan also got involved in Catholic Charities and its solidarity team – a local version of Catholic Relief Services. His volunteer service brought him to Guatemala and India, where he worked on various service and outreach projects. “It was really a way of our faith coming alive in service,” he said of the experience. “It was just an unbelievable experience to have met so many other people who were active in their faith.” Ryan went on to play a key role leading efforts in South Brunswick to support families following the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, and coordinated disaster relief efforts between his town and D’Iberville, Mississippi, in the wake of Hurricane Katrina. He was also tapped by Catholic Charities to lead disaster relief efforts throughout Middlesex County following Hurricane Sandy. In retrospect, Ryan now sees how each of his experiences led him to the next, as he continued to immerse himself in service. “God lays out a plan, and you don’t realize it until you look back,” he said.
Sharing his faith with others Over the years, Ryan found himself reflecting on individual, isolated experiences he had as a police officer – and the
Faith at the core Ryan has also been engaged in supporting the Diocese of Metuchen’s Blue Mass Committee – an annual celebration of faith that he has long cherished. “I always was so proud of the Blue Mass that the Diocese does, and how lucky I was to have a profession that intertwined with my faith so closely,” he said. “We are so lucky to have this ability to gather, and to realize that at the core of what we do, is our faith.”
drawing pictures and writing “I love you, Poppy,” on little pieces of paper and placing them around my father’s body as it lay in repose. Crosses, hearts and crooked XXXs and OOOs were lined up with as much importance as the American flag, folded and resting on the casket. His demonstrations of love brought most of the adults in the funeral parlor to tears, and one elderly on-looker was heard to say, “Oh look, he’s just like a little person.”
children together as a hen gathers her brood under her wings, but you were unwilling!” It was this bruised and wounded Jesus, rejected, denied and spat upon, who continued to love none-the-less – enough to die for all of us, not just for some of us. So great a love is difficult to understand, and perhaps more difficult to accept, because it often engenders the fear of expectation – what do I have to give in return? It was another young child, this time my feisty six-year-old granddaughter, who shared a lesson about overcoming fear – of all kinds. After our discussion about how best to deal with monsters, she said in her tiny voice, “You know what Abuela? I threw away all my scaredness.” She crawled up on my lap, and I hugged her to myself and whispered in her ear, “You are a very wise little girl, and your decision makes me very happy. No more monsters for you … or me!” Love and fear are both decisions we make, and what we choose affects what being human will mean for us – and for those we encounter.
PERSPECTIVES
During a recent lengthy drive to another state, I realized that truck stops and rest areas, filled with so many people coming and going and interacting with each other, hold a unique opportunity to reflect on the question, “What does it mean to be human?” Whenever I ask myself that question, I still recall the day of my father’s wake, more than 30 years ago. On that night, my youngest son chose to express his grief and love by
13
What does it mean to be human?
With that, my son crawled up on my lap and said stoically, “I don’t like being a little person. It hurts too much.” I hugged him tightly to myself and whispered in his ear, “I know. It hurts to be a big person, too.” In an incredibly touching moment, he looked up at me and brushed large tears off my cheeks. We understood each other. We shared in the grief. He reminded me of a painful truth – it’s hard to be human. It’s hard to be human because it hurts to be human, and it hurts for the same reason that it’s a joy – because we love. And it seems the more we love, the more we are open to hurt from loving and the experience may leave us wondering if love is worth it; if the vulnerability that is required of real love isn’t more something to be feared than something to be valued. There were times in my own life when the pain of losing someone I loved was so overwhelming that I determined I would build walls around my heart so as not to be hurt the next time. But in the midst of the pain, I soon learned something professed by Irish author Enid Starkie: “Unhurt people are not much good in the world.” The greatest model for us was our own Christ who loved to what others considered excess, who painfully lamented that his love was neither accepted nor returned, crying, “Jerusalem, Jerusalem… how many times I yearned to gather your
US bishops’ president condemns ‘barbaric’ Pentagon plan to livestream execution By Kate Scanlon, OSV News
United States Army Specialist Robert Orcutt prays near a makeshift memorial for victims of the shootings at Fort Hood Army post in Fort Hood, Texas November 9, 2009. In an Oct. 8, 2026 interview, Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth said they planned to livestream the execution of Fort Hood shooter Nidal Malik Hasan by firing squad in December; Archbishop Paul S. Coakley, president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, denounced the plan as “barbaric” in an Oct. 9 statement. —OSV News photo/Jessica Rinaldi, Reuters harm will only further undermine the moral fabric of our nation and be a blight on the conscience of its people.” The Catholic Church’s official magisterium opposes the use of capital punishment as a violation of the inherent sanctity of human life, and advocates for the abolition of the practice worldwide. The late Pope Francis revised the Catechism of the Catholic Church in
OCTOBER 29, 2026
in an Oct. 9 statement that he learned of the plans “with shock and great sorrow.” “Our God is the God of life,” Archbishop Coakley said. “In no way can Hassan’s actions be condoned but this decision is a barbaric promotion of a culture of death and must be reconsidered. The word of God exhorts us: ‘do not repay anyone evil for evil’ (Romans 12:17). The public execution even of one who has done grave
THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT
WASHINGTON (OSV News) – After Pentagon officials said they planned to livestream the execution of Fort Hood shooter Nidal Malik Hasan by firing squad in December, the president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops denounced the plan as “barbaric.” President Donald Trump recently approved the execution by firing squad of Hasan, the former U.S. Army psychiatrist convicted of killing 13 people and injuring 32 others in a mass shooting at Fort Hood, Texas, in 2009. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth said Oct. 8 in an interview with the proTrump TV outlet Real America’s Voice News that the execution would take place at Fort Hood on Dec. 3, and that it would be made public. “We’ll make sure that people are able to watch it, that it’s public,” said Hegseth, who uses the moniker “secretary of war” since Trump signed an executive order last year adding the “Department of War” as a secondary, ceremonial title for the Department of Defense. Hegseth later confirmed his comments on X. Archbishop Paul S. Coakley of Oklahoma City, president of the USCCB, said
2018 to clarify the church’s teaching that capital punishment is morally “inadmissible” in the modern world “because it is an attack on the inviolability and dignity of the person.” In his 2020 encyclical, “Fratelli Tutti,” Pope Francis cited the teaching of St. John Paul II, writing that his predecessor “stated clearly and firmly that the death penalty is inadequate from a moral standpoint and no longer necessary from that of penal justice.” Earlier this year, Pope Leo XIV delivered a video message to Catholic death penalty abolitionists marking 15 years since the abolition of the death penalty in his home state of Illinois. If carried out, Hasan’s execution would mark the first time U.S. officials livestreamed an execution to the public. Some legal analysts noted that appeals and other legal processes could delay Hasan’s execution beyond Dec. 3. The last public execution in the U.S. took place in Missouri in 1937, according to the Death Penalty Information Center. In his statement, Archbishop Coakley added, “I pray for the intercession of Our Lady of Good Counsel that we as a nation may always choose life even in the most trying times and circumstances.” Kate Scanlon is a national reporter for OSV News covering Washington. Follow her on X @kgscanlon.
14 OUR DIOCESE
Many nations gather around one altar Diocesan Hispanic Heritage Mass brings together the faith and traditions of communities across Metuchen By Adriana Molina Guillen Correspondent
culture, literature, poetry and dance. That diversity finds its center in God, revealed in his Son, Jesus Christ, and in the tenderness of Mary, Mother of Jesus and Mother of the Church. Father Nacarino recalled that the Diocese of Metuchen was consecrated to Jesus through Our Lady of Guadalupe, Patroness of the Americas. Under her many titles, Mary always leads the faithful to Christ and gathers children of different languages, origins and customs. The homily also called families to pass on their faith and cultural roots to new generations. Speaking Spanish with children, teaching them to pray and sharing traditions received from parents and grandparents is both an admirable task and a blessing. The language spoken at
OCTOBER 29, 2026
THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT
The Hispanic community of the Diocese of Metuchen gathered Sept. 18 at the Cathedral of St. Francis of Assisi for the Diocesan Hispanic Heritage Mass. Celebrated in honor of the Cathedral’s patron, the Eucharist also became an occasion to give thanks for the appointment of Bishop Michael A. Saporito as the sixth Bishop of Metuchen. Before Mass, the Rev. Gustavo Rodríguez-Pérez, coordinator of Hispanic Lay Formation, led the Chaplet of Divine Mercy, preparing the hearts of the faithful for the Eucharist. A procession followed, with Marian images representing 20 countries from the Americas and Spain leading
the entrance hymn. Each image evoked the history and homeland of a people; together, they expressed one filial trust in Mary and one faith in Jesus Christ. The Very Rev. Jonathan Toborowsky, diocesan administrator, welcomed the congregation as Mass began. During the Liturgy of the Word, the responsorial psalm offered a meaningful petition: “Lead us, Lord, along your way.” The assembly made the prayer its own, filled with hope and gratitude for the shepherd the Diocese will soon receive. In his homily, the Rev. Raymond Nacarino, a native of Madrid and pastor of Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish, in New Brunswick, reflected on the many nations gathered around one altar. Each people, he said, contributes expressions of faith,
home becomes a bridge to memory, affection and a personal encounter with God. Father Nacarino then recalled the Gospel passage in which the mother of the sons of Zebedee asks Jesus to grant them places of honor. Christ responds with a question addressed to every disciple: “Can you drink the cup that I am going to drink?” (Mt 20:22). Christian life does not avoid hardship; it faces each challenge with the Lord, confident that beyond the cross shines the light of the Resurrection. Reflecting on the tradition that links St. James the Apostle with the beginnings of Christianity in Spain, Father Nacarino traced the Gospel’s journey to the Hispanic peoples and, through them, to new lands and generations. That path has included travel, sacrifice and trial. The many families filling the Cathedral showed that the faith remains alive and can be handed on as an inheritance. At the conclusion of the celebration, Deacon Edgar Chaves, director of the Office of Hispanic Evangelization and Pastoral Ministry, turned the community’s attention toward gratitude and hope. He affectionately remembered those who left a lasting pastoral legacy, including the Rev. Nicolás Noreña and Deacon Noé Cortéz. He also invited the faithful to pray for the 14 Hispanic diaconate candidates and for new priestly vocations within a community that continues to grow. The joy continued with dance groups from Holy Family Parish, New Brunswick; Most Holy Name of Jesus Parish, Perth Amboy; and St. Magdalen de Pazzi Parish, Flemington. Their cultural expressions, born of faith, became acts of praise, encounter and communion. The Diocesan Hispanic Heritage Mass made the catholicity of the Church visible: one home open to every people, where diversity becomes communion around Christ. With Mary, the Hispanic community gave thanks to God and renewed its commitment to walk together in faith and hope, accompany its new bishop and carry the Gospel to generations yet to come.
Faithful from throughout the Diocese of Metuchen filled the Cathedral of St. Francis of Assisi Sept 18 for the annual Hispanic Heritage Mass. Banners depicting parish families, and many Marian images led the procession for the Mass filled with worship and joy. Dance groups and musicians entertained the congregation, many of whom were dressed in garb depicting their heritage. —Hal Brown photos
By Jill Kerekes, Special Contributor The first of a three-part OCIA formation series entitled ‘Rebuild My Church,’ led by Dr. Bill Keimig, director of the Catechetical Institute at Franciscan University of Steubenville, Ohio, and organized by the diocesan OCIA Office, was hosted Sept. 26 in St. James Parish, Basking Ridge. With many years as the director of a parish RCIA/OCIA program along with nine years of service as the director of the Association for Catechumenal Ministry, an organization focused upon training laity and clergy in the RCIA/OCIA process, Dr. Keimig brought a wealth of experience to share with the forty attendees.
individuals through this initial and most important period of the OCIA process and provided a number of materials and referenced a number of resources. In particular, Dr. Keimig repeatedly highlighted the multitude of OCIA workshops on the Franciscan at Home online platform available at no cost through the Diocese of Metuchen’s partnership with the Catechetical Institute. Dr. Keimig stressed that this first session of the ‘Rebuild my Church’ series, as well as the two successive sessions planned for Nov. 14 and Jan. 23, are meant to be “on ramps” into the OCIA workshops found on the Franciscan at Home online platform. When asked about her impression of this event, Sister of Christian Charity Anna Tran, parish catechetical leader from St. Cecelia Parish in Iselin responded, “It was wonderful! I have learned a lot today.” Deacon John Van Haute from St. Mary Parish in Alpha responded to the same question, “It was good. It was a lot. I have to take time to let it all sink in.” The two remaining sessions in the three part “Rebuild My Church” OCIA formation series to be led by Dr. Keimig will focus on the remaining areas of the OCIA process. The second session will take place on Saturday, Nov. 14 at St. Matthias Parish and will focus on ‘The Period of the Catechumenate.’ The third session will take place on Saturday, Jan. 23 at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish in Three Bridges and will focus on ‘The Period of Purification and Enlightenment’ and ‘The Period of Mystagogy.’ To sign up for one or both of these
sessions, navigate to the Office of OCIA page on the Diocese of Metuchen’s website – diometuchen.org. For more information, contact Adam Carlisle, Secretary for Evangelization and Communication at acarlisle@diometuchen.org or call 732-529-7936. For more information about the Franciscan at Home online platform, accessible to all those who participate in ministry in the Diocese of Metuchen at no cost, contact Jill Kerekes, director, Office of Discipleship Formation for Children at jkerekes@diometuchen.org or call 732-529-7930. Jill Kerekes serves as director, diocesan Office of Discipleship Formation for Children.
—Hal Brown photos
OCTOBER 29, 2026
In banner photo above, Dr. Bill Keimig, director of the Catechetical Institute at Franciscan University of Steubenville, Ohio, delivers a presentation to OCIA directors and OCIA team members about the Order of Christian Initiation for Adults. Above, Adam Carlisle, co-director, diocesan Office of OCIA, addresses participants like Sister Maria Goretti Nguyen, at left, from Our Lady of Czestochowa, South Plainfield. Bottom middle, Father Timothy Eck, co-director, diocesan Office of OCIA, celebrates Mass for participants, assisted by St. James’ Deacon Frank Sinatra.
THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT
Dr. Keimig began his presentation with a brief overview of the entire OCIA process (Order of Christian Initiation for Adults, formerly known as RCIA: Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults). The OCIA process is the process by which non-baptized adults are accompanied and formally welcomed into the Church with the Sacraments of Initiation: Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist, typically at the Easter Vigil. As Dr. Keimig emphasized throughout the day, the OCIA process is often mistaken as a purely catechetical endeavor and is often mis-
takenly approached in a parish using a fixed schedule attuned to the school year. He explained that, especially in the United States, the goal of the process is commonly misunderstood as a means to “gain knowledge” whereas the intention of the Church is that the process is a means for people to “understand how to become something.” As further articulated by Dr. Keimig, the three aspects of the OCIA process are the liturgical aspect, the pastoral aspect, and the catechetical aspect. The OCIA process is divided into four distinct periods with three major liturgical ‘gateways’ marking the transitions between periods. Each of the periods involves considerations in the liturgical, pastoral, and catechetical aspects, but it is the liturgical aspect that is the guiding aspect for the entire process. The liturgical aspect guides the entire process because, as Dr. Keimig expressed, “Grace is needed in abundance” and it is in the liturgy where grace is dispensed. In particular, the entire OCIA process is permeated with minor liturgical rites for the purpose of imparting gifts of actual grace on those seeking to enter the Church. The focus of this first of three OCIA formation sessions was the initial period of the OCIA process, known as ‘The Period of Evangelization and the Precatechumenate’, sometimes referenced as ‘The Period of Inquiry.’ Dr. Keimig emphasized that this initial period of the OCIA process is the most important period because it is in this period that a person makes a free choice to enter the Church. There is no fixed timeframe for this period and the magisterial document governing this process allows for this period to be as long or as short as necessary for a person to make a free, voluntary choice to enter the Church. This period ends with the Rite of Entrance, after which a person is officially and publicly known as a ‘catechumen’. Throughout the day-long event, Dr. Keimig introduced many topics of consideration for those accompanying
OUR DIOCESE
OCIA formation series designed to explain liturgical, pastoral, catechetical aspects
15
The Period of Evangelization and Pre-Catechumenate
16 250 YEARS THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT OCTOBER 29, 2026
A Brief History of the Catholic Church in Central New Jersey Part VI: George W. Ahr, Bishop of Trenton, 1950-79 By Father Michael Krull Special Contributor Monsignor Raymond Kupke, historian extraordinaire of the Paterson Diocese, has often said that two events shaped the Catholic Church in New Jersey during the late 1940’s and early 1950’s. The first was the G.I. Bill of Rights, which enabled those who served in World War II to attend college or trade school – opportunities that they might not have had even ten years earlier. The second was the construction of two roads: the New Jersey Turnpike and the Garden State Parkway. Those two roads – which only intersect at one place, in Woodbridge Township – transformed the state. Young veterans and their families moved out of cities like Newark, Jersey City, Paterson, New Brunswick, Perth Amboy, Trenton and Camden into the hundreds of new housing developments springing up across New Jersey. Small towns grew, small Catholic parishes in those towns needed larger churches. Totally new parishes and schools were founded, often with an auditorium serving as a “temporary” church. For an incredible 29 years – which saw the rise of television, Vatican II and man on the moon – the Diocese of Trenton was headed by one bishop – who would also set the wheels in motion for the creation of the Diocese of Metuchen. To put the episcopate of George W. Ahr into my own personal perspective, Bishop Ahr had been serving the Diocese of Trenton for eight years when I was born – and he retired the summer between my junior and senior years at Seton Hall University. His episcopate defined Central New Jersey. George W. Ahr was born in Newark on June 23, 1904, the oldest of three children. While as a boy growing up he dreamt of being a fireman, one day on the playground a priest approached a group of boys he was with and playfully asked, “Are any of you boys going to become priests someday?” Young George replied, “Nah, I’m going to be a bishop!” He attended St. Ann School and then St. Benedict’s Preparatory School in Newark. He completed high school and began college at St. Vincent’s in Latrobe, Pa., then completed college in 1925 at Seton Hall. Recognizing his potential, Diocese of Newark officials sent him to the North American College in Rome where the rector was Msgr. Eugene S. Burke, a priest of the Newark Diocese, and Msgr. Moses Kiley was spiritual director. Ordained to the priesthood on July 28, 1928 in Rome, Father Ahr spent a final year of studies there before returning to New Jersey. Serving briefly in two parish-
Bishop George William Ahr
— Diocese of Trenton archives
es, he was first assigned to teach at Seton Hall Preparatory School. Three years later he was assigned to Immaculate Conception Seminary, where he taught pastoral and dogmatic theology and metaphysics for the next 17 years. Remembered by his students as a tough teacher, he also showed a fatherly concern for the seminarians who came to him for counsel. In September, 1947, he was appointed rector of the seminary, succeeding Bishop Thomas A. Boland, who had been named the second bishop of Paterson. Similar to Bishop William Griffin, Msgr. Ahr’s tenure as seminary rector was barely two years. With Bishop Griffin’s death on New Year’s Day, 1950, a mere 23 days passed following his funeral, when, on January 28, 1950, Archbishop Amleto Cicognani, the apostolic delegate to the United States, announced that Pope Pius XII had named Msgr. Ahr as bishop of Trenton. On March 20, 1950, in a dual ceremony at St. Mary’s Cathedral attended by two of his predecessors and his immediate successor, Bishop Ahr was consecrated and installed as the sixth bishop of Trenton. On June 4, 1950, Bishop Ahr blessed the new Holy Trinity Church in Bridgewater, the first of the nearly 250 blessings of parish structures that he would preside over – more than any of his predecessors or successors. In the years ahead, the Catholic population of the Diocese would increase tremendously, from 293,000 to more than 830,000. With increased migration from cities to suburban areas, more than 50 new parishes were established throughout the diocese. During the 1950’s, six new parishes were established across Middlesex County: St. Augustine of Canterbury in Kendall Park, St. John Vianney in Colo-
nia, St. Bartholomew in East Brunswick, St. Bernadette in Parlin and St. Matthew and Guardian Angels in Edison. In addition to the new parishes – which usually meant the construction of an entire parish complex, many older parishes, such as Our Lady of Victories in Sayreville, St. Joseph in Carteret, Our Lady of Peace in Fords, St. Mary in Alpha, Holy Trinity in Perth Amboy, St. Andrew in Avenel, Holy Family in Carteret, and St. Joseph in New Brunswick built larger churches during this time. Perhaps the most heartbreaking construction task for Bishop Ahr was to rebuild St. Mary’s Cathedral in Trenton, which had been destroyed in an arson fire on March 14, 1956 which took the lives of Msgr. Richard Crean, the rector of the cathedral, as well as two housekeepers. The 1960’s were a time of change. In 1959, Pope St. John XXIII made the announcement of an Ecumenical Council – Vatican II. While the first session did not meet until October, 1962 – days before the Cuban Missile crisis put the world at the edge of a nuclear holocaust, Bishop Ahr had the privilege – and the challenge – of not only participating in the Council sessions, but of implementing the conciliar reforms in the Trenton Diocese. With the cooperation of the clergy, religious and laity, he prudently guided the Diocese through this era of renewal: church renovations, the Mass in English; religious men and women re-assuming their baptismal names and modified habits, an era of folk Masses and parish councils, greater lay leadership, a decline in priestly and religious vocations which often affected Catholic schools filled with baby boomers, priest’s councils and greater ecumenical cooperation. The late Msgr. Leonard Toomey of Trenton told the story of Bishop Ahr’s amused reaction to an invitation to an ecumenical event that was addressed to Bishop and MRS. George W. Ahr! Throughout the 1960’s and 1970’s, the opening of new parishes and construction of new and larger facilities continued: St. Ambrose and St. Thomas in Old Bridge, St. Luke in North Plainfield, St. Matthias in Somerset and St. Helena in Edison. This missions of St. Frances Cabrini, Piscataway, Blessed Sacrament, Martinsville and Our Lady of Peace, North Brunswick became independent parishes. To meet the needs of the ever-growing Hispanic population, the mission of Our Lady of Fatima in Perth Amboy was established as a parish in 1960, and a Hispanic mission, originally St. John of the Cross (now Our Lady of Mount Carmel) was established in New Brunswick. And – perhaps with an eye to
the future - several parishes built substantially larger churches: St. James in Woodbridge, Sacred Heart in South Plainfield, Immaculate Conception in Somerville – and St. Francis in Metuchen. In addition to church buildings, many new grammar schools and high schools were built throughout the Diocese, not only at the newer parishes but many older ones as well. High school buildings included St. Pius X in Piscataway, St. Thomas Aquinas in Edison, St. Joseph’s in Metuchen, and the parish high schools of Immaculata in Somerville, St. Peter’s in New Brunswick, St. Mary’s in South Amboy and Phillipsburg Catholic. With the increased growth of the Diocese, two priests were appointed as auxiliary bishops to assist Bishop Ahr. Bishop James Hogan was consecrated in 1960 and served until his transfer to the Diocese of Altoona-Johnstown, Pa. in June, 1966, and in December, 1967, Bishop John Reiss was consecrated. To further assist in the administration of the diocese, Bishop Ahr established a county vicariate system, with a priest as vicar to act as the bishop’s delegate for various functions. Due to the size of Middlesex County, there were two vicariates, Middlesex East and Middlesex West. In 1974, after a period of study and planning, Bishop Ahr gave approval for the permanent diaconate. Although Pope St. Paul VI had reinstated the permanent diaconate in 1972, the first class of deacons was not ordained in Trenton until May 11, 1977. Bishop Ahr celebrated his 25th anniversary as diocesan bishop in 1975, and his golden jubilee of ordination in 1978. On June 23, 1979 – his 75th birthday – Bishop Ahr submitted his resignation to Pope St. John Paul II, the fifth Pope under whom he had served. He then acted as apostolic administrator of the Diocese until the appointment of his successor, Bishop John C. Reiss. Bishop Ahr assisted Bishop Reiss until moving to Morris Hall in 1988, where he resided until his death on May 3, 1993. As early as 1960, with the continued growth of the Diocese, talk began among the priests of the Diocese about the possibility of dividing the existing Trenton Diocese. In the later years of Bishop Ahr’s episcopate, this talk would not only increase but make its way into several state and local newspapers – surprising many – yet setting the stage for what would soon become a reality. Father Krull serves as chair of the diocesan Commission for Historical Records and is pastor of Our Lady of Peace Parish, North Brunswick.
By Carl Ganz, Special Contributor
The Wedgwood anti-slavery medallion created as part of anti-slavery campaign by Josiah Wedgwood, 1787
OCTOBER 29, 2026
of property that could be treated and disposed of as the owner desired. According to England, and most pro-slavery bishops, slaves were to be baptized and educated in the Catholic Faith, have their marriages recognized by the Church even if not by civil law, be treated with kindness and mercy, have their families kept together, and receive necessary medical care as well as sufficient food, shelter, and clothing. England also believed that a slaveowner had a right to have their runaway slaves returned to them. Catholic organizations held slaves and even traded in them. Georgetown College’s sale of 272 slaves in 1838 was the most renowned, but not the only case, of the institutional Church trading in slaves. Bishop Edward Fenwick sold slaves to finance Dominican missions in Kentucky and a cathedral in Cincinnati, Ohio. Many orders of Catholic sisters owned slaves – the Sisters of Charity, the Dominicans, the Ursulines, and the Carmelites to name just a few. Bishop Francis Kenrick, who authored the moral theology textbook used in most seminaries at the time, also did not find slavery to be an immoral institution. Among the laity, Philadelphia publisher Mattew Carey wanted abolition of slavery but didn’t see how the freed
THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT
John England of the diocese of Charleston, South Carolina, parsed the pope’s encyclical to distinguish between the domestic and international slave trade, interpreting the ban to apply only to those free Africans captured, transported, and sold into slavery versus those who were already enslaved and then sold from one owner to another. England was opposed to slavery, lamenting its existence, but he did not see slavery as an intrinsic evil that was in any way contrary to natural law. Slavery could be legitimate if a person willingly subjected himself to it, for example, to pay a debt. But he also believed that it could be hereditary. Assuming the immutability of Church doctrine, England believed that past acceptance of slavery by the Church required American Catholics to accept it as well. He said “by the testimony of the Church” slave ownership was “perfectly compatible with the practice of true religion.” England simply did not think it was realistic to abolish slavery, and if it is to be abolished, it would need to be the decision of the legislature. Slave ownership, however, was not considered the absolutist relationship in the same way it was in the ancient world, whereby the slave was stripped of all humanity and reduced to a mere piece
250 YEARS
Catholics and Slavery
slaves could possibly assimilate into white society. To this end, he supported the efforts of the American Colonization Society to transport all freed slaves to Africa. Catholic newspapers were largely anti-abolition. Some of the ads offering slaves for sale indicated that the owner preferred to sell them to a Catholic. Charles Carroll of Carrollton, the only Catholic signer of the Declaration of Independence, did consider freeing some of their slaves but not until much later in life. In his will, Carroll manumitted only a single slave out of the more than 300 he owned. He did introduce a bill in the Maryland legislature to gradually end slavery but it was voted down. While in his 90s, he served as president of the Maryland chapter of the American Colonization Society. Bishop Augustin Vert of St. Augustine, Florida, wrote a pastoral letter in 1861 in which he blamed the secession of the southern states on the north’s refusal to recognize slavery’s legitimacy. Like Bishop England, he defended slavery provided the “social, moral, and religious improvement” of the slaves was provided for. Though this description of Catholics who were either pro-slavery, or at least apathetic about it, seems appalling to modern ears, rest assured that there were certainly anti-slavery bishops, priests, and laity who were not at all shy about making their abolitionist leanings known. Archbishop John Purcell of Cincinnati, Ohio, called for an end to slavery in August 1862. Father Jeremih Cummings in New York City called for abolition of slavery as well. Father Thomas Farrell, also of New York, was a firebrand abolitionist who criticized his fellow Catholics, bishops included, for not doing enough to end slavery. In his will, he left $5,000 to found St. Benedict the Moor Parish, the first northern black parish in the United States. Among the laity, a rare abolitionist was Henry Kemp of Massachusetts. Kemp was among the crowd that stormed the courthouse where a runaway slave was being held in an unsuccessful attempt to free him. He even patrolled Boston Harbor looking for runaways arriving by sea to escort them to freedom via the Underground Railroad. The record of the Catholic Church in America on slavery is less than exemplary. Clerics and laity who supported it were products of their time, thinking of slavery, much as Thomas Jefferson did, as holding a “wolf by the ears.” It would be more dangerous to let it go, they reasoned. Still, most advocated mitigating the worst parts of slavery, a gravely immoral institution that ultimately ended with ratification of the Thirteenth Amendment in1865. Carl Ganz Jr. is a member of the New Jersey Catholic Historical Commission and the diocesan Commission for Historical Records. He is a parishioner of Immaculate Conception Parish, Somerville, and the author of several books on American Catholic history.
