“Feminine genius,” a phrase coined by Pope St. John Paul II in his 1995 Letter to Women, speaks of how women possess God-given gifts – receptivity, sensitivity, generosity and maternity – and describes how women exhibit an “affective, cultural and spiritual motherhood” which has “inestimable value for the development of individuals and the future of society.”
Here we are again at the beginning of another Advent. Now we begin a new Church year and a new cycle of readings from the Lectionary. It seems that the key word in any new year is “cycle” because we advance chronologically toward a new year; however, paradoxically, the Church’s time cannot be measured chronologically. Indeed, the liturgical season of Advent looks backward – in commemorating the birth of Christ; yet, at the same time, Advent points us to the future – not the beginning of 2024 but to the second Coming of Christ. In a certain way, then, we are suspended in time – remembering how God intervened in our salvation history through the sending of his only Son and anticipating this Son’s return in glory.
As a contemplative nun, I rarely leave our property, going out only for business like bank trips and doctor visits. For this reason, I can’t remember when I last got stuck in a traffic jam and sat waiting in place until we could drive on.
“Hearts on fire, feet on the move” was the theme Pope Francis chose for this year’s World Mission Sunday, Oct. 22. By the look of the many schoolchildren marching along Main Street, Metuchen carrying placards of support, the Diocese answered him with a resounding “yes”.
For Father James A. Kyrpczak, who had hoped to serve as pastor of St. Joseph Parish, Washington, the hope became a reality Oct. 15 when Bishop James F. Checchio installed Father Kyrpczak as pastor there for his first pastorate.
When Father Bede Kim received his first assignment as a pastor in the Diocese of Metuchen, he learned he would lead not one but two parishes: St. Edward the Confessor, Milford, and Our Lady of Victories, Baptistown.
“He loved to welcome people to the Cathedral as rector,” said Bishop James F. Checchio as he stood in the Metuchen Diocese’s mother church before the casket of Msgr. Robert J. Zamorski Nov. 3. “He welcomed me, now we are welcoming him.”
Saint Peter’s Healthcare System has launched a virtual urgent care service to provide convenient and accessible healthcare solutions to adults ages 18 and older in New Jersey from the comfort of their home, school, or workplace. Saint Peter’s Virtual Urgent Care allows adults experiencing non-emergency symptoms to be seen by a Saint Peter’s primary care provider through a safe, secure online service.
Father Abraham Orapankal, pastor, Saint Matthias Parish, Somerset, anoints the hands of parishioner Emile Capuno during a special Mass celebrated on Sunday Oct. 22. This anointing was sponsored by the Saint Matthias Vocations Ministry and was extended to all health care workers in the parish and the surrounding area. Approximately 60 health care workers were anointed and then enjoyed a fellowship event after Mass.
On the day devoted to celebrating Catholics who achieved spiritual maturity, Most Reverend Bishop James Checchio celebrated All Saints Day Mass at Saint Joseph High School, Metuchen.
The threat of lightning forced participants in this year’s Cardboard City Sleep Out at St. Joseph High School, Metuchen, from the outdoor basketball courts into the Maglio Gymnasium, but it was the enthusiasm of the more than 250 high school boys that really charged the 12-hour event.
On the eve of Advent, when offered the gift of time for prayer and spiritual preparation in expectation of the birth of Christ, I recall a sentiment about Christmas that I have heard often over the years, in a variety of ways from a variety of people – family, friends and even strangers as they go about their Christmas planning and shopping, and recently found unexpectedly in a book I was reading:
Each year, the Knights of Columbus encourage their various councils to participate in the annual Drive for Individuals with Intellectual Disabilities (DIID) campaign. The DIID campaign supports the Special Olympics and other charitable organizations helping those coping with disabilities. All funds collected go to the named charities with no overhead costs.
Students and families of St. Ambrose School, Old Bridge, and the Home School Association, hosted a food drive with the help of the parish chapter of the St. Vincent de Paul Society. Food and household items were collected and organized into baskets with plans for distribution prior to Thanksgiving to families in need. Students in the school’s S.I.G.N. (Service in God’s Name) program will assist.
On this next to last Sunday of the church year, our first reading comes from the Old Testament Book of Proverbs. The Book of Proverbs attempts to capture the essence of practical wisdom which illumines the experience of everyday living. It portrays the particular genius of a life lived amid the wonder and awe of God’s presence.
Jeanmary Flaherty, 99, mother of long-time Diocese of Metuchen superintendent of schools, Ellen Ayoub, entered into eternal life on Saturday, Oct. 14, at McAuley Hall Health Care in Watchung with loving family by her side.
Sister Margaret (Mary Barnabas) Muller of the Sisters of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary, entered eternal life on Tuesday, Oct. 17, at Cabrini Nursing Home, Dobbs Ferry, N.Y. She was 90 years old.
Catholic Charities, Diocese of Metuchen, has partnered with the Department of Children and Families and First Place For Youth to implement the My First Place Program, which is a nationally recognized model whose mission is to help eligible young adults build the skills they need to make a successful transition to self-sufficiency and responsible adulthood.
Saint Joseph, Metuchen; St. Thomas Aquinas, Edison, and Immaculata, Somerville, earned the right to keep their successful seasons alive when the New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association/Rothman Orthopaedics state high school football tournament Non-Public Group A and B divisions began play Nov. 3-4.
On Saturday, Oct. 14, an enlightening informative talk, titled “Living Our Faith,” took place at the Diocese of Metuchen. This event delved into the mission of the Catholic Relief Services (CRS), the principles of Catholic social teaching, and explored opportunities for the Hispanic community to actively participate.
