Chalice Program unfolds Eucharist as ‘source and summit of our lives’

Our Diocese of Metuchen schools have been participating in the  Student Family Chalice Program which was initiated by Director of Curriculum and Instruction Sister Mary Louise Shulas. The idea was inspired through the Office of Schools in supporting vocations in the Diocese. At a recent leadership meeting, Father Thomas Lanza spoke about vocations with the school principals and blessed the chalices before each principal was given one for their school.

The beautiful chalices were created and donated by teacher and artist Ray Boswell, who resides in Sugar Loaf, N.Y. For the past 30 years, Mr. Boswell has shared his unique merging of creativity and spirituality with thousands of adults and children. Ray uses his potter’s wheel and clay to impart messages of love and creativity. He is the author of the book, “The Music in the Bread,” where we learn of the limitless joy in creating from our hearts.

Vocations are of paramount importance in the Catholic Church as they represent the callings individuals receive from God to serve in various capacities within the Church. Our school families were encouraged to pray for the seminarians in our Diocese. An awareness by our students and families of the importance of Ordination and how it plays a crucial role in Catholicism by preserving apostolic tradition, shepherding the faithful, mediating God’s presence and bearing witness to the Kingdom of God.

The Student Family Chalice Program is the start of a beautiful tradition aimed at fostering the connection between the school, students and families while deepening their faith and spiritual life. The families welcome the chalice into their homes and pray for vocations to the priesthood, religious life, and their own personal intentions. Families volunteer to take the chalice home and prepare a sacred space in their home for prayer and reflection and the chalice is returned with a personal reflection card as a testimony to the program and the power of prayer.

Sister Mary Louise shared, “I find immense joy in the Chalice Program and how it invites families to take the chalice into their homes and how it symbolizes the precious gift of the Eucharist, the source and summit of our Catholic faith. When a family receives it into their home, they welcome Jesus into their daily lives while praying for vocations.”

The Diocese of Metuchen schools look forward to making this an annual tradition for years to come as they support vocations and as another powerful way in integrating prayer in our daily lives.

Joseph Diskin serves as diocesan assistant superintendent of schools.

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Chalice program testimonies
 

 

“Welcoming the chalice into our home and praying for vocations to the priesthood, religious life and the diaconate was a very good experience. It brought us a sense of being closer to God as a family. I felt a stronger bond and connection as we prayed together and happiness. Thank you. This is a great program. I hope other families participate and benefit as well.”

—Jonathan Cunha and the Cunha family, St. Helena School, Edison

 

“Welcoming the chalice into our home and praying for vocations to the priesthood, religious life and the diaconate was a true blessing for our family. Every night we were able to offer the prayers along with our children. We felt happy having the opportunity to pray for all the members of our parish and others in the world who have devoted their life for the religious community. We also talked and prayed about our commitment to support our own children if they are interested or receive a true calling to pursue a religious vocation.”

—Soosairaj Family, St. Helena School, Edison
 

“During the Lenten season, Immaculata High School was happy to incorporate ‘The Chalice Program’ into our Lenten adoration.  Each week, our students adore the Blessed Sacrament in our school Chapel.  We displayed the chalice as a symbol of the divine gift of priesthood that Christ instituted so that we, as members of his Church, would never be isolated from the gift of Christ’s Body and Blood.  It was a beautiful visual for us to remind our students of the importance of this vocation and the power of prayer in the lives of young Catholics.”   

—Immaculata High School, Somerville