17
T
he Western Hemisphere was first discovered and explored by Catholics from predominantly Catholic nations, specifically Spain and Portugal. Slavery had been an institution for millennia and there was no reason to think that it would not spread to the Americas, especially if the indigenous population proved a readily available source of labor. Anticipating this abuse, Pope Paul III issued an encyclical entitled Sublimis Deus in 1537 prohibiting the enslavement of the Indians, insisting on their right to own property, and encouraging their instruction in the Catholic faith. In 1741, Pope Benedict XIV reaffirmed this ban on the enslavement of the indigenous peoples of the Americas, addressing his concerns specifically to the leaders of Spain and Portugal. Later, Pope Gregory XVI in 1839 issued the encyclical In Supremo Apostolatus condemning the slave trade as well. However, despite official papal condemnation, not everyone internalized the message. Catholics, both lay and ordained, owned slaves and even openly defended both the slave trade and the institution of slavery itself. Many pro-slavery advocates pointed to the fact that the papal directive banned the slave trade, and not the institution of slavery itself. Moreover, adhering to the maxim among scriptural exegetes that if you torture a passage enough you can get it to confess to anything, many found a scriptural foundation for slavery in Ephesians where St. Paul instructed slaves to obey their masters. Augustine of Hippo argued that slavery was a natural consequence of Original Sin as did Thomas Aquinas, who also believed that slavery brought order to a sinful world where some people were simply unable to govern themselves. American Catholics were not of one mind in their attitudes toward slavery. The abolitionist movement in the United States largely got underway in 1831 when William Lloyd Garrison founded the American Anti-Slavery Society. However, the membership of this movement was mainly comprised of Protestants, and in this era Protestants and Catholics rarely cooperated, even when it was in their mutual self-interest to do so. Moreover, many abolitionists were as anti-Catholic as they were anti-slavery. Since Catholics at the time, especially the Irish, were at the bottom of the social hierarchy and employed in the most menial jobs, there was no incentive to advocate for the elimination of an institution which would dump more unskilled labor on the market, driving down their already low wages even further. By the end of the eighteenth century, most northern states had either banned slavery or had undertaken gradual emancipation. New Jersey ended the practice in 1804, slowly emancipating slaves through 1829. American bishops’ attitudes toward slavery largely followed sectional lines, with northern bishops condemning it and southern bishops favoring it. Bishop
18 MASS FOR LIFE
Human dignity,
1
concern for others at heart of
Mass for Life celebration in Trenton
3
2
4
5
6
Students from St. Thomas Aquinas High School, Edison, lead the Pledge of Allegiance during the Statehouse rally (2). Students from Mount Saint Mary Academy, Watchung, hold placards to voice their beliefs at the rally (3) Bishop Michael Saporito was among other N.J. Bishops at the Mass in St. Mary of the Assumption Cathedral, Trenton (4) Somerville’s Immaculate Conception High School students serve as gift bearers during the Mass (5).
OCTOBER 29, 2026
THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT
—Photos by: Mike Ehrmann, DCS photo (1, 2 & 6), Michelle Kovach, Director of Campus Ministry (3), Rose O’Connor (4 & 5)
By EmmaLee Italia Contributing Editor “The death of God’s Son, the blood of Jesus, that’s how much we’re worth. Every single person, every life.” Those words from Bishop Pedro Bismarck Chau, D.D., auxiliary bishop of the Archdiocese of Newark, in his homily for the New Jersey Bishops’ third annual Mass for Life, rang through a filled St. Mary of the Assumption Cathedral in Trenton. “Look at the crucifix,” he said, pausing at length as the congregation waited in silence. “That’s the price of every human person. … Every person is someone for whom Christ died.” People from around the state gathered at the cathedral for the New Jersey
bishops’ third annual Mass for Life. Metuchen’s Bishop-elect Michael A. Saporito was among bishops and priests from all the state’s dioceses, who gathered for prayer before the rally and march that followed. “It was truly a blessing to be part of this wonderful event!” said Jennifer Ruggiero, diocesan Secretary, Secretariat for Family and Pastoral Life. “Hundreds of people from across New Jersey made the pilgrimage to our state’s capital to worship together, pray together and give public witness united in the conviction that each and every human life has value. The day served as a beautiful reminder that we are not alone in our mission to protect and defend human life, especially the vulnerable unborn who are too often threatened by abortion.”
“Let Us Not Lose Heart.” Bishop Chau quoted Pope Leo XIV on his recent trip to Lourdes, when the Pope spoke to young people who asked about society’s growing indifference to God. “The fact that many are indifferent to the question of God is indeed a problem, but so too is the fact that many are indifferent to the question of humanity,” Bishop Chau urged people to ask themselves: “Do we recognize the dignity of every person – including those whose needs interrupt our plans or whose circumstances make us uncomfortable?” Dignity, he said, is inherent to being human – and as such, every human life deserves to be protected and valued. “All attacks against human life – deletion, abortion, elder mistreatment, child abuse, human trafficking, the mis-
treatment of immigrants, the death penalty – violate human dignity,” he said. “We may wonder whether our prayers, our public witness make any difference,” he continued. In the defense of life, Bishop Chau noted, God continues to call people to witness in spite of doubts. “You continue to do what you do and let the Lord do what he needs to do,” he said. “The Lord answers Isaiah, ‘I will make you a light to the nations, that my salvation may reach to the ends of the earth.’ “Let us not lose heart. God asks us to keep bringing his light into the places where hope is fading.” This article first appeared in The Monitor, Diocese of Trenton, and is used with permission. Revisions for the Diocese of Metuchen were made by Mary Morrell, editor-in-chief, The Catholic Spirit.
F
OUR DIOCESE
or the culturally diverse parish of St. Joseph, Bound Brook, a Slovak Mass on the feast of Our Lady of Sorrows, Sept. 15, was an opportunity to celebrate for those of Slovak descent, including pastor Msgr. Joseph Kerrigan, and a celebration of parish unity in diversity. The parish also celebrates Our Lady of Altagracia ((Dominican Republic), Our Lady of the Assumption (Guatemala) and Our Lady of the Angels (Costa Rica). The Mass and fellowship which followed was a good reminder of the Slovaks who played a large role in diocesan history, and of the many groups who have formed our past and present. It was also particularly meaningful on the feast of Our Lady of Sorrows who is the principal patron saint of Slovakia. During his homily, Msgr. Kerrigan referenced the new novel “Blue Miles” by Father Thomas Esposito, a Cistercian priest. His book is a fictional account of the life of one monk in a Cistercian abbey in Nebraska. The monk’s troubled youth, when he lost both of his parents, is a key theme. Toward the end of the book, the fictional monk reflected, “All the miles I have walked in my life have been blue, lined with melancholic and oceanic sorrow. But Mary wears a mantle of the same color, and her maternal love has been a quiet comfort accompanying me every step of my orphaned way.” Msgr. Kerrigan concluded that we all walk “blue miles,” no matter the colors of our national flags, but that as Catholics we also have the accompaniment of Our Lady of Sorrows, who also walks blue miles and supports us on the way. Prepared by Mary Morrell, editor-in-chief.
19
Slovak Mass at St. Joseph, Bound Brook, celebrates unity in diversity
—Mark Lee photos
Below, a 2019 photo of then-Slovak president Zuzana Čaputova being greeted by Msgr. Joseph Kerrigan at the Slovak Festival in East Brunswick .
—Courtesy photo
with Father Francis Januschek as its first pastor. The first Mass was celebrated in the new church in December 1901, and Bishop John J. McFaul of Trenton dedicated the church in November 1902. The Slovak community grew elsewhere as well. In Carteret, Sacred Heart Parish was established in 1910 to serve approximately 75 Slovak families who had settled there. Before the parish was established, many of these families traveled to Holy Trinity in Perth Amboy for Mass. In Raritan, St. Joseph Church was established for Slovak Catholics in 1914, following the arrival of a growing Slovak population in the community. The local history of Raritan records the important role of Father Joseph Zimmer in helping both the
Italian and Slovak Catholic communities establish their own parishes. These communities understood that a parish was more than a place to attend Mass. Their churches became centers of family life, religious education, cultural tradition and community. The Slovak faithful built and supported their parishes through considerable sacrifice, passing their faith from one generation to the next. Their legacy can also be seen in the ministry of religious women. The Sisters of Saints Cyril and Methodius, a congregation with deep Slovak roots, staffed Holy Trinity School in Perth Amboy for 55 years, beginning in 1935. Among those formed at Holy Trinity was Sister Michael Ann Orlik, SS.C.M., a native of Perth Amboy and a parish school alumna who later became
the congregation’s general superior. When the Diocese of Metuchen was established in 1981, these Slovak Catholic communities were already part of a rich history of faith stretching back generations. Their story reminds us that the Church of Metuchen was not created in 1981 so much as gathered together from communities that had already been praying, worshiping, teaching and serving for generations. Today, the Slovak heritage remains part of the living history of the diocese. The churches and institutions built by those early immigrants testify to a simple but enduring truth: faith can cross oceans, take root in new soil and, through the sacrifice of one generation, become a treasured inheritance for generations to come.
OCTOBER 29, 2026
Long before there was a Diocese of Metuchen, Catholic immigrants were helping to build the Church in Central New Jersey. Among them were thousands of Slovak men, women and children whose faith, sacrifices and devotion left a lasting mark on the Catholic life of the region. The Slovak presence was particularly strong in communities such as Perth Amboy, Carteret and Raritan. As immigrants settled in the area in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, they brought with them not only the hope of a new life but also a deeply rooted Catholic faith. They desired parishes where they could worship, educate their children and preserve the religious traditions of their homeland. In Perth Amboy, Holy Trinity Parish was founded in 1900 specifically for Slovak Catholics,
THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT
The Slovak Roots of the Church of Metuchen
20 ARCHBISHOP FULTON SHEEN
ARCHBISHOP SHEEN Declares him ‘Blessed’ Sept. 24 BEATIFICATION at The Dome in St. Louis
1 1 - Cardinal Luis Tagle, pro-prefect of the Dicastery for Evangelization, concelebrates the beatification Mass for Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen Sept. 24, 2026, at The Dome at America’s Center in St. Louis. Blessed Sheen is remembered as one of the most influential and innovative evangelists in American history. 2 - Clergy process at the start of the beatification Mass for Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen Sept. 24, 2026, at The Dome at America’s Center in St. Louis. 3 - The Engstrom family talks after presenting the relic of Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen during the beatification Mass for Archbishop Sheen Sept. 24, 2026, at The Dome at America’s Center in St. Louis. —OSV News photo/Bob Roller
2
OCTOBER 29, 2026
THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT
By Gina Christian, OSV News ST. LOUIS (OSV News) – Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen – the 20th-century theologian, evangelizer, Catholic communications pioneer, teacher and preacher – is now Blessed Fulton J. Sheen. Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle, a pro-prefect for the Holy See’s Dicastery for Evangelization and papal delegate, pronounced the Church’s declaration on Archbishop Sheen’s holiness of life and witness to Jesus Christ at a Sept. 24 Mass celebrated in The Dome at America’s Center in St. Louis. To the applause of pilgrims, Cardinal Tagle described Archbishop Sheen as a “son of Illinois, son of the United States of America” and “indeed, son of the world.” The location had been selected by Archbishop Sheen’s home Diocese of Peoria, Ill., to accommodate the number of pilgrims who arrived for the beatification and its surrounding events. Around 50,000 people were in attendance, according to organizers. During a press conference a few hours prior to the Mass, Bishop Louis Tylka of Peoria said that almost every
3
U.S. state and several additional nations were represented by pilgrims. A number of the faithful hailed from Italy, Poland and Brazil, he said. Close to 90 bishops, some 1,000 priests, an estimated 1,600 men and women religious, and almost 250 deacons were present, added Bishop Tylka, who wore Archbishop Sheen’s pectoral cross. Among the concelebrating prelates was Archbishop Gabriele G. Caccia, apostolic nuncio to the United States. The beatification – a papal act affirming an individual’s presence in heaven is worthy of belief – officially occurred between the liturgy’s Penitential Rite and the Gloria. Bishop Tylka made a formal request for Archbishop Sheen’s beatification to Cardinal Tagle. A short biography of Archbishop Sheen, who was born in El Paso, Ill., in 1895 and died in New York in 1979, was read by Archbishop Sheen’s great-nephew, Paul Cunningham, after which Cardinal Tagle proclaimed the apostolic letter from Pope Leo XIV declaring the beatification in Latin. Bishop Tylka then read the letter in English, as applause followed both. With the papal decree’s public proc-
lamation, Archbishop Sheen became formally counted among the church’s beati, from the Latin word for “blessed.” James Fulton Engstrom – whose revival from stillbirth in 2010, attributed to Archbishop Sheen’s intercession, was formally declared the miracle that moved Archbishop Sheen to beatification – processed with his parents and siblings to present a major relic of Archbishop Sheen during the liturgy. Enclosed in a special case called a reliquary, the relic is Archbishop Sheen’s mandible, or jawbone, chosen because it represents the archbishop’s tremendous gifts as an orator, teacher and evangelist. As part of the beatification, a portrait of a haloed Blessed Fulton Sheen was also unveiled. In the image, he is notably holding a piece of chalk, which he famously used – along with a blackboard – during his Emmy-winning television show, “Life Is Worth Living.” The image was also simultaneously unveiled in the Diocese of Peoria at the Cathedral of St. Mary of the Immaculate Conception. The first reading from the beatification Mass, Isaiah 52:7-10, was delivered
in Spanish, with the second reading, 2 Corinthians 4:1-2, 5-7, proclaimed in Portuguese, while the Gospel taken from Mark 16:15-20 was proclaimed in English. The prayers of the faithful were offered in a variety of other languages, illustrating both the universal character of the Church and also the missionary mindset of Blessed Fulton J. Sheen, who served as the U.S. director for the Society for the Propagation of the Faith. In his homily, Cardinal Tagle praised Archbishop Sheen as a “storyteller of Jesus” and “a “missionary who digs deep into the heart of the poor to meet Jesus there.” The cardinal noted then-Bishop Sheen’s passionate advocacy for the poor during the Second Vatican Council. During the 1964 discussions on the document Ad Gentes, on the missionary activity of the Church, then-Bishop Sheen asked his brother bishops to “affirm” the notion of poverty and the bishops who came from poor and suffering parts of the church. “As only a wounded Christ could convert a doubting Thomas, so only a church wounded by poverty can convert a doubting world,” he said. Continues on page 22
—OSV News photo/Margaret Murray
By Ann Brzozowski Special Contributor
THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT OCTOBER 29, 2026
I was in college when I first read Fulton J. Sheen’s “Life of Christ.” It had quite an impact on me and set the stage for my spiritual journey during my college and early adult years. His radio program and television show were before my time, but I had heard of Sheen and decided to borrow the 1958 edition of the book which I spied on my aunt’s bookshelf. Among his 66 published books, “Life of Christ” is regarded as one of his most inspired contributions to understand the person of Jesus and the Gospels. St. Teresa of Calcutta is said to have always traveled with this popular book and presented it to each of the sisters in her order. So when I heard that his Beatification would take place at the Dome at America’s Center, a stadium in St Louis, I knew I had to go. Wanting to document my experience, I set off with my notebook and iPhone in hand, hoping that I would be able to get some decent photos, even though my ticket for the events inside the Dome was for a single seat in the nosebleed section of the stadium. No bother, I just continually prayed to Our Blessed Mother and counted on her to put opportunities in front of me as she deemed fit. That said, I admit I was a little preoccupied with the crazy wish that perhaps I could get a photo with Cardinal Timothy Dolan or Bishop Robert Barron who would be attending the Beatification, even though, realistically, I knew how unlikely that would be. As I waited at my departure gate in Newark, I struck up a conversation with three lovely sisters from the Sisters of Life order in Manhattan. Travelling alone, it was so comforting for me to be able to see and chat with fellow Catholics on such an exciting pilgrimage. Once we landed in St Louis, I hap-
pened to cross paths with the sisters again in the airport and stopped to chat. To my surprise, I saw Cardinal Dolan with an entourage of priests walking towards us. He stopped to greet the Sisters joyfully and I was lucky enough to meet him and have a few words with him. Thank you, dear Mother for hearing my prayers! At my hotel, I noticed large groups of people with nametags identifying their respective pilgrimage groups. Feeling a little lonely, I sat by myself in the restaurant and listened on my phone to Bishop Barron’s homily at the Vespers, a closed gathering for the clergy at the St Louis Basilica, wishing I could have been able to attend. A woman overheard what I was listening to and struck up a conversation with me. She had also traveled alone to St. Louis for the Beatification. As coincidence would have it (is there really such a thing as coincidence?), the woman, Karen, was from the Peoria Diocese in Illinois, the Diocese where Fulton Sheen was born and raised, was ordained, and is entombed. She had an extra ticket to the Beatification which, because she was from the Diocese of Peoria, happened to be very near the altar only a few rows up from the floor. A wonderful spot to be close to all the activity and to be able to take some great photos. What a gift! I arrived at the Dome at 9 a.m. and joined the crowds of people waiting in queues to enter. Inside, the Dome was noisy and buzzing with energy as people of all ages – families with multiple children in tow; groups of Catholic school kids in their school uniforms or matching “Fulton Sheen JMJ” t-shirts; dozens of religious sisters in brown, grey, black, or blue and white habits; elderly couples with walkers or wheelchairs, and countless priests and seminarians – politely making their way through the crowds to visit the Expo Hall, Adoration Chapel, Reconciliation Halls, or take their seats inside the stadium to
to His Eminence Luis Antonio Cardinal Tagle, representative of Pope Leo XIV at the Beatification Mass. There were so many beautiful moments throughout the Mass: The presentation of the relic by the Engstrom family, the unveiling of the official portrait of Blessed Fulton Sheen after Cardinal Tagle read the Apostolic Letter issued by Pope Leo XIV, the receiving of Holy Communion by the thousands of faithful. However, the most inspiring moment for me was during the Procession when I noticed that every priest was wearing a vestment with “JMJ” embroidered in gold on the back. Sheen wrote those three letters at the top of every page and every letter he wrote. He wrote them on his chalkboard during his “Life is Worth Living” recordings. This habit began when Sheen was in school at St. Mary’s Cathedral School in Peoria where the sisters taught the children to write JMJ on each paper as a way of placing everything under the protection of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph, the Holy Family. Sheen requested that those letters be engraved on his headstone and can be seen on his tomb in the Cathedral. I discovered later that the vestments were joyfully made and donated by the Diocese of Peoria in honor of their Blessed Fulton. I believe that Blessed Sheen would have insisted that the honor and veneration shown through the wearing of the gold JMJ on the vestments of the priests pointed not to him, but to Christ. For me, it was a sign that we recognize and honor a life well lived; a life lived for Christ. Fifty thousand faithful came together to celebrate and praise God for the gift of this one holy priest, a priest who was a minister and a friend to the whole world! Unlike so many holy saints of God who live out their calling in monasteries or cloisters, or minister to the people of their parish or diocese, Archbishop Sheen was a man whose television and radio show reached over 30 million people each week; a theologian and philosopher who taught in university and authored 66 books; a well- traveled missionary who was responsible for raising awareness of the needs of the poor in countries in Asia, Africa, and Latin America. He was, and continues to be, a light to the Church and to all of us in the Communion of Saints. His reach was in the millions, but his love touched individuals and his words and example can inspire us to do the same. Blessed Fulton Sheen, Pray for Us! Ann Brzozowski is a parishioner of St. Philip and St. James Church. Phillipsburg. She has a Bachelor of Science in nursing from Villanova University and recently retired after 25 years with Johnson & Johnson where she was a global manager in learning and development for the Consumer Contact Centers. Ann attended the beatification as a representative of The Catholic Spirit.
ARCHBISHOP FULTON SHEEN
A major relic of Blessed Fulton J. Sheen is displayed next to his official portrait at his beatification Mass Sept. 24, 2026, at The Dome at America’s Center in St. Louis.
watch the events on stage. It was very noisy and very crowded. The transformation of a football stadium into a place of worship worthy of a Beatification was awe inspiring. The altar built inside the stadium featured backdrops that were replicas to the altar and ceiling in the Cathedral of St. Mary of the Immaculate Conception in Peoria, the Cathedral at which Sheen served as altar boy and was ordained as a priest in 1919. It was the Bishop from the Diocese of Peoria who officially petitioned the Vatican to open the Cause for Sheen’s beatification and canonization in 2002. In 2019, upon request, Sheen’s body was moved to Peoria and is now entombed in St. Mary’s Cathedral. Adjacent to the altar, a recreation of Sheen’s television set, complete with his books and his Emmy, was built and was the setting for musical guests, various speakers and panel discussions, as well as a Rosary prayed on Rosary beads made by the students at Notre Dame High School in Peoria which were given to all attendees. As time drew nearer for the Mass, pilgrims slowly took their seats until the stadium was filled nearly to capacity, with the exception of several hundred seats on the floor in front of the altar which were left empty for the clergy. The crowds were loud and rambunctious as excited pilgrims found their way to their seats. A calm and reverential hush fell over the crowd as the sounds of musical instruments began to fill the stadium. Hundreds of priests could be seen at the back of the stadium, lined up to begin processing into the Mass. Mass began with the Dome bathed in an ethereal blue light as a procession of 1000 seminarians, deacons, priests, bishops, and cardinals made their way down the center aisle to the swelling sounds of Gregorian chant and songs of praise. The procession lasted more than 30 minutes as 50,000 Catholics, both lay faithful and religious, watched in awed reverence, silently taking in the beauty of what we were experiencing. For Beatification candidates, a miracle attributed to the individual’s intercession must be proven. The Miracle for Blessed Sheen’s Beatification took place in Peoria and was officially approved by Pope Francis in 2019. In 2010, a baby, James Fulton Engstrom, born without signs of life, miraculously came back to life after being without respiration and heartbeat for more than an hour. James’ parents, who had had a devotion to Fulton Sheen and had already chosen Fulton Sheen as the baby’s namesake, called on Sheen’s intercession during their ordeal. After sixty-one minutes without a heartbeat, the medical staff prepared to declare the baby deceased. Then, miraculously, the baby’s heart started to beat. That boy, now 16 years old, presented the first relic of Blessed. Fulton
21
A Slice of Heaven in St. Louis: Beatification of Blessed Fulton J. Sheen
22 ARCHBISHOP FULTON SHEEN THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT OCTOBER 29, 2026
Mama’s hand at the Beatification of Fulton Sheen By Sister of Christian Charity Annelyth Pandi, Special Contributor As a Sister of Christian Charity, Daughter of Blessed Pauline von Mallinckrodt, I quote, “God’s will, its fulfillment- that is the supreme goal of all my desires.” Driven by this motivation, I stepped out in faith and made a road-trip pilgrimage with a sister companion from New Jersey to St. Louis for the beatification of Bishop Fulton Sheen. I did not fully understand why there was a strong urge to go especially since I knew so little about him. I thought I was simply attending the sacred liturgies, but little did I know, it was “Mama” who placed that desire in my heart, made the pilgrimage possible, and guided every step so I could discover a profound connection to Fulton Sheen. The moment I walked into the magnificent beauty of the Cathedral Basilica for Vespers, the long drive faded away to silent prayer. Listening to Bishop Barron’s homily about Fulton Sheen’s life, I was invited into that very same rhythm of intimacy with Jesus and mission. The next day at the Dome, amid the busy activities and thousands of faithful, a connection bloomed when I received a small red button pin that simply read, “You are loved.” It felt like a direct whisper from heaven, setting the tone for the day. Following this greeting, my heart only wanted two things: to pray the World Mission Rosary with the Pontifical Mission Societies and to spend time in Eucharistic Adoration completely unaware that spending Holy Hour was exactly the image we can picture when we think of Blessed Fulton Sheen. By doing this, I stepped right into the spiritual practice that gave him his ultimate strength. During the liturgy, the Collect Prayer confirmed this beautifully as a specific line touched me deeply: “…grant, we pray, that by following his example of prayer and devotion to the Mother of your Son…” A quiet, passing thought
crossed my mind—how I wished I could hold a copy of that prayer in my hands. Moments later, after venerating his relic, I inquired about a holy card, only to find bundles of them readily available to take each one with the exact words of the Collect Prayer printed on them. It was a breathtaking moment. This was not a coincidence. This was “Mama’s” doing. She was walking right beside me and listening to the smallest secrets of my heart. Leaving the Dome, a boy handed me a Blessed Fulton Sheen medal. Etched on the back were the words: “To do God’s Will until death is the inner heart of all holiness.” The journey had come full circle. It answered the very quote that brought me out of New Jersey. But the most beautiful surprise was still waiting at the tomb. When I approached the final resting place of Blessed Fulton Sheen, right above his tomb was the icon of Our Mother of Perpetual Help! I have a deep personal devotion to this sacred image. I thought I had planned a road trip, but “Mama” had built the entire blueprint. She saw my deep desire to do God’s will, so she introduced me to her most loyal son. Sheen loved Mary completely. He was dedicated to her as a baby and offered Mass for her every single Saturday of his life. Like him, I consecrated myself to “Mama” also. She was simply taking care of her own. I learned that in the Eastern tradition, this specific icon of “Mama” is often called the Soputnicja– “The Travel Companion.” She truly lived up to that name. She was the silent passenger in the car. She provided the holy cards and waited for us at the tomb. I returned home to New Jersey with a new friend in heaven and with great conviction: when you consecrated to the Blessed Mother, she will guide you straight into the perfect will of her Son. Sister of Christian Charity Annelyth Pandi serves as parish catechetical leader for St. James Parish, Basking Ridge.
Sisters of Christian Charity pray at the tomb of Blessed Fulton J. Sheen, located in the Cathedral of St. Mary of the Immaculate Conception, Peoria, Illinois. —Courtesy photo
Archbishop Sheen Beatification Continues from page 20 Cardinal Tagle commended Archbishop Sheen for making genuine connections with the people he met and to whom he preached and ministered. “The missionary evangelizer is blessed by the communion with persons and peoples, especially the poor and vulnerable, and this is communion in the name of Jesus Christ,” he said. Cardinal Tagle shared how Archbishop Sheen told a friend, who asked why he became a priest, that he was called to share the Gospel and tell the story of Jesus. “I never tire of telling it; I never tire of improving my telling of it. I love my calling,” Archbishop Sheen said, as Cardinal Tagle recounted. In remarks after Communion, Bishop
Tylka urged all attendees to pray for Archbishop Sheen’s canonization, leading them together in a prayer for that intention. “Fulton Sheen has left us a great legacy,” he said. “He fearlessly proclaimed the Gospel in challenging cultural times. He supported the Church’s missions throughout the world. He won tens of thousands of converts and preached to millions. His time of prayer before the Blessed Sacrament was the source of his insight into the Son of God. He used every gift God gave him for one purpose: to bring people to Christ. And his legacy is now ours.” Following the Mass, attendees were invited to remain in prayer to venerate Archbishop Sheen’s relics.
Nuns applaud while listening to Catholic musician Matt Maher perform ahead of the beatification Mass for Venerable Fulton J. Sheen Sept. 24, 2026, at The Dome at America’s Center in St. Louis. The archbishop is remembered as one of the most influential and innovative evangelists in American history. —OSV News photo/Bob Roller
S1 OUR DIOCESE
With Open
Hearts Bishop Michael A. Saporito Sixth Bishop of the Diocese of Metuchen “I’m going to pour my heart into this one.”
THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT
—Photo by Gellman Images
OCTOBER 29, 2026
A special supplement of the Catholic Spirit
S2 OUR DIOCESE THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT OCTOBER 29, 2026
The Appointment Pope Leo XIV appoints Bishop Michael A. Saporito as Bishop of Metuchen On the morning of Sept. 15, it was announced that His Holiness Pope Leo XIV appointed Bishop Michael A. Saporito, Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Newark, as Bishop of the Diocese of Metuchen, where Father Jay Toborowsky had been serving as diocesan administrator since November, 2025, when then-Bishop James F. Checchio was installed as the Coadjutor Archbishop of New Orleans. Bishop Saporito replied to his appointment, saying, “I am deeply grateful and humbled that Pope Leo XIV has called me to serve as the Bishop of Metuchen. While it is not easy to leave the people and places that have formed and sustained me, I welcome this new mission with trust in the Holy Spirit. I look forward to meeting the priests, deacons, religious and lay faithful of the Diocese, walking with them as we seek to follow Jesus Christ and bear witness to the hope of the Gospel.” Bishop Michael Arsenio Saporito was born on May 3, 1962, in Newark, New Jersey, to the late Arsenio and Anna Saporito, the third of four children, with an older brother Robert, and a sister Joanne and brother Richard, who are both deceased. He has many loving in-laws, nieces, grandnephews and grandnieces. He was raised in Bloomfield and attended St. Thomas the Apostle Elementary School and Paul VI Regional High School in Clifton. Graduating from Rutgers University Newark in 1984 with a Bachelor of Arts in Accounting, he was employed in public accounting for three years after graduation. He entered Immaculate Conception Seminary at Seton Hall University in September of 1987 and was ordained a priest on May 30, 1992. Bishop Saporito served in parishes of the Archdiocese of Newark throughout his years in ministry. He has served
as Parochial Vicar at St. Joseph’s Church, West Orange; St. Peter the Apostle, River Edge; Our Lady of the Visitation, Paramus, and St. Elizabeth, Wyckoff. He served as pastor of St. Joseph Parish, Maplewood, from 2004-2011, and pastor of St. Helen Parish, Westfield from 2011 to 2020. On the archdiocesan level, Bishop Saporito has served as an assistant vocation director, and as a member of both the Priest Personnel Board as well as the Presbyteral Council. He was the Dean of the Deanery covering Maplewood, South Orange and Irvington. On February 27, 2020, Pope Francis named Reverend Michael A. Saporito as an Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Newark. He was ordained to the episcopacy on June 30, 2020, at the Cathedral Basilica of the Sacred Heart, Newark, and has been the Regional Bishop of Bergen County over the last 6 years. Within the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, Bishop Saporito has served on multiple sub-committees, most recently as a Member of the Audit Subcommittee of the Committee on Budget and Finance. Throughout his years in ministry, Bishop Saporito has been most devoted to the New Evangelization, offering programs of faith development and awakening people to a deeper faith in Jesus Christ, while working tirelessly to foster parish renewal and intentional discipleship. He has served on the Evangelization Commission of the Archdiocese of Newark and as a Board Member for Christlife, an Evangelization apostolate of the Archdiocese of Baltimore, Maryland. Most recently, he has been guiding the pastoral planning initiative of the Archdiocese of Newark, We Are His Witnesses, and has been a part of the Synod team.
Bishop Michael Saporito strikes an enthusiastic pose while chatting with St. Thomas Aquinas High School benefactor John Rasweiler Oct. 13 during the dedication ceremony for the refurbished John and Mildred Rasweiler Athletic Track. —Heather Grande photo
“… I welcome this new mission with trust in the Holy Spirit. I look forward to meeting the priests, deacons, religious and lay faithful of the Diocese, walking with them as we seek to follow Jesus Christ and bear witness to the hope of the Gospel.”
S3 OUR DIOCESE
A new Shepherd, a shared hope By Mary Morrell, Editor-in-Chief
Warm Welcome
OCTOBER 29, 2026
—Hal Brown photos
that life well. Those years of parish ministry have always reminded me that the Church for most people is the experience they have in the local parish community, so making them strong and vibrant is critically important so we can reach hearts, we can transform hearts, we can make a difference.” He spoke as well of the lessons he learned through encounters with people from different backgrounds and circumstances. “I encountered people in many different circumstances, from different backgrounds and walks of life, and as much as seminary prepares priests for ministry, you really learn when you get your feet on the ground. And people teach you so much.” Bishop Saporito also expressed gratitude for those who had helped shape him throughout his many years of ministry. “I’m grateful for the people in my life who have stretched me, allowed me to grow over these 34-plus years of ministry. I owe so much to so many good pastors, priests, but also lay leaders and people in parishes and communities, people who have been buzzing my phone all morning with great joy.” He concluded with a personal promise about the ministry he is beginning in Metuchen. “I can just tell you, I love what I do. And I pour my heart into every call I have ever answered in the name of the Gospel and the Church, and I’m going to pour my heart into this one.” As Bishop of the Diocese of Metuchen, Bishop Saporito will shepherd a local Church serving approximately 1.5 million people, including more than 670,000 Catholics, across Hunterdon, Middlesex, Somerset and Warren counties.
THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT
The Memorial of Our Lady of Sorrows was a day of joy for the Diocese of Metuchen, said Anthony P. Kearns III, Esq., diocesan chancellor and general counsel, as he introduced Bishop Michael A. Saporito to his new diocesan family during a press conference Sept. 15 at the St. John Neumann Pastoral Center in Piscataway. “The Holy Spirit was with the Pope in his assignment of Bishop Saporito to our Diocese,” Kearns said. Bakhita Hall at the diocesan center was filled with diocesan staff, clergy, religious and guests as Father Jonathan S. Toborowsky, diocesan administrator, offered a prayer for the Diocese’s new bishop. “We rejoice in this day, for through Pope Leo, you, Lord, have chosen Michael Saporito to serve as our sixth bishop,” Father Toborowsky prayed. “Lord, we pray for him, for his faithfulness, holiness and zeal for the Gospel as he begins his ministry as shepherd of your local Church of Metuchen.”
Father Toborowsky had served as diocesan administrator since November 2025, when Bishop James F. Checchio was elevated to coadjutor archbishop of New Orleans. He reminded those gathered that nearly a year had passed since the announcement of Bishop Checchio’s transfer. When Bishop Saporito rose to speak, he first thanked Father Toborowsky for his excellent work as administrator during the many months the Diocese was without a bishop. His words drew an extended round of applause from those in attendance. “I’m filled with joy and I brim with hope as I prepare to join the Metuchen family,” Bishop Saporito said. “I’m humbled and grateful to accept the appointment.” In his statement on Bishop Saporito’s appointment, Archbishop Checchio reflected on the gift of a new shepherd for the Diocese. “God is so good in providing a wonderful bishop for the dedicated people, clergy and religious of Metuchen. Bishop Saporito is well prepared for this ministry through his many pastoral experiences in the Archdiocese of Newark, and he loves New Jersey! May our Blessed Mother and St. Francis of Assisi come to his aid as he takes up the shepherding of the Church of Metuchen, which I still pray for daily and love.” Bishop Saporito said he had spoken briefly with Archbishop Checchio, who told him “all good things” about the Diocese. “It was a rave review,” he added. Sharing something of his background and pastoral experience, Bishop Saporito reflected on the importance of parish life in shaping his ministry. “Up until the last six years, my ministry is all in parish life. So I know
S4 OUR DIOCESE
A New Road
A New Jersey native, Bishop Saporito thrilled, humbled to come to Metuchen
OCTOBER 29, 2026
THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT
By David Karas Correspondent On an otherwise quiet Saturday over Labor Day weekend, Bishop Michael A. Saporito was enjoying a walk outside to enjoy the beautiful weather – something he does frequently – when he received a phone call from Archbishop Gabriele Caccia, the Vatican’s Apostolic Nuncio to the United States. The call harkened back memories of the first time the Papal Nuncio’s office reached out to him in 2020. “I had no idea why anybody would be calling me,” said Bishop Saporito. He chuckled as he thought back to his surprise when a phone call informed him that he had been appointed Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Newark by Pope Francis. “This time, I had a feeling that it was going to be about what the next mission was going to be,” said Bishop Saporito. “Archbishop Caccia was on the phone, and he announced to me that Pope Leo had a new mission for me.” While his next assignment could have been anywhere in the United States, Bishop Saporito was thrilled when he was told he would be coming to the nearby Diocese of Metuchen. “I was very, very happy about that appointment,” he said. “I have lived in New Jersey all my life, and I was very glad to be staying in New Jersey – close to family, close to friends and connections.”
‘What a great honor’ Bishop Saporito’s vocation and ministry have included long-standing connections with the Diocese of Metuchen. He attended Immaculate Conception Seminary at Seton Hall University, where some of his fellow seminarians went on to become priests in Metuchen – and where some diocesan seminarians continue to discern their vocations and prepare for the priesthood today. His last assignment in the Archdiocese of Newark prior to being named an Auxiliary Bishop was also at St. Helen Parish in Westfield, a community that borders the Diocese of Metuchen. In a recent interview with the Catholic Spirit, Bishop Saporito reflected on the new experiences that await him as he prepares to lead a Diocesan community. It is a role he is humbled to accept, and ready to embrace. “I have to say, I was really surprised when I was named a Bishop six years ago. It was a really big surprise in my life,” he shared. “After 34-plus years of ministry to the Church, to be named a Bishop of a Diocese – what a great honor.” Building relationships As Bishop Saporito prepares to assume his new role in the Metuchen Diocese, he knows that relationships will be key – and he plans to rely on his background as a parish priest. “As Bishop, I am going to love
During the Sept. 15 press conference in the St. John Neumann Pastoral Center, Piscataway, Bishop Michael Saporito greets staff, including Filippini Sister Mary Louise Shulas, diocesan director of curriculum in the Office of Schools, and takes a photo with Deacon Rick Fortune, who serves in the Cathedral of St. Francis of Assisi, Metuchen. —Hal Brown photos
going out and being with the people and communities,” he said. “I was a parish priest my entire priesthood – that is what I know.” In his previous role as the Regional Bishop of Bergen County for the past six years, he made it a priority to spend time in his different parish communities. “The parish is where the rubber meets the road for most Catholics,” he said. “Being out there with them and sharing those moments – joyful or difficult – and building relationships is going to be a key right out of the box.” He looks forward to celebrating and cultivating the vibrancy and hope that exist across the Diocese, and to being intentional about supporting deeper encounters with Christ for all faithful. “We want to build disciples of Christ who want to share their faith with others, and to feel confident in doing that,” he said. “I look forward to meeting the priests and working with them, and the people of God in Metuchen to strengthen our witness to the faith.” ‘Opening my heart to them’ On October 22 during his installation Mass, Bishop Saporito will knock on the cathedral doors and officially take his seat in the cathedra, the official seat of the Bishop. When discussing the ancient liturgical ritual, he reflected on the Masses he celebrated to install pastors during his time as Auxiliary Bishop. While the cel-
ebrations always had a special focus on the pastor being installed, he saw them as holding a much deeper meaning for the whole faith community. In the same vein, Bishop Saporito considers his upcoming installation Mass to be an event for the entire diocesan community. “The truth of the matter is, this is an event for the Diocese of Metuchen, this is an event for the Church,” he said. “It is like Metuchen is opening their heart to me, and I am walking into their open arms. I want to walk in opening my heart to them, so it is a two-way street.” And while the responsibilities of his new role will be significant, Bishop Saporito emphasized his plans to walk alongside his faithful as they walk together “on the same journey of faith.” “There will be a lot of heavy weight when I sit in that chair, but I am not going to do this alone,” he said. “I am going to do this with a whole lot of people by my side – and with love for them.” ‘Our walk together’ Bishop Saporito also offered words of welcome for faithful across the Diocese of Metuchen. “I am really looking forward to being with you, I really am,” he said. “I hope that in our walk together… that we are going to grow, that we are going to come to love each other, and that we are going to appreciate the beauty of our faith in Christ.”
S5
Bishop O’Connell sends greeting to Metuchen Diocese’s newly named Bishop Saporito
Statement of Bishop Joseph A. Williams regarding new appointment of Bishop Saporito
Statement of Bishop Kevin J. Sweeney: Appointment of Bishop Michael A. Saporito, sixth bishop of Metuchen
————
————
————
————
I
join the faithful of the Archdiocese of Newark in congratulating Bishop Michael Saporito on his appointment by Pope Leo XIV as Bishop of Metuchen. While his presence among us will be deeply missed, we are grateful for the many ways he has served our local Church, particularly his ministry as Regional Bishop for Bergen County, where he has accompanied our priests, parishes and people with great care and dedication. He has been a faithful servant of the Gospel and, to me, a brother and friend. The Holy Father has now entrusted him with a new flock, and I know he will serve the people of Metuchen with the same generous spirit he has shown in his ministry among us. I ask the faithful of the Archdiocese of Newark to join me in praying for Bishop Saporito and for the people of Metuchen as they begin this new chapter together. May the Lord guide him, strengthen him and fill his ministry with joy. Ad multos annos!
A
s Bishop of the neighboring Diocese, I write to extend our congratulations and prayerful best wishes to the new Bishop of Metuchen, the Most Reverend Michael Saporito, 64, currently Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Newark. Bishop Saporito was ordained a priest of the same Archdiocese in 1992 and subsequently consecrated auxiliary bishop in 2020. Congratulations, Bishop Saporito, as you assume your new responsibilities in the Diocese of Metuchen.
Most Reverend David M. O’Connell, C.M. Bishop of Trenton
Cardinal Joseph W. Tobin, C.Ss.R. Archbishop of Newark
Bishop Emeritus Paul G. Bootkoski —Hal Brown photo
Most Reverend Joseph A. Williams Bishop of Camden
T
Bishops’ Statements
Most Reverend Kevin J. Sweeney, D.D. Bishop of Paterson
OCTOBER 29, 2026
he Memorial of Our Lady of Sorrows brought joyful news for our neighbors in the Diocese of Metuchen, N.J. Our Holy Father, Pope Leo XIV, has appointed Bishop Michael A. Saporito as the sixth bishop of Metuchen. Bishop Saporito, a graduate of the former Paul VI Catholic High School in the Diocese of Paterson, has cared for God’s people in the Archdiocese of Newark as priest and auxiliary bishop for almost 35 years. Through his gentle approachability, holy zeal, and a steadfast commitment to the new evangelization, Bishop Saporito strengthens the faith of those entrusted to his care and brings many to the Lord Jesus and his Church. I have been privileged to get to know Bishop Saporito during the past six-plus years, since we were ordained bishops “one day apart.” Along with Bishop Elias R. Lorenzo, O.S.B., and Bishop Gregory J. Studerus, Bishop Saporito was ordained an auxiliary bishop of the Archdiocese of Newark on June 30, 2020. I was ordained a bishop and installed as the bishop of Paterson on July 1, 2020. Bishop Saporito is a humble servant of the Lord committed to the care of souls who follows in the line of many who have come before him, including Archbishop James F. Checchio, formerly bishop of Metuchen and now Archbishop of New Orleans, and Cardinal Joseph W. Tobin, C.Ss.R., Archbishop of Newark, with whom he has worked so closely. Bishop Saporito is a shining example of a gentle and ardent herald of the gospel, and he brings a spirit of prayerful wisdom to every pastoral endeavor. He will shepherd the people of Metuchen with the full measure of love that flows from the Sacred Heart of Jesus through his own. God bless Bishop Saporito and the people of the Diocese of Metuchen who continue the journey of faith with renewed spirit. As this new era begins, the faithful, clergy, and consecrated religious of the Diocese of Paterson send our congratulations and the encouragement of St. Paul, who teaches us that the preaching of the gospel is a never-failing gift and its own reward, “I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 3:14). Together, the Catholic dioceses of New Jersey work toward that goal. With a promise of prayers and fraternal charity, I commend Bishop Michael A. Saporito and the good people of the Diocese of Metuchen to the maternal care of the Blessed Virgin Mary, asking the intercession of Saint Pope John Paul II, on whose Feast Day he will be installed, that she may assist Bishop Saporito to also lead others to “Open wide the doors for Christ!”
THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT
Dear Bishop Saporito, Welcome to the wonderful Diocese of Metuchen. I’m sure, in your time with us, you will come to know and love the laity, the religious and clergy. We thank God that you come with great pastoral experience and are blessed for that. We welcome you with open arms. Amen.
I
rejoice with the faithful of the Diocese of Metuchen at the appointment of Bishop Michael Saporito as their new shepherd! I have come to know Bishop Saporito as a gentle and humble servant, whose service of the Church has always been marked by mercy and mission. He has a deep love for Jesus Christ and a genuine affection for God’s people, which will greatly bless the clergy, religious and faithful of the Diocese of Metuchen. Of course, Bishop Saporito will have the added benefit of building upon the solid foundation left by Archbishop James Checchio, a native of Collingswood, New Jersey and beloved son of the Diocese of Camden. I am sure that no one is more grateful to the Holy Father today than Archbishop Checchio. On a personal level, I am delighted that Bishop Saporito will continue his ministry in our beautiful state of New Jersey. I will have the privilege of continuing to collaborate with him in advancing the mission of the Church in the Garden State, particularly through the work of the New Jersey Catholic Conference. On behalf of the clergy, religious and faithful of the Diocese of Camden, I offer Bishop Saporito my heartfelt congratulations and the assurance of our prayers as he begins this new chapter of his episcopal ministry. Sincerely yours in Christ,
OUR DIOCESE
Statement of Cardinal Tobin regarding new appointment of Bishop Saporito
OCTOBER 29, 2026
THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT
OUR DIOCESE
S6
•
S7
•
OUR DIOCESE
Bishop David M. O ’Connell, C.M. along with the clergy, religious and laity of the Diocese of Trenton, extend our congratulations and prayerful best wishes to our neighbor, the Diocese of Metuchen, as you welcome your new Bishop,
ma c.o rg i
May God bless you, Bishop Saporito, as you assume your new episcopal ministry, shepherding the Church of Metuchen.
Je rse
yC ath
oli
THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT
ge
The Most Reverend Michael A. Saporito
•
OCTOBER 29, 2026
•
S8 OUR DIOCESE
We offer joyous and prayerful best wishes to
MOST REVEREND MICHAEL A. SAPORITO as he begins his service as Bishop of the Diocese of Metuchen
MOST REVEREND JOSEPH A. WILLIAMS, BISHOP OF CAMDEN, Most Reverend Dennis J. Sullivan, Bishop Emeritus of the Diocese of Camden and the priests, deacons, seminarians, religious and laity of the Diocese of Camden
christlife congratulates Bishop Michael Saporito!
OCTOBER 29, 2026
THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT
ChristLife gives thanks and praise to God our Father for the amazing gift of Bishop Michael Saporito. As he is installed as the 6th Bishop of Metuchen, ChristLife prays that the Holy Spirit empowers him to continue to preach the Gospel with fervor and love.
When Bishop Saporito was pastor of St. Helen Parish in Westfield, NJ, he shared a talk with ChristLife called “How Tuesday Evenings Changed My Parish.” Listen to it by scanning this QR code.
www.ChristLife.org
S9 OUR DIOCESE
Father Sean W. Kenney, OFS, and the parish family of Our Lady of the Mount, Warren, joyfully welcome Bishop Michael A. Saporito to the Diocese of Metuchen.
“I will give you shepherds after my own heart.” J E R E M I A H 3 : 15
OCTOBER 29, 2026
Our Lady of the Mount, 170 Mount Bethel Road, Warren, NJ 07059
THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT
May the Lord continue to guide your steps and fill you with the wisdom and grace of the Holy Spirit, and may our Blessed Mother watch over you always.
S10 OUR DIOCESE
We rejoice in God’s providence and give thanks for your willingness to answer His call to shepherd the faithful of our Diocese. As you begin this new chapter of leadership and service, we pray that the Holy Spirit will bless you abundantly with wisdom, courage, compassion, and strength.
Welcome, Bishop Saporito.
May God bless you, strengthen you, and grant you every grace as you lead the people of God in the Diocese of Metuchen.
OCTOBER 29, 2026
THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT
The Parish Family of the Church of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Hackettstown, NJ
S11
OUR DIOCESE
THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT
OCTOBER 29, 2026
S12 OUR DIOCESE
The parish community of St Matthew the Apostle, Edison, joyfully welcomes
Bishop Michael A. Saporito
to the Diocese of Metuchen. May the Lord, who has chosen you as His servant, fill you with the gifts of the Holy Spirit.
“He said to them, ‘Go into the whole world and proclaim the gospel to every creature.’” M A R K 1 6 : 1 5
Welcome Bishop Michael A. Saporito
OCTOBER 29, 2026
THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT
to Diocese of Metuchen
Our Lady of Czestochowa Parish and the Vietnamese Apostolate Community, South Plainfield
The Family of Divine Mercy Parish in Carteret extends a prayerful and warm welcome to our new Bishop and Shepherd,
Bishop Michael A. Saporito
May Our Lord guide you and sustain you in your ministry to the Church of Metuchen. Ad Multos Annos!
OUR DIOCESE
O F O U R L ADY O F FATI M A
S13
NATIONAL BLUE ARMY SHRINE
St. Mary Church, Alpha Congratulates and welcomes Bishop Michael A. Saporito as our new Bishop
St. Mary Church Alpha, NJ
Congratulations!
Congratulations to our new Ordinary, the Most Rev. Michael Saporito, on his appointment as Bishop of the Diocese of Metuchen. We warmly welcome Bishop Saporito and offer our prayers as he begins this important pastoral ministry. May the Lord grant him abundant blessings as he leads and serves the faithful of our diocese.
Congratulations
Bishop Michael A. Saporito, May our Lord guide you and the angels surround you, both this day and always. Welcome to the Diocese of Metuchen from your friends at the
Church of the Annunciation, Bloomsbury
B LU E AR M YS HR I N E . CO M
Congratulations! The Most Reverend
Michael A. Saporito, D.D. Sixth Bishop of Metuchen
Warmly welcomes you as you shepherd us in leading others to Christ in the Diocese of Metuchen. God Bless You!
Bishop Saporito,
OCTOBER 29, 2026
From the clergy, staff and people of Our Lady of Lourdes, Whitehouse Station, May our Blessed Mother guide you and protect you as our Shepherd as you guide us in the love of our Lord. May the Holy Apostles intercede for you and for those who have a claim on your love. Love & Prayers, The Community of Our Lady of Lourdes, Whitehouse Station
THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT
St. Peter the Apostle University and Community Parish
S14 OUR DIOCESE
Bishop Michael Saporito, while serving in the Archdiocese of Newark, visited the Newman Catholic Center at Montclair State University to speak with the young adults on campus. He discussed his vocational path and spoke to the students about being open to the plans that God has for them.
Faith, youth ministry inspire vocation for Bishop Saporito
—Archdiocese of Newark Facebook photo
By David Karas, Correspondent Growing up in an Italian-American family in north Jersey, faith played a central part in Bishop Michael A. Saporito’s upbringing. “My parents were very devoted to the Church, and (faith) was just part of the culture of our family,” he said. “Everything that we celebrated big, was always around our faith, as well.” Attending Mass and sharing a mid-afternoon family meal were Sunday traditions in the Bishop’s household, and faith was at the heart of everything his family did – from celebrating good occasions to remembering those they lost. It was that strong foundation in faith – and a pivotal experience during his high school years – that would help lead Metuchen’s sixth Bishop to discern his own vocation to the priesthood, and those experiences continue to inspire his ministry and leadership today.
OCTOBER 29, 2026
THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT
A transformative experience Bishop Saporito was born in Newark as the third of four children to the late Arsenio and Anna Saporito. He was raised in Bloomfield as a member of St. Thomas the Apostle Parish, but his father’s deep ties to the City of Newark led him to become involved in the historic Italian-American parish of St. Lucy’s, as well. He went on to attend St. Thomas the Apostle Elementary School before going to Paul VI Regional High School, Clif-
ton, where participating in a youth retreat during his senior year led to a powerful faith experience. “That was a break-out experience for me, that really changed the cultural Catholicism that I had into something much more than that,” he shared. Bishop Saporito noted that high school was a challenging time for him, and that the retreat helped him “to really make an attachment to the personal love of Jesus Christ, and to then want to develop my own faith relationship.” From there, he would become more involved in his parish community, first as a lector and later joining the parish council and participating in various ministries. He maintained his involvement in his home parish even while studying accounting at Rutgers University. The call to the priesthood With his accounting degree in hand, Bishop Saporito landed a job working for a public accounting firm – a role he truly enjoyed. “I was doing all of the things that you’d expect a person at my age at the time to be doing,” he said, noting that he was getting settled into his career and had ambitions of getting married and having children. It was then that his vocation became clearer. “In the midst of that, I found that between my involvement in my parish and my continual spiritual growth,” he
said, “the call to the priesthood started emerging from there.” ‘A spiritual hunger’ among young people In large part due to his own experiences, Bishop Saporito is passionate about the importance of cultivating faith among young people. “Youth ministry was a huge, huge contributor to my own vocation, and finding my spiritual voice,” he said, sharing his belief that there is “a spiritual hunger” among young people even today. “Young people are going to engage with the Church in different ways. We have to be able to open our hearts and our doors to the way that youth and young adults want to engage with us in the Church.” The Bishop feels strongly about the importance of engaging with youth – not only for their own spiritual growth, but also to support vocations. “Part of calling all people to discipleship is that you will have a bigger pool of people to consider for religious vocation,” he said. “Young people have to be in the life of the Church if we want them to serve the Church.” Encountering Christ through Scripture When reflecting on his faith and ministry, Bishop Saporito noted that two pilgrimages to the Holy Land have been especially meaningful. In particular, he has enjoyed visiting a small church along
the Sea of Galilee where the Resurrection story in John’s Gospel took place. “Going on a pilgrimage to the Holy Land is like none other,” he said. “The Gospel just comes to life.” Those experiences, and a long-standing love of Scripture, have also inspired portions of the Bishop’s coat of arms. It features a flaming sword as a symbol of his baptismal patron, St. Michael the Archangel, as well as two open books – each representing one of the Testaments. “The Scriptures have always been something that have drawn me to the heart of Christ,” he said. “My way of encountering Christ on a daily basis is through the Word of God.” The man behind the vestments Outside of his ministry, Bishop Saporito enjoys walking, reading and watching sports – rooting for the New York Giants and being a “long-suffering” fan of the New York Mets. He also enjoys spending time gathered with family, friends and colleagues – and spending time at a family home in the Pocono Mountains. He is also a self-described introvert, though he acknowledges that his priestly ministry has helped him to develop some extroverted traits. “When you see me functioning within pastoral roles, I definitely rise to the occasion, so to speak,” he said. “I think people would see that I have a real passion for our faith.”
Foundation in faith
S15 OUR DIOCESE
Coming Home
By Anna Githens, Correspondent
the curia of the Archdiocese of Newark, took over as pastor of St. Helen’s in July 2020 when Bishop Saporito was appointed Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Newark. “I would lay down my life for him,” Msgr. Nydegger said, “And I don’t say that figuratively or allegorically, I say it in a way the Lord said it to his people. He’s a brother priest, he’s a friend, he’s a brother, and I cannot even begin to express my gratitude for him, for who he is, and for who he always will be.” While at St. Helen’s, Bishop Saporito was able to expand on a vibrant culture that had been at the parish since its founding. He instituted new programs, such as Called and Gifted, and he brought ChristLife, a ministry that originated in the Archdiocese of Baltimore, which saw over 1,500 attendees while he was pastor. “He had a call to action for people to utilize their gifts and talents in ways they had never done before,” explained Msgr. Nydegger, “with the hope of reaching beyond to those who were more distant or fallen away.” Parishioner and ChristLife Co-Coordinator Debbie Abbattista shared, “I came to understand more deeply that Christ loves me – not just humanity in general, but me personally. And that realization has affected everything: how I see myself, how I see others, how I make decisions, how I serve, and how I respond
to the challenges of life. That is perhaps the greatest gift Bishop Michael gave to St. Helen. He didn’t simply encourage us to do more; he helped us understand why we were doing it. He reminded us that the heart of parish life is not programs, activities, or even service – it is an encounter with Jesus Christ that changes us and sends us out on mission.” “Bishop Michael always fully supported the RCIA team and activities, met with the candidates and encouraged them,” said St. Helen’s RCIA team leader of 20 years, Munir Gabriel. Sabrina Mizerek visited St. Helen’s while discerning whether to become Catholic. “Bishop Michael’s heart and authenticity were what made me stay and accept Jesus in my life, and converted me,” she expressed. “God had called me and Bishop Michael welcomed me into the parish with open arms and showed me Jesus’ love for me. His sincerity and kindness as well as his electrifying homilies were filled with the Holy Spirit and I could feel God’s words through him as if they were meant for me.” “He brought his passion for Christ, his passion for the Gospel, his passion for evangelization and outreach, and it allowed the parish to continue to soar,” said Msgr. Nydegger. “That’s what Bishop Michael brought here and that’s what he will bring to the Diocese of Metuchen.”
