New Parish Catechetical Leaders Shine!

Denise Metzgar
PCL, St. Bernard of Clairvaux, Bridgewater

Denise Metzgar is a long-time catechist, having taught faith formation for 11 years. Prior to that role, Denise served as parish secretary for Blessed Sacrament Church in Martinsville. This year, the parish is planning to engage parent participation by hosting a movie night during class sessions and hold Eucharistic Adoration. She says, “I hope to build excitement for our faith in the hearts of our children through our curriculum and engagement
opportunities. It is a gift to be in service to the Lord and to our community.”

 

Kelly Craigle
PCL, St. Joseph Parish, Hillsborough

Kelly Craigle is a teacher from Montana and new Catholic. Anxious to do something with his new faith he packed his bags and flew across the country to get his master’s degree in theology at St. John’s University, spending two years in Queens for his degree. He saw an ad that St. Joseph’s Parish was hiring and was soon putting everything in his car and driving from Montana to New Jersey. He says, “I am excited to be part of the St. Joseph’s team. The parish here is one of the liveliest I have ever seen, and the people were so kind in welcoming me to the church. As the new director of religious education my goal is to build a program focused on family faith, encouraging both parents and students to be active in their faith and see how Jesus can be present in their lives.”

 

Maggie Marcinko
PCL, St. Frances Cabrini Parish, Piscataway

Maggie Marcinko is a life-long parishioner of St. Frances Cabrini Church, Piscataway, and is now happy to serve as the parish’s new parish catechetical leader. Maggie attended the parish school during most of the grammar school years, and also taught first grade there for a few years. She says, “I have taught religious education on and off for the past 10 years. I am looking forward to working with the children and their families to spread God’s word.”

 

Alice Fogarty
PCL, St. John the Evangelist Parish, Dunellen

Alice Fogarty has served as a catechist for 15 years, first responding to her parish’s request for volunteers and taking on a first-grade class. Over the years, this mother of two sons has taught almost every elementary grade level, and most recently served for a year as PCL in St. Matthew Parish, Edison. Looking forward to her new position, she says, “I was inspired by many teachers, aides and PCLs. Today, our families are growing in their faith as it is passed on to their children. Our mission is to build-up the family and empower parents in their Catholic faith.”