Bishop wishes all a summer of joy, blessings, reflection and renewal

My dear brothers and sisters in Christ,

What a wonderful time of year the summer is as life winds down and we can take time for reflection and renewal. For many in our diocese, reflection should be easy as the past few months have been filled with many joyful events.

Beginning in May, many of our youth throughout the diocese received First Communion. It was such a special time for each one of them. Indeed, I still remember mine, what a joyful day it was to receive our Lord in the Eucharist for the first time. My family was thrilled and there was always a big family party, too.

Throughout the past few months, many of our young people have also received the Sacrament of Confirmation. It was a blessing to be able to confirm so many and a joy visiting our parishes and interacting with the confirmandi and their families. The confirmandi had extra challenges in preparing for the sacrament, and I am certainly grateful for their perseverance through the COVID 19 pandemic as they prepared to receive the gifts of the Holy Spirit, who, no doubt, will reward them.

On July 7, I presided at my last Confirmation for now but look forward to beginning again in the fall. My gratitude goes to the parents who instilled in their children the faith which led them to Confirmation, a wonderful gift which will assist them throughout their lives. I am so grateful, too, to the teachers in our Catholic Schools and our parish catechetical leaders and teachers in our religious education programs who have prepared our youth for these important sacraments. We literally have an army of catechists passing on their love of Jesus and His Church to our youth. Thank you!

Last month, graduations provided many joyful occasions. I was able to attend our four Catholic high school graduations. The graduates who spoke at commencements remarked on their gratefulness for the opportunity to study in the unique atmosphere our Catholic schools provide. It was uplifting to hear our students speak about what they learned and how they came to know Christ better and had so many opportunities to put the divine law to love our neighbor into effect.

Weddings also brought much joy to many. I was asked to receive the vows of some of our young brothers and sisters entering into Holy Matrimony. And Ordinations, which also took place recently, added to our joy. Four new transitional deacons and one new priest were all ordained for service to our wonderful diocese. A joyous blessing, indeed.

These occasions are always great to remember our own first love as we see it in them. It certainly lifts our spirits and helps us to recommit to our own vows as priests, religious or married couples. Jesus encourages us in so many ways! You will read about Father Jose Lim’s Ordination in this edition of “The Catholic Spirit,” as well as about our priests celebrating milestones. May these stories renew the love within us and help us to strive to share it more fully with those we meet each day.

So, I pray that the summer provides you with time to reflect on all the joy in your life as well as rest and relaxation to enjoy the outdoors. We’re blessed here in New Jersey with so many beautiful locations close by to enjoy. God created and entrusted the world to us and hence we need to make sure we are protecting it for future generations.

We can see the beauty of God all around us, and so we strive to do what we can to make sure it stays that way! Some of our schools and our diocesan pastoral center have now switched to solar energy to contribute to preserving our environment by using renewable energy. We all can do something, even small, within our own homes to conserve energy. The summer reminds us in a unique way of this obligation as we get to enjoy the great outdoors.

Know of my love and prayers for you, and gratitude, too. As we relish the joyful events of these past months, I hope that you get a chance to enjoy the summer with family and friends and get a break from your regular routine! More importantly, I hope you find some time to renew yourself in God’s love this summer, especially through Mass, Eucharistic Adoration and your own personal prayer time. God loves us and wants to refresh and nourish us in a way that only He can, so let’s make time for Him this summer too! God bless you all.

God bless,
 

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