OCTOBER 29, 2026
Bishop Michael Saporito received a warm and enthusiastic welcome in a packed church Oct.3 when he returned to the parish community of St. Helen in Westfield to celebrate the vigil Mass. The evening served as a joyful reunion and an opportunity for all to offer their congratulations on his new appointment as Bishop of Metuchen. “The people
love him and they consider him part of the St. Helen’s family,” said pastor Msgr. Thomas Nydegger. “It was a Mass of thanksgiving and a Mass of blessing, not a Mass of farewell.” After Mass, parishioners gave him a standing ovation followed by a reception in the parish center to demonstrate their deep appreciation for their former pastor, once affectionately known as Father Michael, who served from 2011 through 2020. During his homily, Bishop Saporito said St. Helen’s holds “a very special place in my heart” and will now only be twenty minutes away. “I don’t just remember people but stories that we shared together,” he said. “Laughter, joy, sadness, heartache, but we did it together with the gift of faith. That’s where the Church lives. That’s what I hope to bring in my Episcopal ministry to the Church, because of people like you who have a mark on my heart.” Following Mass he paid special tribute to Msgr. Nydegger, his friend since 1988 when they were both in the seminary, who concelebrated the Mass with him on Saturday. To the congregation Bishop Saporito said, “I’m glad to be close to you but I’m also close to the dearest friend I’ve ever had in my entire life.” Msgr. Nydegger, who previously served as vicar general and moderator of
THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT
—Anna Githens photos
Bishop Michael Saporito receives joyful welcome from St. Helen parishioners
OCTOBER 29, 2026
THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT
OUR DIOCESE
S16
S17 OUR DIOCESE
The Parish Family of Saint Mary Star of the Sea, South Amboy, welcomes Bishop Michael Saporito as the Sixth Bishop of Metuchen with our prayers and good wishes!
saintmarysa.org
Congratulations and Welcome!
Bishop Michael A. Saporito Sixth Bishop of Metuchen
OCTOBER 29, 2026
May the Holy Spirit guide and strengthen you as you shepherd the faithful of the Diocese of Metuchen with wisdom, compassion, and faith.
THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT
With great joy and gratitude, Fr. Edmund Luciano III, KCHS, KOGCO, pastor of the Church of the Sacred Heart, and parishioners extend our heartfelt congratulations and prayerful best wishes to Bishop Michael A. Saporito upon his appointment as the Sixth Bishop of Metuchen.
S18 OUR DIOCESE
With Joyful Hearts and Prayerful Best Wishes!
Congratulations to Our New Shepherd
Congratulations and Welcome to The Most Reverend Michael A. Saporito!!!
The Most Reverend Michael A. Saporito!!
May the Holy Spirit grant you wisdom, strength, and grace and may the Blessed Virgin Mary help protect and guide your ministry. Ad multos annos! (To many years!)
OCTOBER 29, 2026
THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT
From the Parish Family of St. Edward the Confessor R.C. Church Milford, NJ
May Our Lord Jesus Christ instill the Holy Spirit in you to help guide us towards the Kingdom of God. We welcome you to the Diocese of Metuchen Family!!
(Celebrating our 101st year!)
From the Parishioners of Our Lady of Victories
61 Mill Street, Milford, NJ 08848
1005 County Rd. 519, Frenchtown, NJ 08825
S19
Bishop of the Diocese of Metuchen
WITH GREAT GRATITUDE AND JOY WE THE PEOPLE OF ST. FRANCES CABRINI PARISH WELCOME YOU AS OUR NEW BISHOP AND SHEPHERD!
OUR DIOCESE
BISHOP MICHAEL A. SAPORITO
208 Bound Brook Avenue Piscataway, New Jersey 08854
Welcome to Metuchen, Bishop Saporito!
With joy and anticipation, we welcome our newest diocesan shepherd, Bishop Michael A. Saporito, upon his arrival in Metuchen after many years in Newark. May your episcopal service be blessed and fruitful among us!
OCTOBER 29, 2026
With prayers and best wishes, The pastoral team and parishioners of St. Joseph www.dreamsofstjoseph.org
THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT
Ever since our founding by Benedictine monks at Newark Abbey 150 years ago, to today’s ministry of our current pastor, who was born within the Newark Archdiocese, St. Joseph Catholic Community, a charismatic and contemplative parish in Bound Brook, has gratefully benefited by our “imports” from Newark (and elsewhere) over the years. “I was a stranger and you welcomed me.” (Matthew 25:35)
S20 OUR DIOCESE
The Parish Family of Saint James Roman Catholic Church 369 Amboy Avenue, Woodbridge, New Jersey
Wishes Joyous and Prayerful Best Wishes to
Bishop Michael A. Saporito May the Holy Spirit fill you with profound wisdom and patience as you shepherd your flock in the Diocese of Metuchen and spread the light of the Gospel Father Thomas Naduviledathu, SDV, Pastor Father Ferdinand Sadiman, SDV, Parochial Vicar
Parish Staff
OCTOBER 29, 2026
THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT
Jesus, Mary, and Joseph
S21 OUR DIOCESE
The parishioners of St. Joseph Church, High Bridge and St. John Neumann Church, Califon along with Father Roy Quesea, extend our heartfelt congratulations and prayers to you as you begin your ministry as the 6th Bishop of the Diocese of Metuchen. May the Holy Spirit guide you and bless you abundantly as you shepherd our Diocese.
Congratulations, Bishop Saporito. May God continue to guide and keep you as you serve His Church. Ad Multos Annos! Our Lady of Mercy
122 High St., South Bound Brook, NJ 08880
WITH GREAT JOY
The Catholic LGBTQ community, our families, friends and allies welcome you
Bishop Michael Saporito as our shepherd and spiritual leader. We offer our prayerful support and witness. May you be blessed and filled with the power of the Holy Spirit! Serving the spiritual needs of the LGBTQ community since 2007
In God's Image
Church of the Sacred Heart South Plainfield, New Jersey sacredheartigi@gmail.com
THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT OCTOBER 29, 2026
OCTOBER 29, 2026
THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT
OUR DIOCESE
S22
Solemn Vespers
connected in the bond of faith: I open my heart to you, and you open your heart to me. In the reading of the mandate, we are given the call to serve in communion with the Church throughout the world, and ask the Holy Spirit for guidance, direction, wisdom and strength to carry out the office of the bishop, not in isolation, but in fraternity, communion and peace.” As for the cathedra, the chair reserved for a diocese’s bishop, he said, “I will sit on the seat that my office bears, but it is not my chair, I am not its owner, but its steward… Compassion and mercy are only effective if we pursue holiness ourselves. We are people in need of repentance. Let us go and renew the face of the earth.”
OUR DIOCESE
and Gospel canticles, as well as spoken Scripture, reflection and intercessions. During his reflection, delivered in English and Spanish, Bishop-elect Saporito revealed the three distinct moments that he most anticipated in the next day’s installation rite – the ceremonial opening of the church door, the reading and showing of the papal mandate, and his seating on the cathedra. “It drew me to consider reality,” he said. “All of this, while directed towards me and the office I will take up, do not belong to me. They are gifts bestowed upon me as shepherd and steward, as I joyfully accept the call to gather before the One whose vineyard this really is.” The bishop continued, “At the opening of the door, we become spiritually
S23
T
he people of the Diocese of Metuchen were prayerfully introduced to their new shepherd as Bishop-Elect Michael A. Saporito led Solemn Vespers and Eucharistic Adoration Oct. 21 in the Cathedral of St. Francis of Assisi. Cathedral rector Father Timothy Christy reminded the congregation – populated by the lay, clergy and religious that serve in the four counties – that the Catholic Church this year is celebrating a jubilee marking 800 years since the death of its patron St. Francis. Solemn Vespers, also known as the Liturgy of the Hours or Divine Office, is the daily prayer of the Church, marking the hours of each day and sanctifying the day with prayer. The program consists of both sung hymns, psalms, antiphons
By Christina Leslie, Contributing Editor
OCTOBER 29, 2026
—Hal Brown photos
THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT
S24 OUR DIOCESE
1 3
Metuchen welcomes its sixth shepherd By Christina Leslie Contributing Editor
gan with his knock on the center door of the church. It was opened from within by Father Jonathan S. Toborowsky, diocesan administrator; Father Timothy A. Christy, Cathedral rector, and Father Edmund A. Luciano, pastor of the host parish, on behalf of the clergy, religious and faithful of the Diocese. Father Toborowsky presented Bishop-Designate Saporito with a crucifix resting upon a pillow to reverence, then he sprinkled holy water on those in the narthex. Numerous bishops of New Jersey joined other clergy in the procession, including Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M. of Trenton; Bishop Kevin J. Sweeney of Paterson; Bishop
Joseph A. Williams of Camden, and Cardinal Joseph W. Tobin, CSsR, of Newark. His Excellency the Most Reverend Gabriele Giordano Caccia, Apostolic Nuncio to the United States of America, read the papal mandate from Pope Leo XIV naming Bishop Saporito the spiritual head of the Metuchen Diocese. Archbishop Caccia noted that the Mass coincided with the feast day of St. Pope John Paul II, who established the Diocese 45 years ago. Bishop Saporito, smiling broadly, presented the mandate to the Diocesan College of Consultors, then, holding it aloft, walked throughout the church so
OCTOBER 29, 2026
THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT
The people of Metuchen were overjoyed to welcome the Most Reverend Michael Arsenio Saporito as their sixth Bishop during an installation Mass held Oct. 22 in Sacred Heart Parish, South Plainfield. Representatives from parishes, schools, religious, lay and civil organizations were joined by clergy and civil dignitaries from throughout the state and beyond to witness the newest shepherd of the central New Jersey diocese. Steeped in beauty and symbolism, the reception of the Bishop Designate be-
Installation Mass
2
8
9
that the faithful might see the Pope’s declaration up close. The bishops in the sanctuary extended a sign of peace, then Archbishop Caccia and Cardinal Tobin presented the new Bishop of Metuchen his cathedra and crozier. Bishop Saporito began his homily recalling the advice by St. Pope John Paul II at his Oct. 22, 1978, inaugural Mass in St. Peter’s Square: Do not be afraid. Open wide the doors to Christ. The bishop’s own motto was inspired by the Gospel of John wherein Jesus had eaten breakfast with them and told them: Feed My Sheep. “Our mission together in proclaim-
4
S25
6
5 ing the Good News … allows us to focus on three things: the meal, the mercy, and the mission,” said the Bishop. “Jesus used meals as places of encounter with others, he shared food and opened his heart, [and] here the word is proclaimed.” The meal, or Eucharist “fills our hearts and lives, joins us as one family, takes what we have received and offers it to the world… Jesus sought to touch people’s hearts, and so must we.” Mercy, the Bishop continued, “frees us from shackles of our own sins. During the Jubilee Year of Mercy, my own sense of mercy expanded. We come to Jesus in distress, profound suffering, brokenness,
and misery, and he offers freedom and redemption regardless of the baggage. I often picture the gaze of Jesus at Peter; that’s why the song is entitled ‘Amazing Grace’: he lets yesterday go so we can embrace tomorrow with joy. We are not perfect, but all can stand tall by his grace.” Bishop Saporito cautioned the congregation not to simply fulfill the bare minimums of their faith, but rather to embrace the mission of holiness. “Purpose ignites a passion and a hope within us, for living and meaning and purpose all of our days. We know a better way, let’s show others what we know, let’s lead
others to what we know.” He continued, “It is not enough for us to simply maintain what we have, we must have a heart that aches for those who are missing… Become a Church that does not wait for people to find us, but we should risk leaving the shores of own comfort and seek out the missing. The mission of the Church must go beyond those already here.” His voice rising in volume and intensity, Bishop Saporito issued a challenge to his new flock. Referring to his new ceremonial chair, or cathedra, he admitted, “Today I sit in a chair that is not mine to keep, but mine to steward, after
OUR DIOCESE
6 - Most Reverend Gabriele Giordano Caccia, Apostolic Nuncio to the United States
7 the command of Christ for a time. Let us take advantage of it together. “My new sisters and brothers of Metuchen, let us set out together to be a people of the Eucharist, a people of Mercy and a people on a mission,” he concluded. “The waiting is over, and responding to the call now begins. Let us not be afraid, let us open wide the doors to Christ. Amen?” he asked them. They answered with a loud, fervent, “AMEN!!” and resounding applause.
The Rite of Installation
The Kiss of Peace Afterwards, the Bishops present extend to the new Bishop of Metuchen a sign of peace. By this fraternal greeting, Bishop Saporito receives the love and support of his brother Bishops as he begins his new pastoral ministry. The Installation of the Diocesan Bishop at his Cathedra & the Presentation of his Crozier Archbishop Caccia and Cardinal Tobin will show Bishop Saporito to the Cathedra as he sits upon it as a visible sign of taking possession, representing his
—Photos by Mark Lee (1, 2, 6, 7, 8, 10) and Hal Brown (3, 4, 5, 9)
10
role as Teacher and Leader of the Diocese. The crozier will then be presented to him, as another visible sign of taking possession, representing his role as Chief Shepherd of the Diocese and his pastoral authority of this Local Church of Metuchen. Greeting of Bishop Saporito, the New Shepherd of the Diocese Representatives of the clergy, religious, and laity from throughout the Diocese of Metuchen as well as those from other Christian and non-Christian communities greet Bishop Saporito as begins his ministry in this Diocese. From this point forward, Bishop Saporito will preside over this liturgical celebration as the Principal Celebrant and begins his first public act as Bishop of Metuchen with celebrating the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass for the faithful of this Diocese he will shepherd.
OCTOBER 29, 2026
The Acceptation and Presentation of the Apostolic Mandate Archbishop Caccia presents the Mandate to Bishop Saporito, who accepts the Holy Father’s mandate. He will show the Mandate to the Diocesan College of Consultors in the presence of Anthony P. Kearns III, the Chancellor, who serves as an official
witness to the act and for record keeping. In doing so, Bishop Saporito is showing that he has taken canonical possession of the Diocese and is now the Bishop of Metuchen. Then, he will then show the Mandate to the Faithful of the Diocese and the people of good will present at this liturgy.
THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT
The Presentation of Bishop-Delegate Saporito & the reading of the Apostolic Mandate by Archbishop Caccia At this time, the Cardinal will invite Bishop-Delegate Saporito forward as he prepares to listen, accept, and receive the Apostolic Mandate issued by His Holiness, Pope Leo XIV, Bishop of Rome and Supreme Pontiff of the Universal Church. The mandate will be read by His Excellency, Archbishop Caccia, who serves as the Holy Father’s Apostolic Nuncio (Ambassador) to the United States of America.
S26 OUR DIOCESE
Looking Back, Moving Forward A short history of the Diocese of Metuchen
OCTOBER 29, 2026
THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT
By Father Michael Krull Special Contributor The roots of the Catholic Church in what is now the Diocese of Metuchen reach back into the late 17th century. Jesuit missionaries from New Amsterdam visited Irish and French settlers in what is now Woodbridge Township as early as the 1660’s, with the first Mass in New Jersey offered there around 1683. It was not until the mid-18th Century that later Jesuit missionaries stationed at St. Joseph’s Church in Philadelphia – especially Father Ferdinand Steinmeyer, S.J., known as “Father Farmer” – visited the scattered Catholics in present day Somerset, Hunterdon and Warren counties as well as throughout New Jersey. In 1789, the first Diocese in the United States was established in Baltimore, and in 1808, the State of New Jersey came under the jurisdiction of the Dioceses of New York (in the east) and Philadelphia (in the west). With the building of the Morris Canal in the northern part of the state and the Delaware and Raritan Canal in central New Jersey, large numbers of Irish immigrants settled in the area, and New Brunswick became a center of the region. The first Catholic Church in New Brunswick, St. Peter’s, was built in 1829, and most parishes in central New Jersey can trace their roots to this parish. With political unrest in Europe in the 1830’s and 40’s, large waves of Irish and German immigrants settled in New Jersey, which led to the creation of the Diocese of Newark in 1853 under Bishop James Roosevelt Bayley. During his tenure, the Church continued to grow with the arrival of religious orders and the establishment of the Sisters of Charity and Seton Hall College. Succeeded by Bishop Michael Corrigan in 1873, the Church’s growth continued, which led to the establishment of the Diocese of Trenton in 1881. Under Bishop Michael O’Farrell (1881-92) and his successor, Bishop James McFaul (1892-1917), a native son of the Diocese who grew up in present day Franklin Township, the fledgling diocese saw an increase in population, especially of Eastern European Catholics, which led to the establishment of many parishes and schools, especially in cities like New
Brunswick and Perth Amboy. Following World War I, the episcopate of Bishop Thomas Walsh (1918-28) saw a dramatic increase in the number of parish schools across the Diocese and the establishment of the Mount Carmel Guild, a forerunner of present-day Catholic Charities. The brief tenure of Bishop John McMahon (1928-32) saw the onset of the Great Depression, which slowed much development, but picked up during the episcopate of Bishop Moses Kiley (1934-40). Bishop Kiley’s years also saw the division of the Trenton Diocese and the creation of the Diocese of Camden, covering the southernmost portion of the state. Bishop William Griffin (1940-50) served as bishop of Trenton during World War II and established many missions especially in Somerset, Hunterdon and Warren counties, as well as providing for the needs of service personnel stationed in military bases such as Camp Kilmer in present day Edison Township. The 29-year episcopate of Bishop George Ahr (1950-79) saw an explosion of growth with the development of new suburbs across the state, leading to the establishment of over 50 parishes and the blessing of over 250 churches, schools, rectories and convents across the Trenton Diocese, including the Cathedral of St. Mary of the Assumption in Trenton and the Church (now Cathedral) of St. Francis of Assisi in Metuchen. This expansive growth led in the late 1970’s to discussions about the possible creation of a new, smaller Diocese. Shortly after the 100th Anniversary of the Trenton Diocese, on Nov. 19, 1981, Pope St. John Paul II created the Diocese of Metuchen, appointing Bishop Theodore McCarrick (1981-86) as its first leader. His years saw the setting up of the new Diocese, with the creation of several new parishes and an increase in vocations. The episcopate of Bishop Edward Hughes (1986-97) saw the dedication of a large number of new churches (especially of newly established parishes), the establishment of apostolates to the large number of Asian Catholics settling in the Diocese and the completion of the Maria Regina residence for retired priests. The brief tenure of Bishop Vincent DePaul Breen (1997-2001) saw the renovation of the former St. Pius X High School into the present St. John
Neumann Pastoral Center. The 9/11 attacks on the United States occurred the morning that Bishop Breen’s resignation due to health issues was announced, and Bishop John M. Smith of Trenton served as Apostolic Administrator of the Diocese from then until the appointment of Bishop Paul Bootkoski in January, 2002. Bishop Bootkoski’s tenure was marked with dealing with the unfolding abuse crisis (which would touch the Diocese in a profound way), but saw the completion of the Catholic Center at Rutgers University, the reestablishment of the annual Blue Mass for law enforcement and a partnership with the Diocese of Santa Rosa in Guatemala. Upon Bishop Bootkoski’s retirement,
Bishop James Checchio was named as the fifth bishop of Metuchen in March, 2016. Bishop Checchio’s very visible presence at weekend Masses and parish events around the Diocese and his promotion of vocations were deeply appreciated and will be long remembered. Today the history begins a new chapter with the installation of Bishop Michael Saporito as the sixth bishop of the Diocese of Metuchen. Quoting Saint Peter’s “homily” on the day of Pentecost in the Acts of the Apostles, “Of this we are all witnesses,” as we have been witnesses to the past history, so again we shall not only be the witnesses to, but the writers of the history of the Diocese of Metuchen.
Welcoming our new
Bishop The parish community of
Nativity of Our Lord warmly welcomes
Bishop Michael A. Saporito! We offer our prayers for Bishop Saporito as he begins his ministry among the faithful of the Diocese of Metuchen. May the Holy Spirit guide and strengthen him as he shepherds our local Church. May his ministry be filled with God’s grace and blessings. Welcome, Bishop Saporito! You are in our prayers!
OUR DIOCESE
WELCOME, BISHOP SAPORITO
S27
ST. THOMAS AQUINAS HIGH SCHOOL
W E W E L C O M E YO U W I T H J OY
MOST REVEREND MICHAEL A. SAPORITO St. Thomas Aquinas High School warmly welcomes Most Reverend Michael A. Saporito as he begins his ministry in the Diocese of Metuchen. As the diocese’s own Catholic high school, we look forward to partnering with him in faith, service, and academic excellence.
THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT OCTOBER 29, 2026
1 TINGLEY LANE • EDISON, NJ • WWW.STAHS.NET
S28 OUR DIOCESE THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT OCTOBER 29, 2026
CONGRATULATIONS BISHOP MICHAEL A. SAPORITO, D.D. ..
The Parish family of the Church and School of Saint James, Basking Ridge proudly congratulates and welcomes Bishop Michael A. Saporito, D.D.
S29 OUR DIOCESE
A JOYFUL
& PRAYERFUL
WELCOME
Bishop Michael A. Saporito May the Lord grant you wisdom in your leadership, courage in your witness and joy in your vocation. May we, the faithful of St Bartholomew Church and School, be inspired by your presence among us to deepen our faith. “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep.” John 10:11
Ad Multos Annos!
OCTOBER 29, 2026
ST. BARTHOLOMEW CHURCH & SCHOOL
470 Ryders Lane, East Brunswick NJ 08816 732-257-7722 • stbartseb.org 732-254-7105 • school.stbartseb.com
THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT
WE ASK GOD TO BLESS YOU ABUNDANTLY IN THE YEARS AHEAD.
OCTOBER 29, 2026
THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT
OUR DIOCESE
S30
S31 OUR DIOCESE
CONGRATULATIONS
Bishop Michael Saporito on your appointment as
Bishop of the Diocese of Metuchen
With prayers and best wishes,
OCTOBER 29, 2026
Father Stephen Fichter and the Parishioners of Saint Elizabeth Church Wyckoff, New Jersey
THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT
May God bless you abundantly and guide you as you begin this new chapter of ministry serving the faithful of Hunterdon, Middlesex, Somerset, and Warren Counties.
S32 OUR DIOCESE
SAINT JOSEPH HIGH SCHOOL
WELCOMES The Most Rev. Michael A. Saporito, D.D. SIXTH BISHOP OF THE DIOCESE OF METUCHEN
OCTOBER 29, 2026
THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT
We look forward to welcoming you to Saint Joe’s and celebrating Mass together as a community of faith.
S33 OUR DIOCESE
ST. MATTHIAS PARISH & SCHOOL
joyfully welcomes and congratulates as the new shepherd of our Diocese stmatthias.net
OCTOBER 29, 2026
168 JFK Blvd, Somerset, NJ 08873
THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT
Bishop Michael A. Saporito
OUR DIOCESE
S34
Blazon and Explanation of the
Coat of Arms Blazon
(An official description of the coat of arms in heraldic terminology)
of the Most Reverend Michael A. Saporito, DD VI Bishop of Metuchen
Arms impaled. In the dexter: Quarterly Or and Argent; a cross moline throughout Azure; in dexter chief a flame gules; in sinister base a crown Argent over a letter “M” Azure. (See of Metuchen) In the sinister: Gules, a flaming sword palewise, point in chief, the blade Argent, en-flamed Or, the hilt and pommel Or with a pommel stone Azure, below, in chief to dexter and sinister, two open books Argent, bound Or. (Saporito) Shield ensigned with an episcopal cross Or behind the shield and a bishop’s galero Vert cords and twelve tassels disposed in three rows of one, two and three all Vert. On a scroll below the shield the motto: “Feed My Sheep.”
The motto below the shield is “Feed My Sheep” (John 21:17). The shield is also ensigned with those external ornaments that indicate the bearer is a bishop. The gold (yellow) episcopal cross, not to be confused with a processional cross, is placed vertically behind and extending above and below the shield. In former times archbishops, and later all bishops, had a cross mounted on a staff carried immediately in front of them while in procession or on solemn occasions. This cross was a symbol of their rank as bishop. While such an episcopal cross is no longer used practically it has been retained heraldically. In fact, there are other clerics who make use of the ecclesiastical hat with its many tassels but the one true heraldic emblem of a bishop, and the only essential one, is the episcopal cross placed behind the shield. In Catholic liturgical practice a processional cross is usually a crucifix, with the corpus of Christ upon it. An episcopal cross never contains a corpus.
FEED MY SHEEP
Explanation
The coat of arms of the Diocese of Metuchen is based on both the arms of the Diocese of Trenton, from which it was separated as well as those of St. John Paul II who erected the diocese on November 19,1981. The shield is divided into four quadrants representing the four counties of Middlesex, Somerset, Hunterdon and Warren that comprise the diocesan territory. The gold (yellow) and silver (white) colors are those used on the flag of the Vatican City State. The cross moline is taken from the arms of the Diocese of Trenton. This shape of the cross is often associated with the Order of St. Benedict in heraldry. Its blue color here is the reverse of the Trenton arms (which depict a gold cross on a blue field). In the upper left of the shield there is a red tongue of fire. The word “Metuchen” is derived from the Lenne Lenape Indian word “metachen,” which means, “firewood.” In addition, this symbol is associated with the descent of the Holy Spirit on the apostles at Pentecost. In the lower right we see a blue letter “M” surmounted by a silver crown. This is the monogram for Mary, Our Queen. The diocese is under the patronage of the Queenship of Mary. The “M” also appeared in the arms of His Holiness, Pope John Paul II.
symbolize the Sacred Scriptures in both Testaments and are a reminder of the need for and the work of evangelization in the Church. The Bishop has devoted a part of his priestly ministry to the New Evangelization.
OCTOBER 29, 2026
THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT
FEED MY SHEEP
Above the shield is the ecclesiastical hat, called a galero which, in heraldry, replaces the martial helmet, mantling and crest. “The hat with six pendant tassels (green, purple or black) on each side is universally considered in heraldry as the sign of prelacy. It, therefore, pertains to all who are actually prelates.” (Heim, Bruno B., “Heraldry in the Catholic Church,” 1978, page 114) The galero is green with green cords pendant from it and twelve green tassels arranged in a pyramid shape on either side of the shield. At one time in history bishops and archbishops wore green before adopting the more Roman purple we see today. In heraldry the green hat and tassels was retained for prelates with the rank of bishop according to the Instruction of the Secretariat of State, Ut Sive of March, 1969. FEED MY SHEEP
For his personal arms Bishop Saporito chose symbols reflecting his priestly life and ministry when he assumed a coat of arms upon becoming a bishop in 2020. The red background is borrowed from the coat of arms of the Archdiocese of Newark where the upper third of that shield (called a chief) is colored red. The bishop’s whole life, priesthood and, episcopate up until now had been spent in the service of that Archdiocese.
The central symbol, or charge, is the flaming sword that is used as a symbol of his baptismal patron, St. Michael the Archangel. Michael, reckoned as the commander of the heavenly hosts wields the sword that symbolizes righteousness and God’s justice. The sword, with a silver blade surrounded by golden flames and gold handle has two open books side by side just above it. The pages of the books are blank and silver (white) while the books are bound in gold (yellow). These FEED MY SHEEP
The armorial bearings of Bishop Saporito were originally designed, blazoned and emblazoned by Father Guy Selvester in 2020. They have now been marshaled to those of the Diocese and rendered again by Father Selvester who serves as pastor of St. Mary Star of the Sea in South Amboy in addition to serving as diocesan director of Ecumenical & Interfaith Affairs. • Father Selvester also contributed the Blazon and Explanation of Bishop Saporito’s Coat of Arms.
