WATCHUNG — Hannah Cunniffe, a senior at Mount Saint Mary Academy, placed second overall out of 100 participants at the Mid-Atlantic Regional Oireachtas for Irish dancing held in Philadelphia over the Thanksgiving weekend.
In 1962, America was launching its space race, dealing with the Cuban Missile Crisis, watching the classic “West Side Story” and dancing to Doo-Wop. That same year in Somerset County, a growing Catholic population and a visionary parish community met the goal of expanding Catholic education in the area. Immaculata High School, the county’s first Catholic secondary school, opened.
Our annual celebration of Catholic Schools Week is set to begin on Sunday, January 30. It is with great joy that we join with schools across the nation to acknowledge the many blessings of our Catholic schools. Additionally, we are in the midst of celebrating the 40th anniversary of the Diocese of Metuchen! Indeed, we look to 2022 as a time of hope and gratitude for the many gifts that are given to each of us.
The constitutional right to abortion has never been as fragile as it is heading into 2022. The United States Supreme Court is considering Dobbs vs. Jackson Women’s Health Organization, a case which could potentially weaken or even overturn the 1973 landmark decision in Roe v. Wade, which legalized abortion in our land. A decision is expected sometime in June. Currently, the United States is one of only four countries, including China and North Korea, which allows the abortion of a child at any time during a woman’s pregnancy.
For Susan Feeney, service to the Church and the poor has always been an important part of her life, whether it is as an extraordinary minister of holy communion or catechist or doing pro bono work as a tax attorney with a prominent national law firm.
My dear brothers and sisters in Christ, As we begin a new calendar year, we always make time to recognize our Catholic schools. Unfortunately, again this year we are challenged to celebrate Catholic Schools Week (January 30 – February 5, 2022) in the midst of rising COVID numbers and the disruption that has resulted. But, as always, our schools will rise to the challenge. I was very proud that our schools were able to offer in-person education last year to those families that wanted to have their children in school. In addition, for those families that preferred to have their students remain at home, a very successful virtual learning opportunity existed in every school. It was a great blessing to be able to serve our families, and I am so grateful to the pastors, principals and teachers that made it happen. The students were most cooperative too. Without a doubt, being able to keep our schools open during that challenging time was certainly a blessing.
How we need a little Christmas right this very minute! Many people are saying this Christmas will again be a subdued one. The pandemic continues and rising inflation has come down full force upon our country and, in reality, the entire world. The fears that have stalked us with our military overseas, threats of attacks and terrorism, all contribute to make us a little more somber this year. It also contributes to the weakening of the value and dignity of all human life and hence to life giving celebrations, like Christmas.
In a historical moment, St. James Parish in Basking Ridge, joyfully celebrated the opening of a convent for the Sisters of Christian Charity, who are serving in the parish.
PLAINSBORO — Among the many challenges and disruptions caused by the COVID-19 or coronavirus pandemic have been the celebration of Masses of installation for new pastors to lead parishes in the diocese.
METUCHEN — With a unique blend of military-like precision and faith-filled solidarity, men and women who had sworn to “protect and serve” filled the Cathedral of St. Francis of Assisi Sept. 29 for the diocese’s 19th annual Blue Mass.
SOMERSET — Two groups of men integral to the life of the Church of the diocese — its priests and members of the Knights of Columbus — expressed their mutual admiration and respect Sept. 9 at the annual “Pride in Our Priests” dinner at The Imperia.
Know that you are in my prayers as we begin this synod experience. God has been good to us, and I have no doubt, will continue to be. Thank you for your fidelity to Him and His Church. The process will be guided by our reliance on our friendship with Jesus and the constant teachings of our Church.
People of all faiths are welcome to participate in meetings of the Bereavement Group at Our Lady of Mt. Virgin Parish, Middlesex, Sept. 30, Oct. 7 and Oct. 21. Meetings will be held from 1:30 to 3 p.m. at the Parish Center (formerly Our Lady of Mount Virgin School).
Nearly two years after the last diocesan Blue Mass was celebrated at the Cathedral of St. Francis in Metuchen, hundreds of law enforcement personnel of all faiths will again file into the cathedral, where Bishop James F. Checchio will celebrate the 19th annual Blue Mass at 10:30 a.m. on Sept. 29.
ANNANDALE – Enveloped in soft light and prayerful silence, adorers at Immaculate Conception Church Aug. 13 were led to discover an immutable truth: Jesus’ love and healing serves as the perfect end of a busy week.
PISCATAWAY — Nine days before former Cardinal Theodore E. McCarrick, the first bishop of the Diocese of Metuchen, was initially scheduled to appear in a Massachusetts courtroom to plea to the three counts of sexual assault leveled against him as the result of his alleged crimes dating back to the 1970s, Bishop James F. Checchio received a letter in the mail from StoneBridge Business Partners.
Along with the Labor Day holiday which reminds us of the dignity and purpose of work, September always brings a change in mindset as the summer break and vacations end, and we return to “normal” life. This year, however, life has been anything but normal. There was a major earthquake in Haiti and tragedy reigned in Afghanistan. Hurricane Ida devastated parts of our state, and the ongoing pandemic is still claiming too many lives and even creating challenges for our schools.
PISCATAWAY, N.J. – Sixty-two floors up in the southeast corner of One World Trade Center, where the North Tower once stood in Lower Manhattan, now-Deacon Stephen Kern locked eyes with his administrative assistant, who was kneeling under her desk paralyzed in fear as the building shook around them.