By James McAvoy, Correspondent When Michael A. Saporito was made an auxiliary bishop of the Archdiocese of Newark in 2020, his personal coat of arms reflected a theme that would recur throughout his ministry, and his episcopal motto drew three words from John’s Gospel: “Feed My Sheep” (Jn 21:17). The words would prove fitting for a ministry focused on evangelization and discipleship. But for those who knew Bishop Saporito long before he was named the Diocese of Metuchen’s sixth bishop, this shepherding emphasis was already familiar. Deacon Asterio Velasco, director of Hispanic Ministry for the Archdiocese of Newark, first came to know Bishop Saporito when he was a pastor and member of the archdiocese’s Evangelization Commission. “Evangelization has been his pas-
sion as a priest,” Deacon Velasco said. “I was always impressed by his enthusiasm and his insistence on finding new ways to accompany his parishioners in deepening their faith.” That emphasis would later be reflected in two major archdiocesan evangelization initiatives. Most recently, Bishop Saporito was tapped to lead We Are His Witnesses, a sweeping pastoral-planning initiative launched in 2025. Inspired by Pope Francis’ Evangelii Gaudium (The Joy of the Gospel) and drawing upon the synodal process, the initiative called for renewed evangelization while exploring questions of longterm sustainability. Cardinal Joseph W. Tobin, C.Ss.R., Archbishop of Newark, entrusted Bishop Saporito with overseeing and coordinating the planning process. “The Cardinal invited everyone to renew the missionary spirit and to
become active participants in the revitalization of our parish communities,” explained Deacon Velasco, who served on the effort’s planning commission. “Such an undertaking requires significant teamwork,” he added. “And here in the Archdiocese of Newark, the person whom everyone considered best suited to coordinate this enormous task was Bishop Michael Saporito. He understands processes, and above all, he understands evangelization – which lies at the heart of this entire effort.” Four years earlier, Bishop Saporito led and inspired the coordinating team behind Vine and Branches, a campaign launched in 2021 to encourage Catholics to return to Mass following pandemic-era restrictions. According to the archdiocese, individual parishes developed a variety of outreach efforts, with a particular emphasis on utilizing digital platforms,
OUR DIOCESE
In Bishop Saporito, Diocese receives shepherd ready to feed his sheep
S35
Ministry and Mission including social media channels. Its goal, Velasco said, was to help Catholics “reconnect with their brothers and sisters in the community, but above all, to reconnect with the Eucharist.” “We needed people with fire in their hearts, as well as creativity,” he said. The two efforts, Deacon Velasco said, share a focus on “the deep revitalization of our parish communities,” beginning with the call to become missionary disciples. “I believe the Catholics of the Diocese of Metuchen can expect a bishop with whom they will very quickly find themselves in harmony,” he remarked. “He is a son of North Jersey, where he grew up, received his formation, and carried out his pastoral ministry. His broad smile precedes him; his enthusiasm and contagious energy will be felt as soon as he is among you. “And, importantly, he will listen to you. I know that from experience.”
The Diocese of Metuchen’s Office of Pontifical Mission Societies welcomes Bishop Michael A. Saporito with gratitude and prayers for God’s many blessings on his ministry. “Once you have surrendered yourself, you make yourself receptive. In receiving from God, you are perfected and completed.” BLESSED FULTON J. SHEEN
Left, missionaries from the Pontifical Mission Societies USA distribute custom sandals to victims of Hansen’s disease, commonly known as leprosy, in a remote leper colony in the Diocese of Kon Tum, central Vietnam, April 7, 2025. Catholics around the world will mark World Mission Sunday Oct. 18, 2026. —OSV News photo/courtesy of the Pontifical Mission Societies USA
OCTOBER 29, 2026
Far left, Father Peter Madeya of the Pontifical Mission Societies in Malawi stands with children from the Phalombe district in the remains of a washed-out roadway on the outskirts of the Archdiocese of Blantyre in southern Malawi Dec. 8, 2023. —OSV News photo/Margaret Murray
THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT
Reverend John G. Hillier, Ph.D, Director • Mila C. Dionisio, Assistant Director • Tess Klint, Administrative Assistant
S36 OUR DIOCESE THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT OCTOBER 29, 2026
With gratitude to Almighty God, St. Mary-Stony Hill Parish welcomes our new Bishop, Bishop Michael A. Saporito D.D. May God abundantly bless your ministry!
S37
The Pastor and Faithful of the Catholic Community of St. Cecilia, Monmouth Junction
OUR DIOCESE
WelcomeBishopSaporito
CHURCH OF THE
IMMACULATE CONCEPTION PA R I S H A N D S C H O O L S
THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT OCTOBER 29, 2026
Msgr. Joseph G. Celano, with the parish clergy and staff, and on behalf of the administration, faculties, and students of Immaculate Conception School and Immaculata High School, joyfully welcome our new shepherd, Bishop Michael A. Saporito, and pledge him our support and prayer as he becomes the sixth Bishop of the Church of Metuchen.
S38 OUR DIOCESE
Welcome
Bishop Saporito! I
t is with profound joy and sincere gratitude that the community of St. John the Evangelist welcomes you, Bishop Saporito. We commit ourselves to walking by your side, ready to join our hearts and efforts with yours in the sacred vocation of tending to the flock entrusted to your care.
With prayers, Fr. Robert Kolakowski, the staff and the parishioners of
St. John the Evangelist 44 Bridge St, Lambertville, NJ 08530
Congratulations and Welcome to our New Bishop,
OCTOBER 29, 2026
THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT
Very Rev. Bishop Michael Saporito From Fr. David, all the parishioners and staff at St. Andrew Church
Avenel, NJ
S39 OUR DIOCESE
Congratulations and welcome
Bishop Michael A. Saporito, our new Shepherd of the Diocese of Metuchen. May your heart and mind be filled with the Holy Spirit and may you be surrounded by His grace, now and always. With love and prayers, The Very Rev. John C. Grimes, Pastor Rev. Tholitho, Parochial Vicar Mrs. Kate Jones, Principal Mrs. Lisa O’Keefe, Director of Religious Education and all the faculty, staff, students, ministries, and entire congregation of St. Ambrose Parish.
THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT OCTOBER 29, 2026
S40
Joyfully Welcomes
OUR DIOCESE
THE PARISH FAMILY OF
St. Mary of Czestochowa Church, BOUND BROOK extends a warm welcome to
Bishop Michael A. Saporito “Be shepherds of God’s flock that is under your care, watching over them—not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be.” 1 Peter 5:2
BISHOP MICHAEL A. SAPORITO
With gratitude to God, the St. Ann Classical Academy community joyfully welcomes Bishop Michael A. Saporito as our new shepherd. We look forward to your leadership and to walking together in faith as we form young hearts and minds for Christ and His Church.
Ad majorem Dei gloriam
ST. MARY OF CZESTOCHOWA CHURCH, 201 Vosseller Ave. Bound Brook, NJ 08805 (732) 356-0358
A Catholic Classical Education for Today, Tomorrow, and Eternity. PRE K - 8
| RARITAN, NJ
| STANNCLASSICAL.ORG
OCTOBER 29, 2026
THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT
We look forward to his leadership, as well as spiritual guidance, and enduring commitment to the faith of our local church and Diocese of Metuchen.
LET US KEEP BISHOP MICHAEL A. SAPORITO IN OUR PRAYERS
Most Rev. Michael Saporito Congratulations and Welcome
as he enters his new ministry and pray for God’s blessings upon him and our diocese during this time of transition.
St. Jude Parish Blairstown
WITH PRAY E RS & B E S T WIS HE S , R E V. DAMIAN B RE E N , F R. E UGUE N IUS Z FAS UGA &
T HE PARIS H C OMMUN IT Y OF C ORPUS C H RIS TI S OUTH RIVE R
S41
Bishop Michael A. Saporito on your appointment as the sixth Bishop of Metuchen.
OUR DIOCESE
With gratitude to God, we congratulate
The parish family of Blessed Sacrament Church
warmly welcomes you and promises our prayers and support as you shepherd the faithful of our Diocese.
BLESSED SACRAMENT CHURCH, MARTINSVILLE
“ For you I am a bishop, with you I am a Christian”
(Saint Augustine)
CONGRATULATIONS
& WELCOME
Our Lady of Peace Parish, North Brunswick
OCTOBER 29, 2026
“May God who has begun this good work in you, bring it to fulfillment”
THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT
Bishop Michael Saporito on your Installation as the Sixth Bishop of Metuchen
S42 OUR DIOCESE
The Parish Family of St. Elizabeth-St. Brigid Reverend John G. Hillier, PhD Reverend James Tucker
Offer their Prayers and
BEST WISHES TO
OCTOBER 29, 2026
THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT
Bishop Michael Saporito May God bless you as you lead the Diocese of Metuchen In a life of service to Christ and His Church.
S43 OUR DIOCESE
Bishop Michael A. Saporito Congratulations and prayerful best wishes on your installation. May the Diocese of Metuchen grow in faith and love through your spiritual guidance.
THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT OCTOBER 29, 2026
CrossCatholic.org
S44 OUR DIOCESE
Welcome Bishop Saporito The priests, deacons, religious sisters and people of Saint John Vianney Church and Parish School pledge you their prayers and support. ‘Stir into flame the gift of God you have’ 2 Timothy 1:6
St. John Vianney Church 420 Inman Avenue, Colonia, NJ Website: parish.sjvianney.com (732) 574-0150
OCTOBER 29, 2026
THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT
The parish family of Sacred Heart Church in South Amboy warmly welcomes you, Bishop Michael A. Saporito, as the Sixth Bishop of the Diocese of Metuchen. We are blessed to receive you as our new shepherd and thank you for answering the call to lead us.
God Bless
S45 OUR DIOCESE
CONGRATULATIONS
The Most Reverend Michael A. Saporito, D.D. 6th Bishop of Metuchen THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT
May God bless you and your ministry as you begin this new chapter of faithful service to the Church of Metuchen! 548 Main Street, Metuchen, NJ, 08840
OCTOBER 29, 2026
Cathedral of St. Francis of Assisi
OCTOBER 29, 2026
THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT
OUR DIOCESE
S46
S47 OUR DIOCESE
St. Thomas the Apostle parish church and school warmly welcome
Bishop Michael Saporito As the Sixth Bishop of the Diocese of Metuchen.
May the Lord bless him in his ministry as our new Shepherd
THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT OCTOBER 29, 2026
S48 OUR DIOCESE
Celebrating our new Shepherd We congratulate Most Reverend Michael A. Saporito, newly appointed Bishop of the Diocese of Metuchen, and warmly welcome him to our community. We look forward to his spiritual guidance as we work together to advance Saint Peter’s Catholic
OCTOBER 29, 2026
THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT
healthcare ministry.
Sponsored by the Roman Catholic Diocese of Metuchen
SPH-261149 Bishop Saporito Ad select 10-8-26 .indd 1
10/8/26 1:52 PM
23 PERSPECTIVES
Getting away – ‘a formula for inner peace, renewal and refreshment’
When I was pursuing a doctorate in theology in Rome, the Superior of the Casa Santa Maria used to tell us residents, “Once a day, out of the house. Once a week, out of the city of Rome, and once a month, out of the region.” I tried to follow this recommendation as often as I possibly could. When it was time to leave the region, I often chose to spend a weekend in Assisi, in the province of Umbria, about a two-hour train ride north of Rome. There was something both refreshing and renewing about the time I spent in Assisi. I often spent the time at the residence of the Sisters of St. Briget of Sweden. They were always kind and welcoming to me. But what I loved about Assisi was its rustic charm. The fieldstone buildings, the
beautiful churches, fresh air and seeing the stars at night. Of course, I always visited the shrines of St. Francis and St. Clare. I enjoyed the solitude of these holy places, as well as the opportunity to put my dissertation on hold while I allowed God to refresh my spirit through good food, prayer and the ambiance of Assisi. In the distance, from the high streets of Assisi, I could see for miles the open and rich farmlands of Umbria. There is a lot of wisdom to the dictum of my Superior in Rome. Often, we can feel like we are in a rut, unable to leave the house because of personal responsibilities. Still, it is not unreasonable to leave the house once a day, if for no other reason than to take a walk, sit outside and take in some
fresh air, gaze on the foliage as it turns its autumnal colors of gold, orange and red. Likewise, it is possible to leave the towns in which we live once a week, to check out an outdoor food market, to hike in a nearby area, to browse in a store at the mall. Finally, the suggestion of leaving the region, that is the most difficult part of the dictum because not all of us have the luxury of just picking up and leaving the county, the state or even our country. But this is where the internet can be of great assistance. Many places have video tours that give us the ability to see with our own eyes the beauty of attractions which await us: Cape May, Longwood Gardens, Liberty Science Center, just to name a few. “Once a day, leave the house. Once a
week, leave the town/city. Once a month, leave the region.” It’s a formula for inner peace, renewal and refreshment. It’s what “respite care” means to those of us who are full-time caregivers. It’s a good way to prevent frustration, depression and burn-out. As we welcome our new shepherd, Bishop Michael Saporito, I hope that he reads this column and makes my former superior’s dictum his own. Father Comandini serves as diocesan coordinator of the Office for Ongoing Faith Formation.
Praying for Others: Everything for each
defenders of the Church and for preachers and for learned men who protect her from attack, we could help as much as possible this Lord of mine.” Priests and seminarians continually write, phone and visit Carmelite monasteries to ask the nuns to pray for them, and they know that their requests will be answered by our prayers. Praying for someone involves more than telling God what that person needs and asking him to provide it. I think that it is an insight from the Holy Spirit that, at least in English, prayer and pray-er are spelled the same way. It highlights a reality about praying that we often overlook: to pray for someone, as I wrote, is not just to tell God about that person. He already knows everything about that person, infinitely more than I know, and he loves that person infinitely more than I do. So why pray for someone? To pray for someone is to make my prayer part of that person’s life. It is to make me, the pray-er, present to him and to make his own all the graces that God gives to me. To love is to share oneself with the other, and to pray is to share oneself and to make oneself a conduit for God’s grace and action to that person. To pray for someone is to be with that person in, with and through God’s grace. Since to pray for priests is part of my Carmelite vocation, that means that I share with them my Carmelite voca-
tion, and the essence of Carmel is living in God’s presence. We are hermits and missionaries, and the Catechism of the Catholic Church says that “the life of the hermit is a silent preaching of the Lord, to whom he has surrendered his life simply because he is everything to him” (#921). The Lord is “everything to us.” This is what Carmel proclaims to the world and to the Church, and this is what we proclaim especially to priests. The beginning of the first letter of St. Peter praises the faith of believers in Jesus: “Although you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and rejoice with an indescribable and glorious joy, for you are receiving the outcome of your faith, the salvation of your souls.” We are members of Christ, and we “believe in him and rejoice with an indescribable and glorious joy” because of that reality. Or do we? I once heard Father Benedict Groeschel say that most priests see Jesus as their employer. How many people rejoice gloriously at the thought of their employer? It is certainly possible to have a good and even excellent relationship with one’s employer. I once worked for someone whom the whole department referred to as “Papa Hoenig”. He and his wife were wonderful, lovely people. But I certainly don’t rejoice with an indescribable and glorious joy at the
remembrance of them. Priests lift Jesus up in their hands at every Mass. They proclaim his words, they teach his truths. They manifest his love and compassion. Do they rejoice with him because he is everything to them, or simply because he is their employer? How can they give the vibrant joy of a living faith to others unless they have it deeply rooted in themselves? Joy is desperately lacking in this world. We need those who can kindle it into a blazing fire. Jesus said, “I have come to cast fire upon the earth. How I wish it were already blazing!” Priests carry that fire in their hands. It must also blaze forth in their hearts. I will continue to pray for priests, but my prayer is that of a Carmelite for whom Jesus must be everything. May he be everything for each and every priest. Sister Gabriela of the Incarnation is a member of the Discalced Carmelites order in Flemington. Learn more at www.flemingtoncarmel.org and visit her web site at: calledtocontemplation.org.
OCTOBER 29, 2026
It is well known in the Church that Carmelite nuns pray for priests. St. Teresa of Jesus wrote, “Since we would all be occupied in prayer for those who are the
—————
THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT
—OSV News photo/Gregory A. Shemitz
Basilica of San Francis of Assisi at sunset under beautiful glowing orange and blue skies, Italy. —Jenifoto/Adobe Stock
24 OUR DIOCESE
Cathedral’s Men on Mission host second annual Men’s Conference By William Kwiatkoski Special Contributor “As the father has sent me so I send you” John 20:21 The St. Francis Cathedral Men on Mission are hosting their second annual Men’s Conference Nov. 7. The conference theme is “The Call.” As Catholic men we are called to serve, to be shining examples of service for our families to emulate. We are called to provide for our family’s physical, emotional and spiritual needs as well as the needs of our community. The conference is an opportunity to discern God’s call in our lives and to gather for spiritual renewal and growth, brotherhood and fellowship as well as practical guidance to live out authentic masculinity, as a Catholic husband, father, and provider. The keynote speaker for the conference is New Jersey native and NFL Hall of Famer Joe Klecko. Best remembered as a New York Jets defensive lineman and member of the “New York Sack Exchange,” Klecko has spent much of
his retirement from the NFL speaking at Catholic men’s conferences, sharing a message of faith, sports and what it takes to be a champion of God. He has appeared on EWTN’s “Life on the Rock” show attesting to the importance of his Catholic faith. “What I give to the Lord, he has returned to me tenfold,” Klecko, who struggled financially after his retirement and leaned heavily on his Catholic faith to save him from a life of crime and bankruptcy, told the Catholic Star Herald in a 2013 interview. Dan Venezia is a former professional baseball player from the Minnesota Twins organization and member of Catholic Athletes for Christ. A pro-life advocate and survivor of two near death experiences, Dan is the author of “Surviving Covid-19,” and sought-after inspirational speaker. A passionate follower of Christ, Dan shares his unique journey of faith speaking to the power of faith, hope, love, and forgiveness. In addition to speaking at retreats and events across the country, Dan has been a featured guest on a number of national and international radio and televi-
sion programs, including EWTN’s “The Journey Home”, CBN’s “700 Club,” and the Fox News Channel. Matt D’Antuono has a BS in physics and PhD in philosophy on the topics of science, beauty and God. A teacher at a private Protestant school, Matt had come to the point where he could no longer deny the truth of the Catholic faith, even if it meant losing his job. Upon telling the school board of his conversion to Catholicism, Matt’s contract was not renewed and he has since taken employment as a physics teacher at a public school. He is passionate about sharing that beautiful truth with others by relating the series of revelations that brought him to conversion and the depth, reasonability, and elegance of the faith he continues to fall in love with. Matt has told his conversion story on EWTN’s “The Journey Home with Marcus Grodi,” and he has appeared on many radio shows. He blogs regularly for the National Catholic Register on topics related to education, philosophy, spirituality, and science. He is the author of seven books, including “Thus Spake
the Christ: 50 Meditations on the Cross of Jesus.” The Men’s Conference will take place on Nov. 7 at Saint Francis Cathedral in Metuchen. Doors open at 8:30 a.m. for registration and breakfast, with the conference beginning at 9:15 a.m. In addition to the three speakers, cathedral rector Father Timothy Christy will share his thoughts on how Catholic men can answer “the call” in their daily lives to better serve God, their families and their communities. Lunch will be provided, and the conference will culminate with Eucharistic Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament and an opportunity for Confession. To register for the conference, scan the QR code or visit www. stfranciscathedral.org. Will Kwiatkoski, a graduate of Saint Joseph High School, is a student at Indiana University and parishioner at the Cathedral of St. Francis of Assisi, Metuchen.
New online courses help Catholics comfort those struggling with mental health
OCTOBER 29, 2026
THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT
By Carol Glatz, Catholic News Service VATICAN CITY (CNS) – A U.S.-based Catholic association dedicated to mental health ministry released two new online resources to help lay Catholics understand the signs of mental health struggles and how to better accompany those seeking help. Sometimes a loved one or acquaintance seems “irritable, emotional or just absent from things they used to love. But you’re not sure what’s wrong. Most of us don’t. We weren’t trained to recognize mental illness,” a trailer for the free video courses said. “We want to help. But we’re afraid of saying the wrong thing, making it worse,” it said, especially by offering the usual platitudes: “Time heals all wounds”; “God has a plan”; and “God never gives us more than we can handle.” Different members of the International Association of Catholic Mental Health Ministers presented the trailer for the courses at Vatican News headquarters Oct. 10, World Mental Health Day. The news conference was part of its international meeting being held in Rome and at the Vatican, dedicated to “A Healing Presence: The Church’s Call to Mental Health Ministry.” The new one-hour-plus video course on “mental health literacy” aims to help
people recognize some of the signs and symptoms of the most common forms of mental illness, such as depression, bipolar disorder, addiction and trauma. The two-hour course on “psychological first aid,” said Deacon Ed Shoener, founder and president of the CMHM global association, is “much like physical first aid, where you can approach someone who may be in trouble or hurting, patch them up, so to speak, help them along, accompany them, and then direct them to professional care.” The courses are not meant to train people how to diagnose problems or to provide clinical treatment or advanced spiritual care, the video said. What they do is merge faith resources with the skills to recognize, speak about and support people showing signs of a mental health struggle or crisis so that everyday Catholics can learn how to be part of a mental health ministry team for their parish –counselor. The video lessons include scenes shot at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish in Chicago with professional local actors recreating scenarios of what to do and not to do. The National Institute of Mental Health estimated that more than 1 in 5 adults in the United States was living with a mental illness in 2022. Women, young people between 18 and 25 years old, and people of two or more races
This is a screenshot from video of Pope Leo XIV’s October 2026 prayer intention dedicated to mental health. St. Dymphna is the patroness of people suffering from mental disorders and of mental health professionals. —OSV News screenshot /Pope’s
Worldwide Prayer Network
or ethnicities were just some segments of the population showing the highest reported incidence of a mental illness according to gender, age or ethnicity. That means, in a parish of just 500 people, there could be well over 100 parishioners that might be struggling, the video said, encouraging Catholics to “look, listen and link” someone to the right resources. Andrea Sarubbi, director of outreach for the association, encouraged parishes, dioceses, media outlets and broadcasters to write info@catholicmhm.org for more information, and to look at its online learning center at learn.catholicmhm. org to create or strengthen a parish mental health ministry team, so that mental health ministry can be an integral part of every Catholic parish and community worldwide. The new videos are at catholicmhm.org/act-videos. Pope Leo XIV’s prayer intention for October 2026 is dedicated to praying
specifically for mental health ministries. He asked that the Church be a “safe space where everyone has a place – a community that accompanies and never excludes, that listens without judging and draws near without fear” and he prayed that God give strength and compassion to all those who provide care. The Pope also underlined the need to ask for forgiveness for every time a Christian looked the other way or contributed to stigmatizing or discriminating against people with mental illnesses. According to the Pope’s Worldwide Prayer Network, which produces and distributes the papal prayer videos, more than 1 billion people worldwide live with a mental disorder, and less than 2% of national health budgets are dedicated to public spending on mental health. The two new video courses can be found at www.catholicmhm.org/act-videos and more information at info@ catholicmhm.org.
OUR DIOCESE
If you plant it, they will come. That is exactly what is happening at St. Bernadette Church in the Parlin section of Old Bridge. Numerous monarch caterpillars have been observed feeding on various milkweed plants located in the church gardens. The butterfly garden is one of these gardens and it has been certified by Monarch Watch as an official Monarch Waystation. It contains an assortment of milkweed as well as nectar sources and shelter to maintain monarchs throughout their annual cycle of reproduction and migration.
25
Faith in F light: St. Bernadette butterfly garden
This year, more than 50 caterpillars at various stages have been counted. Parishioners as well as local community members have also had the privilege of witnessing the process of metamorphosis, the transformation of brilliantly striped caterpillars change into green jewel like chrysalises and emerge as distinctively patterned orange and black butterflies.
—Courtesy photos
Fr. James Hagerman, pastor of St. Bernadette Church, has been very supportive of the butterfly garden and the conservation efforts towards monarchs, and if you are lucky enough you might catch him giving tours of the garden!
ing America estimates that, as of 2024, Catholic Scouting projects had provided an estimated $52 million of aid. The National Conference of Catholic Bishops, in their 1997 document, “Renewing the Vision: A Framework for Catholic Youth Ministry,” explained Catholic youth ministry in this way. If “it takes an entire village to raise a child, then it certainly takes an entire church to journey with young people as they grapple with the Good News and respond in discipleship.” But how can our youth actually support ministry? Some of the many ways include: becoming altar servers, joining
a youth choir, being cantor or lector for Children’s Liturgy of the Word, serving at a soup kitchen or food bank and many more! The Catholic Scouting Committee of the Diocese of Metuchen will be holding a Gathering Day with workshops for Junior, Cadette and Senior girl scouts on Saturday Nov. 21 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at St. Bernard of Clairvaux Parish, 500 Route 22 East, Bridgewater. Separate events are also planned for Daisy and Brownie girl scouts. Girl Scouts, come and join us! For information, contact domgirl scouts@gmail.com
OCTOBER 29, 2026
Catholic Scouting Gather Day invites scouts to grow in faith, leadership and service What activities do you associate with scouting? It might be camping, hiking, badges, cookies, leadership training, service projects, fun. What about Catholic scouting? You might be surprised to learn that there is a Diocesan Catholic Scouting program that encourages scouts to grow in their faith while developing leadership, service skills and having fun. Moreover, Catholic scouting is a form of youth ministry, blending spiritual growth with adventure, community, and character development. Catholic Scout-
THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT
Scouting is Ministry
SNAPSHOT
26
St. Augustine fosters academic excellence in environment of faith, service
OCTOBER 29, 2026
THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT
Whether it is the teachers, classmates or opportunities to learn, grow in faith and support the community, students attending St. Augustine of Canterbury School, Kendall Park, have a lot to look forward to when they arrive each day. “Students are excited to come to school each day because they know they are in a safe environment where people truly care about them,” said principal Edward Modzelewski. “They have teachers who genuinely care not only for their academic success, but for their spiritual and physical growth as well.” While Modzelewski said that there is no such thing as a “typical” day, academic excellence, a supportive environment and a focus on faith are all constants for students there. Each morning begins with the school community gathering for prayer through their closed-circuit television station, the Knights Television Network (KTN), before students hit the books for a day of learning and enrichment. “During the school day, our teachers organically extract excellence from our students to help them be the best person they can be. Our teachers prepare our students to be informed citizens and active participants in society while also striving to be societal role models by helping establish God’s Kingdom here on earth,” he said. “Academic excellence and unwavering faith are not goals at St. Augustine – they are common practice.” The school also supports academic success through initiatives like integrated STEM classes, as well as extracurricular activities like the Teach Team, and the Odyssey of the Mind program. Another common thread in the St. Augustine community is that of serving the community – with clothing drives and collections to support food banks and care centers throughout the academic year. “St. Augustine students understand that they play an integral part in helping the most vulnerable in our community,” said Modzelewski. A new initiative for middle schoolers
—Courtesy photos
By David Karas, Correspondent
this year will be the Knights Leadership Initiative – which will involve students being selected based on their merits to meet for discussions about issues facing the local community and to consider ways they can help. “Our students are looking to continue partnerships with local food banks, Catholic Charities, Elijah’s Promise, and other humanitarian agencies,” he said. “The Knights Leadership Initiative will help our students bring the Gospel message to life by carrying out the merciful works of the Lord.” Service projects – including those that involve students, teachers and families working alongside each other – are one of the highlights for Patricia Pucci, who is the school’s middle school math teacher. “St. Augustine of Canterbury School is a place where students are challenged to achieve academic excellence, nurtured in their Catholic faith, and inspired to live the Gospel values of service, compassion, and respect,” said Pucci, who has been teaching there since 2013. Pucci credits Modzelewski and the parish pastor, Father Bob Lynam, for their leadership and guidance, along with her fellow teachers for their commitment to creating “a welcoming and faith-centered learning environment.” As someone who was inspired to teach at the age of 7 by her own favorite
Catholic school, Pucci feels at home in Catholic education. “It is a privilege to share my Catholic faith with my students,” she said. “Finding new ways to challenge students and make lessons interactive, accessible and fun is very rewarding. I enjoy helping foster the strong sense of community that defines our school.” Modzelewski also shared his praise for the faculty at the Kendall Park school. “They give their all each day for their students and establish relationships of trust. Many of our teachers are veterans of the vocation and have over the years built
strong bonds of collegiality and friendship,” he said. “With mutual supports, the teachers are able to thrive, which in the end creates successful students.” As for the students themselves, common highlights of going to school each day include spending time with peers and their teachers. Fourth grade student Benjamin noted that his teachers “really care about me,” and shared how he enjoys playing with his friends during recess. Lily, who is in the sixth grade this year, said she enjoys after-school events, as well. “I get to hang out and do fun activities with my friends,” she said. “My friends are the best part of school. I get to see them every day and we learn a lot together and have fun.” Modzelewski said that there are many reasons parents consider St. Augustine for their children. “While parents know their children are receiving a quality education, I believe they send their children to St. Augustine because they know that every one of their voices is heard and that they are seen as the children of God,” he said. “Every child is God’s miracle, and we make sure they leave everyday fully understanding what that means.” To learn more, visit https://school. staugustinenj.org.
Student leaders from the National Honor Society at Mount Saint Mary Academy proudly smile with Cara DePeri, school counselor and NHS moderator, who holds their Chapter of Distinction Award. Pictured, left to right, are Uzoma Ononiwu ‘27 (secretary), Angela Grillo ‘27 (tutoring coordinator), Catherine Minervino ‘27 (tutoring coordinator), Cara DePeri, Celia Carnesi-Silberstein ‘27 (service coordinator), Bridget Stempien ‘27 (vice president), and Sara Mangal ‘27 (president). —Courtesy photo NHS has been recognized for several accomplishments made throughout the 2025-2026 academic year. These include: • Hearts in Our Hands Valentine’s Day Project: The NHS, peer ministers, peer facilitators and Student Council assembled Valentine’s Day
cards and heart-shaped lollipops to give to students as a gesture of friendship and belonging. Faculty/staff members received a personalized Valentine’s Day card and a bag of candy as a thank-you for all they do for our school community.
• Girls Helping Girls: A large-scale collection drive focused on supporting girls and women in need by organizing a collection of feminine hygiene products and other personal care necessities to donate to the Starfish Food Pantry in Plainfield. • Teacher Appreciation: NHS members created handmade bookmarks for Mount teachers featuring a personalized message of gratitude and paired each bookmark with a bag of treats. The project gave NHS members an opportunity to recognize the individual impact teachers have on students and to strengthen the relationship between students and faculty. • Anti-Bullying Bracelet Pledge: Each NHS member received an anti-bullying bracelet as a visible reminder of their commitment to stand against bullying and be a positive role model for their peers. Members took a pledge to use their voices and actions to promote kindness, to include others, and to help create a school environment where every student feels respected and valued. • Tutoring
SCHOOLS
Cara DePeri, school counselor and National Honor Society (NHS) moderator, announced that the NHS chapter at Mount Saint Mary Academy in Watchung was awarded the Chapter of Distinction Award for its exemplary record of leadership, service and efforts to improve the school and community. The National Honor Society is supported by its parent organization, the National Principals Association (NPA), which oversees the National Association of Student Councils. DePeri, who noted that this distinction is only given to a few chapters per year, said, “This honor is such a wonderful recognition of all the time, effort, and heart our girls have put into the National Honor Society. It is so exciting to see our chapter being recognized for the impact that they are making. My heart is so full. I am so honored to be able to serve our Mount community in this important role.” Senior Madeline Fretz, a member of the NHS chapter, said, “Receiving this award is such a meaningful recognition of what the NHS students accomplished throughout the year. I had the opportunity to work alongside many of them on different projects, and it was special to see how they came together to support others and make our school community stronger. This award reflects the time, effort, and heart they put into their work, and I’m so proud to have been able to be a part of it and can’t wait to see what our chapter of NHS will continue to do and accomplish.” The Mount Saint Mary Academy
27
Chapter of Distinction Award granted to National Honor Society at Mount Saint Mary Academy
“The NHS Chapter of Distinction Award celebrates chapters that truly embody what the National Honor Society stands for – students who don’t just excel academically but actively strengthen their communities,” said NPA CEO Ronn Nozoe. “The Mount Saint Mary Academy chapter demonstrates how powerful it can be when young leaders channel their talents toward meaningful service and positive change.”
Saint James, Basking Ridge, varsity XC has a huge week THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT —Courtesy photos
defeated every high school freshman team in the field. Middle school teams are permitted to compete in the high school freshman races. Asked why he chose the high school races instead of the middle school race, Coach Matthew Wizeman said, “I just felt that the middle school race was
not going to be competitive enough for the girls, and it would give our boys great exposure to running at the high school level. It is rare to get the opportunity to run against high schools, and I just wanted our kids to know that they can compete at any level. I wasn’t sure that our girls would win outright, but I did
feel that they would represent themselves very well. They won outright and by a substantial amount. This will give them more confidence as we get to the championship portion of the season.” The meet began with the freshman races, with the boys running first in each Continues on page 43
OCTOBER 29, 2026
At the HOKA Manhattan University meet, Van Cortlandt Park, the Bronx, Oct. 10, the nation’s largest and most historic high school meet, the Saint James, Basking Ridge, girls became the first middle school team to win the high school freshman race overall. In a meet that dates to 1973, the Orange Crush girls
By Christina Leslie, Contributing Editor The Diocese of Metuchen was blessed with the opportunity to visit the relics of St. Bernadette Soubirous, a French saint instrumental in discovering the water springs in Lourdes. Our Lady of Lourdes Parish, Milltown, hosted the relics Oct. 9-10, offering faithful a day filled with prayer and devotion. This is the relics’ first U.S. tour since 2022, and the Milltown parish was the only scheduled stop in our diocese. The small church was filled with believers during well-attended morning, noon and evening healing Masses. Knights of Columbus stood prayerful guard at the reliquary, penitents received the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick, the Rosary was recited and priests offered the Sacrament of Reconciliation. Bernadette Soubirous was born in 1844 in Lourdes, France, into a poor family. In 1858, the Blessed Virgin Mary appeared 18 times to Bernadette in Lourdes,
France. Since then, Lourdes has become one of the worldʼs most popular pilgrimage destinations. The apparitions led to the discovery of a water spring, which is associated with physical and spiritual healing. The spring welcomes millions of pilgrims to the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes to drink and bathe in the water. Bernadette spent the rest of her life in prayer and service to others. She joined the Sisters of Charity of Nevers and lived a humble life despite becoming famous for the apparitions. She suffered from poor health for much of her life and died in 1879 at the age of 35. On June 14, 1925, Pope Pius XI proclaimed Bernadette “blessed.” Her body was then transferred to the shrine in Nevers, France, on July 18, 1925. On Dec. 8, 1933, Pope Pius XI canonized St. Bernadette, and her feast day is celebrated on April 16 in the U.S. EWTN News contributed to this article.
Our Lady of Lourdes Parish, Milltown, rejoiced Oct. 9-10 during the visit of relics from St. Bernadette of Soubirous, the only such visit in our Diocese during the national tour. Large congregations worshipped at noon and evening Masses, received the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick and Holy Communion, and knelt beneath the golden reliquary of the young French religious who introduced the world to the healing power of the springs at Lourdes. —Mark Lee photos
28 OCTOBER 29, 2026
THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT
SCHOOLS
Milltown parish singular host of St. Bernadette Soubirous relics
Beyond the Lens “The church was packed for the 7 p.m. Mass, and the Knights of Columbus shared that the noon Mass had also been standing room only. I recognized several familiar faces from parishes throughout
the diocese, all drawn together by their faith and devotion to St. Bernadette. “At one point during Mass, while positioned near the relics, I found myself overwhelmed with emotion. I couldn’t help but think of the suffering carried by so many of the faithful who had come
seeking healing and comfort. St. Bernadette’s life of humility, faith, obedience, and perseverance through suffering made the moment even more profound. “As I photographed the faithful venerating the relics, I found myself praying not for my own needs or those of my
loved ones, but for the people gathered in that church. I’ve always believed that suffering, when embraced with faith, can bring us closer to God. That evening was a beautiful reminder of just how powerful that journey can be.”
—Mark Lee, photographer for The Catholic Spirit
29
WORLD & NATION
Compiled from Our Sunday Visitor
WORLD & NATION
Bishops discuss cohabitation of young couples at Vatican meeting on marriage and family VATICAN CITY (OSV News) – Catholic bishops meeting at the Vatican on Oct. 9 focused on a growing challenge for the Church: the rise of cohabitation and decline in marriage rates among young adults. Opening the day’s discussions, Cardinal Kevin Farrell said fewer people are choosing marriage, both in society and in the Church, while many young adults remain hesitant about lifelong commitments. The session was part of a weeklong gathering marking the 10th anniversary of “Amoris Laetitia.” Auxiliary Bishop Stephen Eustace Victor Fernandes of Bombay urged Church leaders to accompany cohabiting couples with compassion and discernment rather than judgment. He said many young people carry wounds from family breakdown, violence or failed relationships, making them question whether lasting love is possible. He also stressed the need to form young people in the virtues that make a marriage covenant possible, “fidelity, responsibility, chastity, forgiveness, perseverance, generosity and openness to life.” Archbishop Timothy Costelloe of Perth, Australia, said social media, secular culture and widespread experiences of divorce have reshaped attitudes toward marriage. He argued that the Church should highlight positive examples of married life, noting that “the most persuasive argument for Christian marriage is often a married couple living it well.” The bishops will next examine the challenges facing couples in the early years of marriage.
Pope Leo XIV speaks Oct. 7, 2026, as he opens the weeklong Vatican meeting of presidents of bishops’ conferences marking the 10th anniversary of “Amoris Laetitia” (“The Joy of Love.”) The Pope spoke about the pastoral responsibility of the Church to find renewed ways of proclaiming the Gospel, offering sacramental graces and accompanying families today. —OSV News photo/Simone Risoluti, Vatican Media
Irish sister brings front-line missionary perspective to Vatican role Sister Mary Teresa Barron, an Irish missionary nun and superior general of the Missionary Sisters of Our Lady of the Apostles, is pictured in an undated photo. On Oct. 8, 2026, she was appointed to lead the Pontifical Mission Societies and serve as adjunct secretary of the Dicastery for Evangelization. She is the first woman to serve in those roles, which are effective Jan. 4, 2027. — OSV News photo/
courtesy UISG
VATICAN CITY (OSV News) – Sister Mary Teresa Barron, an Irish missionary nun, said her appointment to lead the Pontifical Mission Societies and serve as adjunct secretary of the Dicastery for Evangelization reflects the Church’s emphasis on lived missionary experience. In an Oct. 9 interview with OSV News, the 57-year-old said she questioned whether she had the academic qualifications for the Vatican roles but was told the priority was fostering a missionary spirit. Sister Mary Teresa, superior general of the Missionary Sisters of Our Lady of the Apostles since 2018, will leave that post before beginning her Vatican duties in January. Drawing on 34 years of mission work, including service in Nigeria and Tanzania, she said mission centers on accompanying people rather than making grand gestures. Sister Mary Teresa also welcomed growing roles for women in church leadership, calling her appointment as the first woman to head the Pontifical Mission Societies hopeful progress, while acknowledging change in the Church. Pope Leo XIV’s familiarity with the challenges, hopes, and fears missionaries face, due to his experience as an Augustinian missionary in Peru spanning over two decades, has informed his way of leading the Church, which Sister Mary Teresa noted is “very rooted in the reality of what is going on in the world.”
This month’s featured retreat house
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.
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
THE SHRINE OF ST. JOSEPH 1050 Long Hill Road, Stirling, NJ 07980 908-647-0208 • www.stshrine.org
SAN ALFONSO RETREAT HOUSE 755 Ocean Avenue, Long Branch NJ 07740 732-222-2731 • info@sanalfonsoretreats.org www.sanalfonsoretreats.org
ST. JOSEPH BY THE SEA 400 Route 35 North, S. Mantoloking, NJ 08738 732-892-8494 • sjbsea@comcast.net • sjbsea.org
Retreats, Spiritual Direction, Programs
A Redemptorist Spiritual Center overlooking the Atlantic Ocean offering preached retreats, days of prayer and use of the facility for outside groups.
Day & Overnight Retreats Gift & Book Shop - open daily
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.
161 James Street, Morristown, NJ 07960 973-539-0740 • www.loyola.org VILLA PAULINE RETREAT AND SPIRITUAL CENTER 352 Bernardsville Road, Mendham, NJ 07945 Sister Francis Tran, SCC 973-543-9058 • villapauline@scceast.org sccus.org • Preached/Directed/Guided & Private Retreats, Spiritual Direction, day & weekend programs
ACCOMPANYING ALL WHO SEEK A DEEPER FRIENDSHIP WITH GOD
To join this retreat guide, email mgregory@diometuchen.org
OCTOBER 29, 2026
Lift Up Your Soul at the tranquil 150-acre Fatima Shrine. Host Your Retreat for Youth, Couples, Parish or Vocational Group.
The Loyola Jesuit Center is a very special place that has been used for retreats since 1927. Since then thousands of people have walked through its doors, seeking peace, restoration and God’s presence. Rooted in our Catholic and Jesuit identity, we will fulfill this welcoming mission by: • sponsoring a variety of retreats and days of prayer, offering the experiences of discernment and contemplation at the heart of lgnatian spirituality and the Spiritual Exercises • providing spiritual direction, contemporary programming, and other resources for growing in a personal, mature relationship with God in a place of peace and serenity.
THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT
BLUE ARMY OF OUR LADY OF FATIMA SHRINE 674 Mountain View Road E., Asbury, NJ 08802 908-689-7330 • retreat@bluearmy.com
30 OUR FAITH
SCRIPTURE SEARCH® Gospel for November 1, 2026 Matthew 5:1-12a
Following is a word search based on the Gospel reading for the feast of All Saints, Cycle A: A roadmap for would-be saints. The words can be found in all directions in the puzzle. THE CROWDS IN SPIRIT HEAVEN THE MEEK SATISFIED SEE GOD UTTER
MOUNTAIN THEIRS IS MOURN INHERIT MERCY PEACEMAKERS EVIL
POOR KINGDOM COMFORTED HUNGER HEART CHILDREN GREAT
JOY and GLADNESS M
C
C
H
I
L
D
R
E
N
N
A
M
O
D
G
N
I
K
O
L
K
P
N
E
M
U
K W
L
U
Y
G
E
D
M
T
F
N
N
M
T
T
R
A
E
H
I
H
O
J
B
T
J
H
C
I
M
E
N
E
R
N
E
V
A
E
H
N
E
V
S
C
T
R
A
T
M
I
U
H
H
I
P
R
E
L
Y
A
E
R
N
E
T
L
I
O
D
I
K
E
R
S
G
R
H
R
R
W
E
E
M
R
S
I
E
I
U
O
I
O
R
J
I
G
Y
S
R
T
N
O
T
S
A
T
I
S
F
I
E
D
P
P
M
© 2026 TRI-C-A Publications; tri-c-a-publications.com
Pope’s
November
OCTOBER 29, 2026
THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT
Monthly Prayer Intentions
For The Proper Use Of Wealth Let us pray for the proper use of wealth, that not succumbing to the temptation of selfishness, it may always be at the service of the common good and in solidarity with those who have less.
Senior Care at Home Senior Care at Home is the lower cost alternative to nursing homes or assisted living. Family Care Placement, LLC, provides live-in caregivers allowing them the comfort of their own home. We specialize in placing FILIPINO caregivers. All candidates are fluent in English with excellent References.
For our personalized placement services, call Karen at
908-377-9375
Solemnity of All Saints The Solemnity of All Saints is a celebration of holiness “I saw before me a huge crowd which no one could number from every nation, race, people, and tongue. They stood before the throne and the Lamb, dressed in long white robes and holding palm branches in their hands. They cried out in a loud voice, “Salvation is from our God, who is seated on the throne, and from the Lamb!” (Revelation 7:9-10). We celebrate the feast day of this great crowd of faithful believers this coming Sunday, the Solemnity of All Saints. The Solemnity of All Saints is a formal day of joyful remembrance of all those men and women, known or unknown, famous or forgotten, beloved of nations or simply of families, who now live with the Risen Christ in heavenly glory. Celebrated in Rome as early as the year 610 by Pope Boniface IV, this feast was formalized in the early eighth century by Pope Gregory III when he dedicated an altar in St. Peter’s Basilica “To All the Saints.” The feast was originally set on May 13, so that it would fall within the Easter Season (as a reminder that the saints share in Christ’s own victory over suffering and death), but was eventually transferred to November 1. The Solemnity of All Saints is really a celebration of holiness in the Church. Rooted in our creation in God’s image and likeness, this holiness then becomes a manifestation of God’s love itself in the lives of those believers who, to an outstanding degree, become models of faith, hope, and charity for our world. The lives of the saints, these heroic witnesses to Christ, serve as constant reminders that the Kingdom of God, the Heavenly Jerusalem, is the final destiny and ultimate glory of our lives; by living our faith to its fullest, we can serve as glimpses of this eternal grandeur, as did those who feast we celebrate this Sunday. The Gospel for this holy day is St. Matthew’s presentation of the Beatitudes. The Beatitudes are Jesus’ promulgation of a new ethic for his followers. Not simply keen observations about the nature of human affairs, they are the Lord’s prophetic proclamation of a new value system based upon his own authority. They anticipate the coming fullness of the Kingdom of God, and so are standards of behavior, as well as motives of hope for all those who authentically follow Jesus. The first Beatitude, “Blessed are the poor in spirit …” (Matthew 5:3) reflects the situation of those who know and accept their need of God. Referring not only to the materially poor, but certainly including them, Jesus notes the blessedness of those who place ALL their hope and trust in God. Those who have no one and nothing else to depend upon, often presumed to be the most ill-fated souls in earthly life are, in Jesus’s eyes, particularly fortunate because they have no obstacles to seeing God as their ultimate security. The second Beatitude, “Blessed are they who mourn …” (Matthew 5:4) refers
to those who lament the sinful condition of their lives and their world. Jesus enlivens their hope by assuring them that the current, desperate situation of the world will be overcome, and that their weeping will be comforted in the fullness of God’s Kingdom. Next, Jesus’ statement that “Blessed are the meek … (Matthew 5:5) is an assurance that despite whatever oppression they might face upon the earth, those who truly exemplify God’s law will be counted among the righteous in heaven. Their cries for fairness will be heard and answered. So also, those who “hunger and thirst for righteousness …” (Matthew 5:6) and those “who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake” (Matthew 5:10). Their hope for the ultimate vindication of justice and truth is as certain as Jesus’ own vindication at the Resurrection. Jesus goes so far as to promise, “Blessed are you when they insult you and persecute you and utter every kind of slander against you falsely because of me …” telling such faithful ones to “Rejoice and be glad, for your reward will be great in heaven” (Matthew 5:11-12). Next Jesus reveals, “Blessed are the merciful …” (Matthew 5:7). In seeking to be kind and do good deeds for others, they will not lose place to the self-serving. Rather acts on behalf of the less fortunate will resound loudly throughout the heavens in their favor. Mercy is not weakness but rather divinely empowered strength. Similarly, Jesus promises, “Blessed are the peacemakers …” (Matthew 5:9), for their efforts on behalf of reconciliation in this life will be richly rewarded among the elect of God in the next. Finally, Jesus assures his listeners that “Blessed are the pure of heart …” (Matthew 5:8). Those who do not allow the allures to draw them away from single-minded devotion to the Lord will be generously rewarded. Jesus’ disciples are being reminded that the “one thing” required of them is their steadfast dedication to God. This Gospel text serves as an illustration of the themes and commitment which characterized the lives of all the saints who memory we celebrate. By the way they lived out the message of the Beatitudes, these heroic women and men became exemplars of devotion to the living God. As we celebrate their feast, let us thank them for their witness, even as we thank God for the blessings he has showered upon the church, the world, and each of us through them. Truly, in the goodness of their lives we can better understand our own possibilities for goodness and even more importantly “see what love God has bestowed upon us!” (1 John 3:1). Msgr. John N. Fell serves as diocesan director of Priest Personnel.
ognized with a Silver Beacon Award for Excellence from the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN), a national recognition that honors patient outcomes, nursing excellence, and a healthy work environment.
Saint Peter’s Children’s Hospital expands services with developmental pediatrics specialist Saint Peter’s Children’s Hospital, part of Saint Peter’s Healthcare System, is proud to welcome Saidi Clemente, MD, to its growing team of pediatric specialists. A board-certified developmental pediatrician, Dr. Clemente brings more than 20 years of experience evaluating and treating children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), attention-deficit/ hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and a wide range of neurodevelopmental conditions. She is also board certified in general pediatrics by the American Board of Pediatrics and in neurodevelopmental disabilities by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology. Dr. Clemente has experience with a host of diagnostic tools including the ADOS-2 (Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule, second edition) which is used to assess and diagnose ASD in children and adults. In addition, she has expertise in psychotropic medication management which has been shown to help children and adolescents with behavioral, emotional, or developmental conditions function better in their daily lives. Dr. Clemente is fluent in both English and Spanish, with familiarity in Portuguese, enabling her to serve a broad and diverse patient population. Prior to joining Saint Peter’s, Dr. Clemente served as an attending physician
in Developmental Pediatrics at Goryeb Children’s Hospital at Atlantic Health in Morristown, New Jersey, where she was part of a multidisciplinary team and led medical education for pediatric residents. Before that, Dr. Clemente founded and directed the Developmental Pediatrics Division at Cohen Children’s Hospital at Staten Island University Hospital. Earlier in her career, Dr. Clemente was an attending physician at Newark Beth Israel Medical Center in New Jersey and had served as medical director of the Weill Cornell– New York Hospital Early Intervention Program and an instructor in pediatrics at Weill Cornell Medical School. Dr. Clemente’s “depth of experience in evaluating and treating children with autism, ADHD, and other neurodevelopmental disorders, combined with her passion for medical education and her ability to serve Spanish-speaking families, makes her an invaluable addition to our pediatric program.” said Dr. Siva Prasad Jonna, chair, Department of Pediatrics, and SPCH physician-in-chief. “I am excited to join Saint Peter’s Children’s Hospital and to complement the comprehensive, compassionate care offered to children and their families in this community,” said Dr. Clemente. To schedule an appointment for your child with Dr. Clemente, call 732.339.7045.
OCTOBER 29, 2026
The PICU provides around-theclock care for children with serious illnesses, traumatic injuries, respiratory failure, complex infections, neurological conditions, and those recovering from major surgery. The unit is staffed by a multidisciplinary team of pediatric intensivists, critical care nurses, respiratory therapists, and other specialists trained to care for critically ill children. Saint Peter’s PICU receives more than 500 pediatric patient transports annually from hospitals throughout New Jersey, making it one of the state’s busiest pediatric referral centers. “For families in New Jersey, the expanded PICU means access to sophisticated pediatric critical care services without the need to travel far from home,” said Pam Harmon, nursing director of the Women and Children’s Division at Saint Peter’s University Hospital. “When a child requires intensive care, proximity matters – not only for the patient – but also for parents, siblings, and extended family members who often spend days or weeks supporting their loved one during hospitalization.” Saint Peter’s Children’s Hospital is one of New Jersey’s state-designated acute care children’s hospitals and provides specialized pediatric services beyond neonatal intensive care that includes pediatric emergency medicine, pediatric surgery and pediatric cardiology. The rising incidence of Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) and the COVID-19 epidemic demonstrated the need for increasing pediatric critical care services and the expanded PICU strengthens the hospital’s ability to meet the growing demand for pediatric intensive care services in the region. The unit also builds upon a longstanding culture of clinical excellence. Saint Peter’s PICU continues to be rec-
THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT
With the opening of the newly constructed Hersh Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) at Saint Peter’s Children’s Hospital in New Brunswick, families across New Jersey now have greater access to advanced pediatric critical care close to home. Made possible through the generosity of The Dorothy B. Hersh Foundation and a $10 million appropriation from the state of New Jersey, the expanded PICU provides a modern, family-centered environment designed to support the care of critically ill and injured children. Located within Saint Peter’s Children’s Hospital, the new PICU includes 14 private patient rooms, each designed with additional space to accommodate parents and caregivers who wish to remain at their child’s bedside throughout treatment and recovery. The expanded family areas reflect a growing understanding of the important role loved ones play in the healing process. For parents or guardians navigating a child’s stay in intensive care, having the opportunity to remain at the bedside allows them to stay connected to their child’s care and provide comfort throughout the recovery process. “The new PICU was designed with both patients and families in mind,” said Dr. Siva Jonna, pediatric intensivist, chair of the Department of Pediatrics, and physician-in-chief of Saint Peter’s Children’s Hospital. “By creating larger, more functional patient rooms that incorporate a comfortable space for family members compared to our original PICU, we can provide highly specialized critical care while supporting the emotional needs of children and their loved ones. This environment allows our team to deliver the highest level of pediatric intensive care in a setting that promotes comfort, collaboration, and healing.”
HEALTH
From left to right: Leslie D. Hirsch, FACHE, president and CEO of Saint Peter’s Healthcare System; Chip Donnelly, Harriet Donnelly, and Christopher Reed of The Dorothy B. Hersh Foundation; Very Reverend Jonathan S. Toborowsky, Diocese of Metuchen; and David Samuel, Saint Peter’s Foundation Board of Trustees. —Michael Castronova, Saint Peter’s University Hospital
31
Saint Peter’s Children’s Hospital opens state-of-the-art pediatric intensive care unit
As critically ill children recover, many still require specialized monitoring before they are ready to transition to a general inpatient unit or return home. To meet that need, Saint Peter’s is transforming its former PICU space into a general pediatrics and step-down unit. The unit will care for children whose conditions have stabilized but who continue to require a higher level of observation and support. Pediatric patients recovering from major surgery, serious infections, respiratory illnesses, or traumatic injuries may spend time in this unit as part of their recovery. “The opening of the Hersh Pediatric Intensive Care Unit is an important milestone for Saint Peter’s Children’s Hospital and for the families we serve throughout New Jersey,” said Leslie D. Hirsch, FACHE, president and CEO of Saint Peter’s Healthcare System. “We are deeply grateful to The Dorothy B. Hersh Foundation, as well as the support of New Jersey Assembly Speaker Craig Coughlin, and our legislative delegation of Assemblyman Kevin Egan, Assemblyman Joseph Danielsen and Senator Robert Smith. Their support has enabled us to provide advanced pediatric critical care in a modern environment that prioritizes both clinical excellence and family-centered care, ensuring children can receive the specialized treatment they need close to home.” To learn more about Saint Peter’s Children’s Hospital, visit saintpetershcs. com/childrenshospital.
32 STEPPING FORWARD IN CHARITY
Stepping forward in charity
Nurturing Dignity, Nourishing Lives The story, growth and new chapter of the Phillipsburg Social Service Center
OCTOBER 29, 2026
THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT
By Tiffany Workman Special Contributor Driven by a commitment to practice the works of Mercy, Catholic Charities, Diocese of Metuchen opened a food pantry in 1983 at 309 South Main Street in Phillipsburg. Operating out of a small storefront for $100 a month, a dedicated team of two staff members and 20 volunteers began this essential ministry of feeding the hungry. By 2003, the growing demand for assistance required more space, prompting a move to a larger, rented facility down the road at 372 South Main Street to accommodate the expanding shelves and rising numbers of families seeking help. A new chapter of stability commenced in 2015 when the agency purchased and completely renovated its own building at 387 South Main Street. On July 13, 2026, the Social Service Center reached a milestone when it transitioned into a Full-Choice Pantry. This innovative model honors individual dignity, ensuring the continuation of the Warren Basic Material Needs Program for those they encounter daily. To celebrate this new chapter, the Social Service Center held an Open House on Sept. 25, and it was very well attended by clients and members of the community. People who visited that day were given a tour of the food pantry, and free lunch raffle giveaways. Special guests included Mayor of Phillipsburg Randy Piazza; Chief of Phillipsburg Police James McDonald; Pastor Rev. Stephen Park Choi from Stewartsville Methodist Church; Catholic Charities Chief Operations Officer Marci Booth, and Executive Director of Catholic Charities Julio Coto. ShopRite and NORWESCAP were big contributors in making this event a huge success.
Pictured at top, the Food Pantry. Above left, from left, Chief of Phillipsburg Police James McDonald, Mayor of Phillipsburg Randy Piazza and Sister Michaelita Popovice. Above right, Chief Operations Officer Marci Booth, Sister Michaelita Popovice and Executive Director Julio Coto. — Christian Mejia photos (Chris RE Photography) “The Food Choice pantry is a testament to what we can accomplish when our community, local leaders, staff, and volunteers unite around a shared purpose,” said Coto. He continued, “We are deeply grateful to carry out this essential work in Warren County, nourishing both lives and dignity.” “Catholic Charities, Diocese of Metuchen is proud to be a staple in the community not only food but for support and compassion,” said Brooke Renkens, vice president of Youth Services. She continued, “My hopes for the future of this Social Service Center is to expand in food distribution by creating more time and opportunity for Warren County residents to access this basic need.” “I’ve been a Sister of Mercy for 60 years,” said Sister Michaelita Popovice, who serves as the program director for the Phillipsburg Social Service Center and Warren County Thrift Store. “We not only feed the hungry or give drink to the thirsty, but we comfort people, those who
are grieving,” the Sister of Mercy said. “I feel our most important work we can do is carry out the corporal and spiritual works of mercy. I think that’s how we’re going to be judged of how we treat other people, so I’m happy to be here to be able to carry them out.” At the Choice Pantry, everyone deserves to select their own groceries with dignity. Instead of receiving a pre-packed bag, neighbors get to shop the shelves and choose the specific items, fresh produce, and ingredients that their family loves and knows how to cook. This grocery-style model not only respects personal preferences and dietary needs, but it also reduces food waste by ensuring people only take home what they will actually use. The pantry is more than a place to receive food – it is a welcoming space where neighbors can feel respected, supported, and part of the community. If you are in need of assistance and can benefit from the help of the food pantry and thrift store – services offered
through the Warren Basic Material Needs Program – please call the staff at 908859-5447. If you would like to make a donation, please visit 383 South Main St., Phillipsburg, where donations of usable and functional articles are graciously accepted during regular store hours. To help keep the food pantry shelves stocked and continue serving the community, please consider making a monetary or food donation. They are also looking for volunteers. Those interested may call 908859-5447. For more information about Catholic Charities Diocese of Metuchen, please visit ccdom.org. LIKE & Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and X @ccdom1 to stay updated on upcoming events and ways we help clients get the services and assistance they need. Tiffany Workman serves as diocesan communications specialist in the Office of Communications and Public Relations.
Kevin was a member of the Hunterdon County Fire Chiefs Association, a founding member of the FAST Team in Hunterdon County, and a founding member of the North Hunterdon Fire Alliance (Squad 51). He also served as Secretary for the New Jersey State Firemen’s Relief Association. In addition to his service in Lebanon, Kevin was a proud member of the Sea Bright Fire Rescue, serving alongside his father, Lex, who remains its oldest living member. In 2024, Kevin was honored as Grand Marshal of the Lebanon Borough Fourth of July Parade-an acknowledgment of his lasting impact on the community he loved and served so deeply. Outside of his service, Kevin was an avid saltwater fisherman who loved boating with his family and friends. He also enjoyed scuba diving. He was a familiar face at Cryan’s in Annandale, where his favorite seat at the bar will forever feel empty. Kevin loved attending his grandchildren’s sporting events, even if he playfully acted like he didn’t, and cherished time spent talking with family and friends, especially over FaceTime. Above all else, his greatest pride and joy were his daughters and grandchildren. In addition to his loving wife and parents, Kevin is survived by his two beloved daughters: Marlaina Saharic-Harding and her husband, Tucker, of Lebanon, and Ali Garrabrant and her husband, Co-
rey, of Lebanon. He is also survived by his five cherished grandchildren: Blake Alexander, Matthew Kevin, Owen Joseph, Hazel Scarlett, and Carter Vincent, as well as Brooke Richards of Clinton Township, who was like a granddaughter to him. He is further survived by his siblings: his twin sister, Lisa Saharic of Lebanon; Mark Saharic and his wife, Margie, of Lebanon; Michael Saharic of Hampton, NJ; and John Saharic and his wife, Lisa, of Lebanon; along with many nieces, nephews, and great-nieces and nephews who loved him dearly and looked up to him. A funeral service was held at the Lebanon Fire House, 88 Main Street, Lebanon, May 9, with interment following at Union Cemetery in Lebanon. In a May 6 Instagram post, members of the Clinton Township Police Department joined the first responder community in extending condolences to the family, friends, and colleagues of Kevin, saying, “Former Chief Saharic was a beloved fixture in the Lebanon Borough Fire Department – a dedicated leader, a friend, and a mentor to so many. His presence and guidance left a lasting impact on all who had the honor of knowing and working with him. He will be deeply missed by our entire first responder family. Rest easy, Chief. Your watch is over.”
OCTOBER 29, 2026
Kevin James Saharic, age 62, of Lebanon Borough, passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday, May 5, 2026. He was brother to Father Michael C. Saharic, pastor, St. Ann Parish, Hampton. Kevin was born Jan.16, 1964, in Red Bank, to Alexander “Lex” and Hazel (Minaldi) Saharic. He spent his early childhood in Sea Bright before moving to Lebanon in 1974 while in the third grade. He graduated from North Hunterdon High School in 1982 and remained a lifelong resident of Lebanon Borough. Kevin was the beloved husband of Michele Kimberly Saharic. High school sweethearts, they married in 1985 and recently celebrated 40 years of marriage – a testament to their deep love and lifelong partnership. Kevin dedicated 44 years of his career to Tamke Tree Experts in Bernardsville as Fleet and Property Manager. His work ethic, loyalty, and commitment were unmatched. A man defined by service, Kevin devoted his life to fire and rescue. He joined the Lebanon Fire Company in 1980 and served with distinction for decades, including 23 years as Chief. At the time of his passing, he was serving as Captain and Public Safety Director for the Borough of Lebanon. Throughout his service, Kevin received numerous honors, including the Medal of Valor for rescuing both a downed firefighter and a civilian during a fire.
THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT
Kevin Saharic, 62, brother of St. Ann Parish pastor
curricular activities. She served in every position on the St. Francis School PTA, from secretary to president, organizing and supporting numerous activities and fundraisers, including fashion shows, bingo, soup dinners, cookie swaps, and many other events. She also took great pride in decorating the church for special occasions, particularly at Christmas. Grace was equally dedicated to Girl Scouting and Boy Scouting. She took special joy in her 22 years of volunteer service with Catholic Scouting and received numerous awards in recognition
she served was a central part of her life.” Above all, Grace cherished her family. She took a special interest in her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, always finding ways to make their visits to her home special, joyful, and memorable. Her warmth, generosity, and devotion to her family will be remembered by all who knew her. A woman of strong faith, Grace was a communicant of St. Francis of Assisi Cathedral in Metuchen. Her faith, commitment to service, and love for her family were central to her life. She will be deeply missed by her family and friends. Grace was predeceased by her beloved husband, Stephen, to whom she was married for nearly 62 years. She is survived by her children, Stephen and his wife, Lynn; Thomas and his wife, Christine; and Kathy Stein and her husband, Mark. She is also survived by her seven grandchildren: Stephen Jurcsek Jr.; Emily Maser and her husband, Kevin; Lauren Vargas and her husband, Sergio; Elizabeth Jurcsek; Thomas Jurcsek Jr.; Mark Stein Jr.; and Maria Stein; and her two great-grandchildren, Kennedy Ann Maser and Caroline Marie Maser. She is also survived by her brother, John Zucker, and his wife, Theresa, as well as many nieces, nephews, and their families. A Mass of Christian Burial was held Sept. 18 at St. Francis of Assisi Cathedral, Metuchen, with entombment following in Resurrection Burial Park, Piscataway.
OBITUARY
Grace Ann Jurcsek (née Zucker), 80, of Edison, passed away peacefully at home on Sunday, September 13, 2026. Born in The Bronx, New York, Grace had been a resident of Edison since 1972. Grace began her working career immediately after graduating from high school, joining Chase Manhattan Bank. She became part of the bank’s newly established centralized typist pool, where she excelled in her role. Her accomplishments were recognized when she was featured in the bank’s 1965 annual report. It was at Chase Manhattan that Grace met the love of her life, Stephen. They married in 1964 and initially settled in Oakwood, Staten Island. As their family grew, they moved to Edison, where they built their home and raised their children. As her children grew, Grace devoted countless hours to their school and extra-
of her dedication and hard work, including the Bronze Pelican Award and the Saint Gerard Emblem. Grace enjoyed many hobbies throughout her life, including gardening, ceramics, crocheting, and embroidery. In 1976, she donated one of her embroideries, depicting St. Francis of Assisi, to the St. Francis School library, where it remains today. Later in life, Grace returned to the workforce as a secretary in the Rutgers Athletic Department. After several years, she felt called to a different kind of service and joined the newly established Diocese of Metuchen. There, she served as housekeeper and cook for Bishop Edward Hughes and, subsequently, Bishop Vincent Breen. She remained in that role until her retirement. In recognition of her dedication to the Diocese and her service to two bishops, she received an Episcopal Commendation from the Diocese of Metuchen in 1997. Grace’s son, Stephen, remembered her time in the Diocese, saying, “My mother’s dedication to her role with the Bishops was a true vocation, not merely a job. She found deep fulfillment in ensuring they were always well-cared for, that their living spaces were always tidy and safe, and that a warm meal was readily available whenever they needed it. Her commitment was profound, driven by a genuine spirit of service and care that extended beyond her daily duties. Her connection to the Diocese and the people
33
Grace Ann Jurcsek, 80, served two bishops, awarded Episcopal Commendation
34 PERSPECTIVES
Different Things to Different People: What, exactly, is music? Roman Catholic Sacred Music is a vast topic. With thousands of years of influence on music itself that comes to us from the most ancient time and peoples, we should first seek to define music. Music means different things to different people, especially in today’s modern world, and yet, as a construct which is both a tangible and intangible art, science, math, philosophy, prayer, worship, etc., we are immediately presented with a demanding provocation. Exactly, what is music? Music may be defined as the right and proper organization of sound, in and through time, to produce, with its intrinsic elements of melody, sometimes harmony, rhythm, form, and timbre (tone color), something which may be considered, objectively and intrinsically, beautiful, which can or may also have subjective appeal to the creator and performer of the music or to the one who listens to it. Music may be categorized in two primary ways, generally speaking: as a Liberal Art and as a Fine Art. The notion of music as a Liberal Art comes to us, primarily, from the ancient Greeks. They considered the study of the science and philosophy of music as being primary to having an understanding of the universe as they knew it. Pythagoras (b. 570 BC), said that music was not only mathematics and harmony, but could also be applied as medicine. Though his work with the Monochord (an instrument with one string stretched over a resonating box, like a one-stringed acoustic guitar), Pythagoras discovered the overtone series, which is how music exists in nature and the universe. One hundred years later, Socrates (b. 470 BC) said that a voice, musically
trained, was a more perfect instrument than any other, because rhythm and harmony find their way into the inward places of the soul. Jumping ahead a few years to Plato (b. 428 BC), Socrates’s great pupil, we get: Music is a moral law. It gives soul to the universe, wings to the mind, flight to the imagination, and charm and gaiety to life and to everything. Aristotle (b.384 BC), Plato’s student, introduces the concept of “catharsis from and with music,” and how music has the power to balance emotional states. St. Paul, our great Apostle, knew that because of the essence and inherent nature of music, sung words would be more readily absorbed internally in the hearts of the faithful than spoken ones. When these sung words come into play, we experience Music as a Fine Art. Music as a Fine Art involves the creation, rendering and performance, and external experience of the music itself, which is generally a shared-experience between performer and audience. Most people who consider themselves musicians fall into the category of practitioners of the Fine Art of Music, stretching back to antiquity. The very first instrument, the human voice, was what the early Hebraic people found to be the best and perfect instrument used in the worship of God, sometimes with the accompaniment of other early instruments, such as the shofar, the psaltery, the lute, etc. But it was the voice that found great favor in the worship practices of the Israelites, especially after the destruction of the 2nd Temple in Jerusalem by the Romans in 70 AD. Early Hebraic music came out of the need and desire to express praise and worship to God in a way that elevated
— Boudewijn Huysmans, CSR, photo/Unsplash
regular speech, with possible origins in nature itself. Bird song gave these early musicians ideas for melodies to which the various psalms might be sung. The psalms were written over a period of about 1000 years, the earliest perhaps being written by Moses himself (Psalm 90) sometime around the 14th-13th centuries BC. The bulk of them were written likely between 1010-930 BC, during the time of David and Solomon. The psalms came to form a hymnal of sorts and were used in Temple and Synagogue
services, as well as for private devotional prayer. It was this music that inspired early Christian musicians to write music for what would eventually come to be known as Gregorian chant and Roman Catholic Sacred Music! Next month – Is it Religious Music, Sacred Music, or Liturgical Music? Christopher Deibert serves as diocesan director of liturgical music and director of sacred music at the Cathedral of St. Francis of Assisi, Metuchen.
OCTOBER 29, 2026
THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT
Barbara Lynam Campor, 70, sister of St. Augustine of Canterbury pastor Barbara (Lynam) Campor of Eastampton passed away on Monday, Sept. 28, at her home, surrounded by her family. She was 70. Born in Mount Holly, the daughter of the late Joseph F. Lynam Sr., and Dorothy Yates Lynam. Barbara attended Sacred Heart School in Mount Holly and graduated from Rancocas Valley Regional High School in 1974. She worked for the Burlington County Sheriff’s Office
for 36 years. Barbara enjoyed bowling with her husband, Michael, for many years. She also enjoyed gardening, taking care of the yard, crafts, and decorating the house with her homemade wreaths. Barbara, the sister of Rev. Canon Robert F. Lynam, pastor, St. Augustine of Canterbury Parish, Kendall Park, is survived by her husband of 46 years, Michael; two daughters Jennifer Campor and Kimberly Campor, her grandson Chase Mullen. The sister of the late Joseph Lynam, Jr., Barbara is survived by brother Gary Lynam, his wife Janet and a sister-in-law Patricia Lynam. Barbara is also survived by many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews. A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated Oct. 1 at Sacred Heart Church, Mount Holly. Rev. Canon Lynam served as celebrant. A private burial took place in
Sacred Heart cemetery following the Mass. In a message to his parishioners, Rev. Canon Lynam, shared “You often hear me say that God does not will anything bad in our lives. However, sometimes things happen that are beyond our control. I believe that this is where the gift of faith comes in: to embrace the cross and to know that we are not alone, that God is with us. … “Several years ago, my sister, Barbara, was diagnosed with dementia/ Alzheimer’s disease. They often call this disease ‘the long goodbye.’ But it is not really a long goodbye for the person who has the disease; it is for the people around them who have to live through the little goodbyes – the moments of slipping in and out of reality and memory. My sister fought the great battle for several years… “I know with confidence that my
sister, whom I anointed with the holy oils of the Church several times and to whom I gave the Apostolic Pardon, was truly embraced by Jesus on September 28. I believe she now shares the joy of heaven with her mother and father, her brother and niece, and the many loved ones who have gone before her. In the presence of the Lord, she has once again returned to the fullness of herself, restored to the person she was before dementia and Alzheimer’s disease, and is now completely herself in the love and peace of God. … “Let us continue to walk this journey of faith together. No matter what happens, whatever cross we are called to bear, let us always remember that we are not alone. Jesus, our Lord and Savior, is with us to help us carry our cross. He gives us the grace to endure it, the strength to bear it, and the grace to conquer it.”
Por Adriana Molina Guillen Corresponsal METUCHEN – La comunidad hispana de la Diócesis de Metuchen celebró el 18 de septiembre la Misa Diocesana de la Hispanidad en la Catedral de San Francisco de Asís. La Eucaristía, ofrecida en honor al patrono de la Catedral, estuvo marcada por la acción de gracias ante el nombramiento del obispo Michael A. Saporito como sexto obispo de Metuchen. El rezo de la Coronilla de la Divina Misericordia, dirigido por el reverendo Gustavo Rodríguez-Pérez, coordinador de Formación Laical Hispana, dispuso el corazón de los fieles para la Eucaristía. Luego, una procesión con advocaciones marianas de 20 países de América y España abrió paso a los cantos de entrada. Cada imagen evocaba una historia y una patria; juntas expresaban una misma confianza filial en María y una misma fe en Jesucristo.
El reverendo Jonathan Toborowsky, administrador diocesano, dio la bienvenida al comenzar la Misa. En la Liturgia de la Palabra, el salmo responsorial proclamó una súplica significativa: “Condúcenos, Señor, por tu camino”. La asamblea la hizo suya con esperanza y gratitud por el pastor que pronto recibirá. En su homilía, el reverendo Raymond Nacarino, natural de Madrid y párroco de Our Lady of Mount Carmel Roman Catholic Church en New Brunswick, contempló las naciones reunidas alrededor del altar. Cada pueblo, señaló, aporta expresiones de fe, cultura, literatura, poesía y danza. Esa diversidad encuentra su centro en Dios, revelado en su Hijo Jesucristo, y en la ternura de María, Madre de Jesús y Madre de la Iglesia. El padre Nacarino recordó que la Diócesis de Metuchen fue consagrada a Jesús por medio de Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe, Patrona de las Américas. Bajo distintas advocaciones, María con-
duce siempre a Cristo y congrega a hijos de lenguas, orígenes y costumbres. La homilía llamó a transmitir la fe y las raíces culturales a las nuevas generaciones. Hablar español con los hijos, enseñarles a rezar y compartir las tradiciones recibidas de padres y abuelos es una tarea admirable y una bendición. La lengua familiar es puente hacia la memoria, el afecto y el encuentro personal con Dios. El padre Nacarino evocó el pasaje donde la madre de los hijos de Zebedeo —Hal Brown photos
HISPANIC MINISTRY
La Misa Diocesana de la Hispanidad reúne en Metuchen la fe y las tradiciones de numerosos pueblos
35
Muchas patrias alrededor de un mismo altar
pide a Jesús puestos de honor para ellos. Cristo responde con una pregunta dirigida a cada discípulo: “¿Pueden beber el cáliz que yo he de beber?” (Mt 20,22). La vida cristiana no evita los desafíos; invita a afrontarlos junto al Señor, con la certeza de que, después de la cruz, resplandece la luz de la Resurrección. Al evocar la tradición que vincula a Santiago con los comienzos de la fe cristiana en España, el padre Nacarino recordó el camino del Evangelio hasta los pueblos hispanos y, desde ellos, a nuevas tierras y generaciones. Ese itinerario incluye viajes, sacrificios y pruebas. Tantas familias en la Catedral mostraron que la fe continúa viva y puede transmitirse como herencia. Al concluir la celebración, el diácono Edgar Chaves, director de la Oficina de Evangelización Hispana y Ministerio Pastoral, dirigió la mirada de la comunidad hacia la gratitud y la esperanza. Recordó con afecto a quienes dejaron una profunda huella pastoral, entre ellos el reverendo Nicolás Noreña y el diácono Noé Cortéz, e invitó a orar por los 14 candidatos hispanos al diaconado y por el surgimiento de nuevas vocaciones sacerdotales en una comunidad que continúa creciendo. La alegría se prolongó con la participación de los grupos de danza de Holy Family Parish, New Brunswick; Most Holy Name of Jesus Parish, Perth Amboy; y St. Magdalen de Pazzi Parish, Flemington. Sus expresiones culturales, nacidas de la fe, se convirtieron en alabanza, encuentro y comunión. La Misa Diocesana de la Hispanidad hizo visible la catolicidad de la Iglesia: una casa abierta a todos los pueblos, donde la diversidad se convierte en comunión alrededor de Cristo. Con María, la comunidad hispana dio gracias a Dios y renovó su disposición a caminar unida, acompañar al nuevo obispo y llevar el Evangelio a las generaciones venideras.
THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT OCTOBER 29, 2026
36 HISPANIC MINISTRY
Con el lema de 2027, la Marcha por la Vida busca defender la verdad y la vida El lema de la Marcha Nacional por la Vida de 2027 es “La verdad es provida”, anunció el 29 de septiembre el Fondo de Educación y Defensa de la Marcha por la Vida (March for Life Education and Defense Fund). Hayden Sledge, jefa de gabinete de la organización March for Life, declaró a los periodistas en una conferencia de prensa que “el terreno es propicio para que defendamos la verdad, para que defendamos la vida”. “Cada mes de enero, personas de diferentes edades, orígenes, credos y experiencias de vida se reúnen en Washington en torno a una verdad compartida: que toda vida humana tiene valor”, afirmó. Durante la segunda administración de Trump, el presidente Donald Trump ha enviado mensajes en video para el acto, mientras que el vice-
presidente JD Vance ha intervenido en persona. Al responder a una pregunta sobre si esperan que funcionarios electos se sumen al evento del 22 de enero, Sledge dijo: “En el pasado, nos ha entusiasmado mucho contar con la presencia del vicepresidente durante los últimos años y, por supuesto, estamos muy contentos por la reciente incorporación a su familia. Pero eso es algo sobre lo que, por supuesto, los mantendremos informados”. El evento de 2027 tendrá lugar en un momento en que el movimiento provida se enfrenta a varios desafíos clave, como preservar la Enmienda Hyde, la reciente aprobación de un nuevo fármaco genérico para el aborto, una política que permite el envío de dicho fármaco por correo y una tasa de abortos en aumento.
Un asistente sostiene un cartel durante la 52.ª Marcha por la Vida anual, celebrada en Washington el 24 de enero de 2025. Católicos y otros integrantes del movimiento provida se congregarán en Washington el 22 de enero de 2027 para la 54.ª Marcha por la Vida anual, bajo el lema “La verdad está a favor de la vida.” —Foto de OSV
El papa León XIV bendice a una pareja de recién casados al término de su audiencia general el 6 de agosto de 2025 en la plaza de San Pedro, en el Vaticano. El papa León compartió consejos con los jóvenes sobre el amor verdadero y auténtico y el matrimonio en el prólogo de un nuevo libro, publicado el 6 de octubre de 2026, de YOUCAT sobre el amor y las relaciones. —Foto de CNS/Vatican Media
El Papa León escribe un nuevo prólogo para el libro YOUCAT sobre el amor CIUDAD DEL VATICANO (OSV News) – El Papa León XIV anima a los jóvenes a no temer el compromiso de por vida, afirmando que el amor auténtico es más que un simple sentimiento intenso. En el prólogo de la nueva edición del libro “YOUCAT: Amor para siempre”, publicado el 6 de octubre, el Papa León escribe que el deseo de un amor profundo, abnegado y duradero es una señal de que los seres humanos “han sido creados para amar”. El Papa afirma que el amor puede llegar al corazón de repente, pero que el amor verdadero requiere una decisión, un camino y una alianza para toda la vida. Las relaciones duraderas dependen de
News/Bob Roller
la confianza mutua y de la disposición a comprometerse “para siempre”, señaló. El libro es un nuevo recurso católico sobre el amor, las relaciones y el matrimonio dirigido especialmente a los jóvenes y a las parejas. Incluye testimonios de jóvenes católicos de más de 30 países y un epílogo del difunto Papa Francisco. El prólogo del Papa León llegó a vísperas de un encuentro en el Vaticano en el que se congregarían obispos católicos del 7 al 14 de octubre y estará enfocado en el matrimonio y la familia, y que marca los 10 años de la exhortación del Papa Francisco “Amoris Laetitia”, o “La alegría del amor”.
OCTOBER 29, 2026
THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT
Thoughtful, Personal Dignified Service Christine A. CuoCo, owner/MAnAger nJ LiC. no. 4538 gregory s. Lester, DireCtor eMeritus
To place your ad in the directory please call Mary at 732-529-7934
16 W. ChurCh St. • JameSburg, NJ 08831
LesterMemorialHome.com 732-521-0020
Family Owned & Operated
10 Wooding Avenue, Edison, NJ 08817 732-572-0076 Robert Fox, Manager, NJ License No. 4371 BoylanFH.com
Costello - Runyon Funeral Homes 568 Middlesex Ave. (Rt 27)
1225 Green St.
METUCHEN
ISELIN
(732) 548-0149
(732) 283-0075
Joseph V. Costello III - Manager NJ Lic. No.3670
www.costello-runyon.com
Family owned and operated since 1900 Four generations of caring www.flynnfuneral.com Flynn and Son/Mitruska Funeral Home 23 Ford Ave., Edison-Fords, NJ 08863 Brendan J. Flynn, Jr., Mgr. - NJ Lic. # 4105 (732) 826-0358
Serving your community for 90 years Prearrangement price guaranteed Raymond J. & Thomas E. Sheenan, CFSP Founder
Owner/Manager NJ Lic No 2592
www.SheenanFH.com
(732) 968-4227
Flynn and Son/Koyen Funeral Home Flynn and Son Funeral Homes 319 Amboy Ave., Metuchen, NJ 08840 420-424 East Ave., Perth Amboy, NJ 08861 Brendan J. Flynn, Jr., Mgr. - NJ Lic. # 4105 James J. Flynn IV, Mgr. - NJ Lic. # 4152 (732) 548-2134 (732) 826-0358
Thomas J. DeMarco, Manager, N.J. LIC. NO. 4651 Peter S. Winther, Director, N.J. LIC. NO. 4763 Jennifer L. Burry, Director, N.J. LIC. NO. 5172
M. DAVID
FUNERAL HOME, INC.
Family Owned and Operated 205 Rhode Hall Road, Monroe Twp., NJ 08831 infodemarcofh@gmail.com demarcofuneralhome.com 732-521-0555
SPORTS
—Hal Brown photos
37
During a home meet against Old Bridge on Sept. 24: Pictured at left, St. Thomas Aquinas senior Vanessa Barreros performs on the bars. Below, St. Thomas Aquinas junior Olivia Harkins performs in the floor exercise. Bottom, St. Thomas Aquinas sophomore Alexa Cerchio, left, celebrates with coach Brant Lutska after a first-place bars performance.
St. Thomas Aquinas enjoys long run as premier gymnastics program By Greg Johnson, Correspondent
nior Olivia Harkins and freshman Teddie Pardo. Only five gymnasts are permitted to compete in each event (all around, vault, beam, bars, floor exercise), so not everyone on the team participates at every competition. “We try to spread it around so that everybody is part of the team, and that everyone realizes that their efforts helped to get the team to the winning stages,” Lutska said. When prospective students visit St. Thomas Aquinas with the intention of competing in gymnastics, Lutska is transparent and honest about molding the girls into well-rounded student-athletes. “I want to make sure that their experience is very positive for them, so before they even sign the papers to come here, we talk about what the school can offer you,” Lutska said. “We talk about where you can go from here once you graduate, and we actually talk about scholarship opportunities, because we’ve had several kids go on and compete at the collegiate level.”
OCTOBER 29, 2026
that helped me, and I feel like my goal now is to help younger athletes and help them to be successful. To me, that’s the best gift we can give to any sport is to give back and help build stronger communities.” St. Thomas Aqunias has won 33 consecutive dual meets since Oct. 18, 2021 – meaning no one on the current team has experienced a loss outside of bigger competitions. Assuming they advance past the Section B championships at their home gym on Nov. 7, the Trojans will be a strong contender to win their second straight state championship on Nov. 12 at Brick Memorial High School. The individual championships are two days later at the same gym. Among St. Thomas Aquinas’ top gymnasts are senior Vanessa Barreros (whose twin sister, Annalia, is also on the team), sophomore Alexa Cerchio, junior Quinlan Kulakis and junior Olivia Nigro. Other members of the team include freshman Ashley Esposito, junior Emily Esposito, freshman Elena Fryczynski, ju-
THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT
When Brant Lutska became the coach of the St. Thomas Aquinas, Edison, gymnastics program in 2001, his purpose extended far beyond winning competitions. “What I really wanted was to develop strong, independent women that could be successful in the real world,” Lutska says 25 years later. “Through gymnastics, I wanted to teach them to be strong and positive.” With that has come a steady supply of winning at the highest level, which he considers to be the icing on the cake. In Lutska’s long run at the helm, St. Thomas Aquinas has captured eight state championships, 13 sectional championships, 23 GMC championships and 23 division championships. The school has 11 state championships overall, which are the most in New Jersey history. While he initially expected to coach the team for only one season, Lutska enjoyed that first year so much that he told the athletic director he would return for another. And here he is a quarter century later, helping countless girls go on to compete collegiately and have successful lives. “I have fallen in love with these kids. They’re truly wonderful human beings, and they really are hard workers, and they want the best for themselves and for
their teammates,” Lutska said. “That’s something else that I push a lot is that you need to support each other, because that’s half the battle. If we can support each other, and we can truly bond as a team, then winning is easy. But you all have to be together.” Being in the proper mental state of mind is crucial in a sport like gymnastics, where all eyes are on you during individual performances and the difference between winning and losing can come down to a fraction of a point from the judges. Lutska focuses with his student-athletes on visualization and positive affirmations with believing in yourself and your teammates. They are also passionate about skills training to separate themselves from other schools. “I think we take our practices very seriously,” Lutska said. “We look at mistakes that we’ve made, and we come back and work on those. That’s what we do the most to figure out if there’s ways to improve.” Lutska is a native of Monessen, Pennsylvania, where he developed a passion for the sport at BG Gymnastics. He has also judged gymnastics for 42 years with USA Gymnastics and the NCAA, and he is the New Jersey state administrative chairman for USA Gymnastics. “I have a plethora of knowledge, but it’s about paying it forward,” Lutska said. “When I was an athlete, there were people
38 SPORTS
Jason Bradley steers Mount Saint Mary soccer to strong start in first season as coach
OCTOBER 29, 2026
THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT
By Greg Johnson, Correspondent A coaching change – especially right before the season starts – can be challenging for the athletes on a high school sports team. But for the Mount Saint Mary Academy, Watchung, soccer team, it was about as seamless as possible under the new leadership of Jason Bradley. “He was just really nice and really easy to talk to, and I really like his coaching,” senior Lexi Baglien said. “It worked really well with the team, and it was just a very good, smooth transition.” So smooth, in fact, that the Lions had a 9-0 record as of Oct. 5 – their best start to a season in at least two decades. That might seem surprising when you consider that the team won 11 games total last season, and this is Bradley’s first time as a high school head coach. But when you dig deeper into his resume, he was the right person at the right time for Mount Saint Mary. Prior to being hired in August, Bradley had various stints coaching at Princeton Soccer Academy, United Soccer Academy, The Fields Sports Complex, and P.S. DuPont Middle School in Delaware. He also currently coaches at FC Copa Academy, so he is experienced with developing kids of all ages. And he has specialized in coaching girls for about three years. “Most of the girls have been playing for a while, but I feel like everybody on my team could definitely benefit from some of the skills that he is teaching us, because it’s very helpful,” said Baglien, a Scotch Plains native who has played travel soccer since the second grade. Bradley is appreciative of the Mount community for making him feel welcome in such a short period of time. “The girls are fantastic,” said Bradley, a former soccer star at Somerville High School. “I think I definitely lucked
out getting a good core group of girls and having a nice mixture of upperclassmen and some already existing younger players and then adding a good group of freshmen along the way.” Standouts include Baglien (13 goals, six assists), sophomore Madison Uzunis (13 goals, one assist) and sophomore Ashley Post (nine goals, one assist). Senior Kimberly Logan (two goals, seven assists), junior Hailey Scotillo (two goals, six assists) and freshman Nora Harrison (three goals, five assists) have shined as play-makers. Senior Serafina Purpora has been an excellent goalie for four seasons with 329 saves and counting. Mt. St. Mary scored 49 goals while conceding only three through the first nine games. “This coach, he’s a lot better when it comes to the drills because he focuses on what we didn’t do and needed to work on better in the game, and then he puts that into the drills,” Baglien said. “I think that’s part of the reason we’ve gotten so much better as a team. If we need to work on crossing, the next day we’ll work on crossing in practices. And it’s honestly impressive to see the difference in how much the drills help for our team.” While Mount Saint Mary leaned heavily on a dominant striker last season, this season has been more about moving the ball around as a team. Bradley believes in controlling possessions while also playing fast paced. “I like to control the ball, but not for the sake of controlling it,” Bradley said. “I’m looking to have the girls be proactive and on the front foot, and be
the aggressors in the game, and imposing their will on the game is how I like to put it. But we are very much an active, aggressive, and defensive-minded team.” While it’s an intense approach, Bradley also wanted to establish a fun environment when he got to the Mount. He knows this is the end of the line for many of the girls, who won’t play soccer anymore after high school, so soaking in the experience is important. “I want them to enjoy themselves as much as it is going to be something that’s going to teach them life lessons and help them become better physically, and then also working with the group,” Bradley said. “I want it to be fun, I want it to be informative, I want it to be hard, because life is going to be hard. And if they go on to play at the next level, that is also going to be hard, and it’s going to demand a lot from them.” Baglien is optimistic about the team’s present and future while playing alongside impressive young talent. She
Top, Mount Saint Mary coach Jason Bradley, center left, poses with sophomore Ashley Post, left, sophomore Madison Uzunis, center right, and senior Lexi Baglien. Right, Mount Saint Mary senior Serafina Purpora saves a shot during a home game against Bound Brook on Sept. 22. Below, Mount Saint Mary senior Lexi Baglien lines up a shot during that same competition.
noted that Post plays with “amazing positioning” and Uzunis is “the most aggressive player you’ve ever seen.” “I think the team next year is going to be really good without the seniors, except for the fact that we need a goalie,” Baglien said. “But I think our team is just really good right now, and I’m really looking forward to counties and states, because I think we can definitely go far with the team we have right now.” Bradley has always held his teams to high standards, but he admittedly didn’t quite know what to expect in his first year at the high school level, so the immediate success has been a pleasant surprise. “The girls have done quite well and taken it game to game,” Bradley said. “I think they’re exceeding expectations a little bit, especially since they did graduate quite a few seniors.” —Hal Brown photos
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23 27
28
29
33
24 30
34
41
31 35
42
36
55
50
56
13
38
39
40
65
66
32 37 44
46 49
12
26
43
45
54
25
11
47 51
57
48 52
58
53 59
60
61
62
63
67
68
69
70
71
72
73
74
75
64
www.wordgamesforcatholics.com
DIOCESE OF METUCHEN
ACROSS 1 Wife of the prophet Hosea 6 It was empty Easter morning 10 Fun follower? 14 Covered with water 15 A Rachael Ray favorite 16 Fat-reducing procedure, briefly 17 Some dressings 18 Promontory 19 Not fer 20 Item having exchange value 21 Very, in Versailles 22 At that time 23 Brother of Ham and Japheth 25 Roman Catholic Native American leader 27 Did possess 30 Jesus shared this with his apostles the night before he died 32 Coordinator of parish programs (abbr.) 33 ___ plaisir 35 Migrant farm worker 37 Grandson of Adam 41 Abraham was one 43 Former measure of length 44 Lofty nest 45 Eddy 46 Church divider 48 602, to Nero 49 Great Expectations narrator 51 Emperor of Russia
53 According to I Thessalonians, we will meet the Lord in this (with “the”) 54 Jonah’s destination 58 First murder victim 60 Shortly 61 “Blessed is the fruit of your ___” 63 Mission to remember 67 “Categorical Imperative” philosopher 68 Jesus found Nathanael under one 69 Kingly psalmist 70 Differ ending 71 Cain traveled this direction from Eden 72 Chew the scenery 73 Cervine animal 74 20th letter of the Hebrew alphabet 75 ___ and raves DOWN 1 Biblical site of the temple of Dagon 2 Is indebted 3 Funeral ___ 4 Politician Kefauver 5 Beat 6 Paul’s occupation 7 Above 8 Ancient law man
9 Told what to do 10 Razed 11 Number of Beatitudes 12 Speak extravagantly 13 It’s heavy, in Le Havre 24 US government agency 26 Space 27 Holbein or Arp 28 Acknowledge 29 Glace or tasse starter 31 Pale reddish purple 34 Possible occupation of Jesus 36 Cousin of Mary 38 Killer whale 39 103 in ancient Rome 40 Next in line 42 554, to Nero 47 Science rm. 50 Tin alloy 52 Lector 54 Adam and Eve were afraid because they were this 55 Silly 56 Immediate occasion 57 Greek goddesses of the seasons 59 South American ruminant 62 Untidy condition 64 River in England 65 Baseball glove 66 Lyric poems
OUR DIOCESE
1
39
Crossword Puzzle
Answers can be found on page 43
CATHOLIC CEMETERIES
SPECIAL Up to 30% pre-need discount on mausoleum crypts in the Chapel of the Risen Christ and St. Anthony Mausoleum
840 Cranbury-South River Rd. Jamesburg, NJ 08831
899 E. Lincoln Avenue Piscataway, NJ 08854
732-463-1424
732-463-1424 Expires December 31, 2026
OCTOBER 29, 2026
Resurrection Cemetery
THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT
Holy Cross Cemetery
40 LIVING FAITH
If the Church’s law is silent on holding hands during the ‘Our Father,’ can’t people interpret it as being appropriate?
Q
In a recent column you wrote that it “wasn’t appropriate” to hold hands during the “Our Father” at Mass, because the Church’s law is silent on this point. But couldn’t you read it the opposite way, meaning that since it’s not actually forbidden then it should be allowed? My family has always held hands during the “Our Father” and I don’t see why we should have to give that up.
Estate Planning
□ Last Will and Testament □ Power of Attorney □ Living Will
OCTOBER 29, 2026
THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT
Elder Law
□ Medicaid □ Guardianships □ Social Security
Estate Administration □ Probate □ Asset Distribution □ Taxes
A
You make a reasonable point about the Church’s silence in paragraph 81 of the “General Instruction of the Roman Missal” (GIRM) regarding the posture or gestures of the faithful during the “Our Father.” However, I would say there are a few reasons why silence in the Church’s law isn’t necessarily the same thing as a “blank check” allowing for absolute freedom or creativity. Although many people assume the Catholic Church loves making nit-picky rules, the Church’s law actually works from the standpoint of presuming (for better or worse!) the good faith and common sense of those whom it governs. That is, the Church actually leans more towards under-legislating rather than over-legislating, and often things will only become explicitly prohibited if they are causing serious and widespread problems. To give a fairly ridiculous example, the Church’s law is also completely silent on whether or not a priest can use bad language or swear words during his homily. Yet, this would clearly be a wildly inappropriate and offensive thing to do! Since it is already so obvious to everyone that a priest shouldn’t swear in his homily, there is no need to make a special rule against this. Circling back to your concerns, keep in mind that when I receive questions, I only know the limited information of what the writer chooses to tell me. With the earlier column you referenced,
□ Income Only Trust □ Asset Protection
□ Estate Planning □ Asset Sheltering
A file photo shows worshippers during Mass joining hands during the Our Father at Detroit’s Most Holy Trinity Catholic Church. —OSV News photo/Jim West it seemed to me that it was a situation where the entire parish had a custom of hand-holding during the “Our Father,” and their parish priest was trying to lead them away from this. Often when a whole parish has this practice, there can a common misconception that everyone must hold hands in that parish, or even – for those that might not have had the time or interest to read through the “General Instruction of the Roman Missal” for themselves – that hand-holding during the “Our Father” is what the Church actually requires. If this were what was happening, then the individual parish community would in a sense be creating a new pseudo-law, or essentially adding to the Church’s liturgy on their own initiative which is not licit and is against the very nature of the liturgy as the official prayer of the Church. In such a scenario, the priest would do well to curb this practice. And it should be noted that, as per GIRM 43: “With a view to a uniformity in gestures and bodily postures during one and the same celebration, the faithful should follow the instructions which the Deacon … or the Priest gives.” Admittedly, individuals or families that spontaneously and discreetly hold hands among themselves during the “Our Father”
is a different situation and more of a gray area. It could be reasonably observed that the Church doesn’t forbid this any more than she forbids other personal gestures during the Mass, like crossing one’s arms during the homily or holding a restless toddler during the general intercessions. Still, my own thought is that in the case of the Church’s silence on a point of law, it’s always good to try to “think with the Church” and consider the broader nature and purpose of the situation at hand. While fellowship with our neighbors is praiseworthy, the “task” of praying the “Our Father” at Mass is more about focusing on God and preparing ourselves for holy Communion. So it might be worth prayerfully reflecting on whether holding hands during the “Our Father” furthers this goal, or whether it may potentially distract from it.
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.
St. John Neumann □ Will Contests □ Accounting
Helping families in the Metuchen area for more than 15 years! Free parking in CHASE lot
Handicap Accessible
Call us today for a FREE consultation!
732-548-5400 • www.WolfeOssaLaw.com 475 Main St. 2nd Floor, CHASE Bldg. Metuchen, NJ
(OSV News) – In 1836, when ordinations were paused in his native Bohemia, St. John Neumann (18111860) traveled to America to pursue priestly ministry. Ordained in New York City, Neumann first served parishes around Buffalo, New York. Desiring greater personal conformity to Christ, Neumann entered the Redemptorist religious order in 1840. Neumann was then assigned to Pittsburgh, where he ministered alongside Blessed Francis Xavier Seelos. After a stint in Baltimore as pastor and provincial, Neumann was named fourth bishop of Philadelphia in 1852. There he established the first American diocesan schools’ system, started the Forty Hours Eucharistic devotion, and led his flock amid rampant anti-Catholic and anti-immigration prejudices. Neumann died on Jan. 5, 1860, at age 48, after collapsing on a Philadelphia street. In 1977, he became the first (and to-date, only) canonized American bishop.
St. John Neumann is seen in a painting provided by the Redemptorists.
—OSV News photo/courtesy Redemptorist Archives
Scan the QR Code to see EWTN’s Matthew Bunson discusses the book and Sheen’s legacy.
ARTS & MEDIA
D
iscover the profound spiritual journey of one of the 20th century’s most influential voices. Known as “God’s microphone,” Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen reached millions through his pioneering radio and television programs, such as Life Is Worth Living, captivating audiences with his trademark clarity, wit, and conviction. This commemorative volume, released in honor of his beatification, is an encounter with a shepherd for our time. While he was a celebrated public figure, the true source of his power was a hidden life of prayer centered on his faithful daily Holy Hour before the Blessed Sacrament. In this book, you will explore: • The Life of a Saint: Follow Sheen’s journey from a small-town boy in Illinois to a world-renowned prophetic voice for the modern world. • The Meaning of the Moment: Learn about the path to his beatification, including the miraculous healing of James Fulton Engstrom. • Sheen in His Own Words: Immerse yourself in classic reflections on the Cross, the Eucharist, the Blessed Mother, and the interior life. • A Spiritual Companion: Deepen your own prayer life with guided resources, including instructions for a Holy Hour and the history of the World Mission Rosary. Whether you are rediscovering his timeless wisdom or encountering him for the first time, America’s Apostle invites you to listen for the voice of Christ speaking through one of the Church’s greatest witnesses.
41
T
here is a hunger in you that the world cannot satisfy. You may have tried to fill it with diversion, with noise, with the endless scroll of daily life activities. Yet it remains – that quiet ache for something real, something lasting, something holy. Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen knew that hunger well. He spent more than sixty years assuaging it in the best way: on his knees, in silence, before the Blessed Sacrament, in what he called his daily Holy Hour. From that secluded hour flowed everything – his preaching, his books, his television ministry that reached millions, and his spiritual fire that made him one of the most compelling voices of the twentieth century. Sheen was convinced that the renewal of Holy Mother Church would come not through programs or initiatives but through souls willing simply to remain with Christ. This book is your invitation to do exactly that. Inside, you will find six powerful retreats drawn from the heart of the great evangelizer’s preaching – on the Holy Face of Jesus, Our Lady, the Beatitudes, the Holy Eucharist, the Cross, and Holy Week. Each day offers a reflection, a prayer, a simple practice, and a phrase to carry with you out into the world. These are not tasks to check off; they are doorways that lead to encounters with the living God. Whether you pray alone, with your spouse and family, in a parish group, or during the sacred days of Holy Week, this devotional will meet you where you are and lead you into a deeper embrace with Christ. Also included is a practical guide on how to make a Holy Hour, and a step-by-step Leader’s Reference Guide for group use. Through Archbishop Sheen’s timeless wisdom, you will discover: • How to rest beneath the loving gaze of Christ’s Holy Face – and why that gaze changes everything • Why devotion to Mary is not piety for the faint of heart but a healing encounter with a mother who loves you with fierce tenderness • How the Beatitudes are not impossible ideals but a blueprint for the freedom your soul is craving • How to draw near to our Lord in the Holy Eucharist and experience, perhaps for the first time, the full weight of His mercy • How the Cross – the instrument we instinctively flee – alone holds the secret to forgiveness, surrender, and a love stronger than your worst failure • Why the Resurrection is God’s refusal to give up on you and how it opens a door to beginning again, no matter what lies behind you Sheen liked to say that the saints became saints not through extraordinary deeds but through ordinary deeds done with extraordinary love. That path is open to you. Your suffering has meaning, your heart can be healed, and your daily life, however ordinary it may seem, can become the raw material of holiness. For Archbishop Fulton Sheen, the Holy Hour was never an obligation. It was a love affair – a daily meeting at the Fountain of all grace, where the heart of God speaks quietly to the heart of man. These pages will bring you to that Fountain. Come and drink.
Books of the Month
To purchase a copy of these books, please scan the QR Code or follow this link: https://sophiainstitute.com
New Jersey Chinese Catholic Apostolate New Jersey Chinese Catholic Apostolate
Kenneth “Ken” Genco, SFR, ABR
Office: 908-874-8421, Cell: 908-229-5045 Kgenco48@gmail.com www.kengenco.com Call me anytime for a free market analysis!
NJCCA - Holy Cross Church Cantonese Prayer Meeting
16 Church Square, Harrison, NJ 07029 Every 1st, 3rd, 4th & 5th Sunday 2 pm Chinese Mass
THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT
Thinking about buying or selling? Please keep me in mind.
NJCCA - Our Lady of Mount Virgin Church
To join this Business Directory, email mgregory@diometuchen.org
650 Harris Ave, Middlesex, NJ 08846 New Jersey Chinese Catholic Apostolate Every 2nd Sunday 3:30 pm Chinese Mass
Cantonese Prayer Meeting 2nd Saturday at 3:30 pm Cantonese Prayer Meeting for free rides, Ang7371@gmail.com Call 862-686-1170 njcca.net See all updates on
OCTOBER 29, 2026
10, 20 & 30 yard boxes Residential and commercial dumpster rental stilodisposal.com 908-754-0776
Injustice, solidarity, and violence in ‘The Uprising’ and ‘The Weight’
—Courtesy poster image from Focus Features (left) and Vertical Entertainment (right)
42 ARTS & MEDIA
Movie Reviews
OCTOBER 29, 2026
THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT
By Deacon Steven D. Greydanus All my life, I’ve loved going to the movies partly for the social experience of seeing a movie with an audience. Movies are among the most “catholic” of art forms, and theaters have been called the “church of the masses.” It was strange to go to theaters this week, not once but twice, and to find myself on both occasions the only person in the room, as if that giant screen and I were in my own living room. The theatergoing experience is in decline for a tangled web of reasons. One factor interacting with the decline is eroding social cohesion and shared trust. In these rancorous times, many Americans no longer feel that they and many or most of the people around them share in a common community, a common story, or that the institutions of society and culture represent us all and belong to us all. All of which resonates with at least some of the themes common to the two movies I went to see. Both are historically specific period pieces about worlds in socioeconomic crisis, beset by widespread suspicion of society and its institutions. Both are also, in different ways, tales of community and solidarity, of cooperative action in the face of corrupt power, injustice, and oppression. Of course, the movies love a hero, and each film centers on a man at the heart of the collective action: a capable, resilient figure who proves himself through shrewdness, leadership, endurance, and sacrifice. Padraic McKinley’s “The Weight,” starring Ethan Hawke and Russell Crowe, is an action-adventure yarn set in 1933, in the thick of the Great Depression. Hawke plays Samuel Murphy, a roguish WWI veteran and widower trying to raise a young daughter in a harsh world. When instigation by police leads to wrongful imprisonment, Crowe’s corrupt warden, Clancy, offers Murphy a deal. If he can help successfully transport a trove of gold bricks for their owner to prevent their seizure by the FDR administration under a controversial provision of the Emergency Banking Relief Act, Clancy will arrange an early release in time to reunite Murphy with his daughter before she becomes a ward of the state. Paul Greengrass’s “The Uprising,” starring Andrew Garfield, is a medieval action epic dramatizing the 1381 English
protests often called the Peasants’ Revolt or Wat Tyler’s Rebellion. In the disruptive wake of the Black Death, unpopular socioeconomic realities from an oppressive new poll tax to dissatisfaction with official corruption and the feudal system itself lead to demonstrations, popular uprisings, and violence against the royal government of the boy king Richard II (Woody Norman, “C’mon C’mon”). Jamie Bell (“Snowpiercer”) plays the firebrand priest John Ball, who was historically repeatedly excommunicated for defiance of church authority and for preaching considered to be heretical. (The movie includes the historical Ball’s famous rhyming slogan advocating egalitarianism against the class system: “When Adam delved and Eve span [spun], who was then a gentleman?”) Wat Tyler, a former soldier who commands the forces of the revolt, is played by Cosmo Jarvis (“Persuasion”). Garfield’s character, called only “Ploughman,” is an anonymous everyman who plays an inciting role in local resistance and becomes a leader and witness to the movement that follows. In both stories, economic hardship and injustice is connected to oppressive violence, with girls and women at particular risk and decent men obliged to defend them. Early in “The Uprising” is a scene based on a historical account of a father killing a tax collector for lifting up his daughter’s dress, supposedly to determine if she was of age to be taxed. In the film version, a village-wide tax assessment includes government officials systematically assaulting one young woman after another by groping under their dresses: an outrage to which the Ploughman responds with escalating violence while other local men follow his lead. “The Weight” opens with Murphy and his daughter Penny (Avy Berry) being evicted from their apartment; later, merely inquiring about a room in a
sketchy neighborhood somehow leads to an altercation with overbearing, unidentified plainclothes police, one of whom moves intimidatingly on Penny, prompting Murphy to respond with ill-fated violence. Later, a Native American woman named Anna (Julia Jones) is sexually menaced and assaulted, and Murphy defends her at considerable cost. Neither hero acts alone, and violence alone isn’t enough. Wily intelligence and an ability to unite others in solidarity and guide their shared actions are crucial to both men’s efforts. In fact, it’s Murphy’s brains and leadership skills that commend him to Warden Clancy’s attention. As for the Ploughman, he got lucky in that first incident with spontaneous backup, but at the next confrontation, it turns out that he has planned carefully and coordinated with other men. Each hero forges a close partnership with a capable woman who is neither a mere damsel in distress nor necessarily a love interest. Murphy defends Anna on that one occasion, but she generally holds her own; Murphy tends her wounded back, while she treats his injured hand. Among the company in which the Ploughman takes a leading role is a former nun named Alyce (Thomasin MacKenzie) who has her own deeply personal critique of power and corruption in an ecclesiastical context. Of the two films, “The Uprising” is more directly concerned with questions of justice, human dignity, and solidarity at the heart of the Church’s social doctrine, with the priest Ball as an officially unorthodox voice of at least some orthodox teaching. Yet, as directed by Greengrass (two “Bourne” films; “United 93”), the film also revels in its gruesome, graphic violence. From the first action set piece, which ends with the Ploughman pounding a soldier’s face with his fist until there isn’t much face left, the
film leans into revenge-movie tactics to thrill us with righteous mayhem visited upon wicked villains by noble heroes. It doesn’t help that the Ploughman as a character is a cipher while also being about as indomitable as Jason Bourne– for example, singlehandedly taking down four fully armored knights. The violence in “The Weight” is far more restrained, both cinematically and literally–and, not paradoxically, it feels graver and more consequential. There’s a nocturnal murder illuminated only by flashes of lightning, and a punch in this story can do as much damage to the fist as to the target. Perhaps most remarkably (vague spoiler warning), where “The Uprising” ends with a denouement featuring a final, ostensibly crowd-pleasing confrontation and final acts of retribution, the final confrontation in “The Weight” takes a completely different, more satisfying form, without violence or revenge. “Disarming” is a key word in the thought of Pope Leo XIV. If we are to work to rebuild a new social consensus, a new shared story, there are harmful stories we must reject and dangerous parties we must resist–but in so doing we must have the courage to reject the seductive allure of force, threats, and retribution. “The Uprising” diagnoses real issues, but its prescription is ultimately more a part of the problem than of the solution. If “The Weight” isn’t necessarily part of the problem or the solution, it’s still the movie I’d like to see again–preferably in the company of other viewers. Archdiocese of Newark Deacon Steven D. Greydanus is the creator of Decent Films, for film appreciation and criticism informed by Catholic faith. He was co-host for the Gabriel Award–winning cable TV show “Reel Faith” for New Evangelization Television, has appeared frequently on Catholic radio and written for a number of Catholic outlets.
43
NOV
22
Concert, 2 p.m. St. Francis Cathedral Orchestra performs Pergolesi and Faure. The Cathedral Choir will present Giovanni Battista Pergolesi’s Stabat Mater and Gabriel Faure’s Requiem in a shimmering performance with the SFCO, under the direction of Maestro Christopher M. C. Deibert, conductor. The Stabat Mater was written in 1736 during the final weeks of the composer’s short life and was originally scored for soprano and alto soloists with strings and basso continuo accompaniment. This performance will feature the inclusion of the diocesan Children’s Choir. Faure’s Requiem, which was composed between 1887 and 1890, is the most well-known of his large-scale works for chorus and orchestra. A Meet-the-Artists reception will follow the concert.
SELLING YOUR HOME? 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. Call or text Eugene “George” Pantozzi 908-392-2677.
OUR DIOCESE
Diocesan Events
CHURCH ORGANIST NEEDED St. Mary of Czestochowa Church in Bound Brook, NJ, is seeking an organist for our English Masses on Saturdays at 5 pm and Sundays at 9 am. Please contact Fr. John Stec at 732-857-0542.
AROUND THE DIOCESE NOV
7
Men’s Freedom in Christ Conference, St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish, 9 a.m – 4 p.m., 105 Summer Rd., Three Bridges. Experience the Five Keys of Unbound with Father Giuseppe Siniscalchi, CFR. A day of healing and deliverance designed just for men. Bring your own lunch. A free-will offering will be accepted. DIOCESAN PROGRAMS
COURAGE is a ministry for persons who experience unwanted same-sex attraction. For more information please call 732-562-2476 or email couragecnj@gmail.com. Adoration at Pastoral Center – The faithful are invited to Eucharistic Adoration at the St. John Neumann Pastoral Center, Tuesday mornings 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 Maria Agnese at magnese@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. Volunteers Needed – Catholic Charities Thrift Store and Food Pantry Catholic Charities needs volunteers for their thrift store and food pantry in Phillipsburg. Your time can directly help those in need. Contact Maria Hunter at 732-387-1315 or mhunter@ccdom.org to learn more about how you can contribute.
NJCC to voters: Ask Gov. Sherrill to opt in N.J. for students to access federal tax dollars Continues from page 7
Continues from page 27
Sherlock hiding on a page in this issue?
In September’s issue, Sherlock was on page 29, lower right photo. Sadly, there were no winners for the Sept. Issue. We dug Sherlock out of his hiding place and reminded him the point was for him to eventually be found. Hopefully we will have our five winners for October!
The November issue of The Catholic Spirit • goes to press November 23 • ad space reservation deadline -October 26 • ad artwork deadline - November 2 • late requests considered if space allows PLEASE NOTE: All articles, columns, and contributed stories are edited and revised for clarity and length according to best practices for news writing and adherence to Associated Press and OSV News styles.
Crossword Puzzle Answers: G O M E R T O M B F E S T E V O O L I P O A W A S H Z E S T Y N E S S A G I N A S S E T T R E S T H E N S H E M S E A T T L E M E A L D R E H A D A V E C O K I E E N O C H N O M A D E L L A E R I E R A I L D C I I S W I R L P I P C Z A R A I R A B E L N I N E V E H A N O N W O M B A L A M O K A N T T R E E D A V I D E N C E E A S T E M O T E D E E R R E S H R A N T S www.wordgamesforcatholics.com
OCTOBER 29, 2026
flight. In the second boys’ flight, Saint James Varsity defeated several high school teams despite competing without several of its top athletes. Three of the team’s top seven runners earned medals: John Babic led Saint James with a 25thplace finish overall, while Jack Thiemer and Matthew Krenek also medaled. The history-making performance came in the third flight of the girls’ freshman race, where all five Saint James scorers finished in the top 20. Julia Daus and Livy Battista earned podium positions by finishing second and third, while Bella Milelli placed sixth and Avery Pfistner finished 14th. Fifth grader Teagan Rogers placed 17th, and Charlie Miller also earned a medal. Saint James was also represented in the middle school race, where fifth graders Maverick Heinze, James Malloy and James Battista all earned medals. They were the three fastest finishers below seventh grade.
Did you see
THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT
These federal tax dollars can make educational choices and support more available and affordable for everyday families with K-12 students. But if New Jersey doesn’t participate, those scholarship donations will go to help students in other states, the Action Alert cites. As of publication, 31 states have opted in or committed to the tax credits; four have declined and two have vetoed. Source: https://eftccredit.com/ tools/state-opt-in-tracker. The Action Alert can be accessed at https://www.votervoice.net/NJCC/Campaigns/139845/Respond. Advocacy campaign materials and an overview of FSTC can be found at: https://njcatholic.org/education-taxcredit-spread-the-word. https://njcatholic.org/education-tax-credit-overview. This article first appeared in the Monitor, Diocese of Trenton, and is used with permission.
Saint James, Basking Ridge, varsity XC has a huge week
Be among the first five to contact Mary Gregory at mgregory@diometuchen.org or 732-529-7934 with correct page and receive a $5 Dunkin’ gift card. Include a suggestion for a parish/school/organization story we may use, receive a $10 Dunkin’ gift card. Please provide your name, address and parish. One winner per household per month.
44 OUR DIOCESE
Immaculate Conception Fall Festival/Craft Show Hosted by the Rosary Altar Society
Saturday: November 28th, 9 am to 4 pm 23 Manalapan Road • Spotswood, NJ
OCTOBER 29, 2026
THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT
Quality holiday and handcrafted items Breakfast/Lunch/Snacks available for sale Free admission & parking • Crafters tables still available Contact Jay at 609-409-0199
Conducted by Rev. Alphonse Stephenson
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 29, 2026, 3:30 PM 149 South Plainfield Avenue, South Plainfield, NJ 07080
General Admission: $40
Seniors (62 and older): $35 Students (17 and younger): $25 Buy your tickets today online at: churchofthesacredheart.net Or stop by the Parish Center (200 Randolph Avenue)