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METUCHEN — “God chooses you for this task and that’s something to celebrate,” said Bishop James F. Checchio to the 15 prospective deacons seated before him at the Cathedral of St. Francis of Assisi Feb. 20.

“It’s incredible what you can accomplish in a couple months.” These words from Megan Kibalo, a junior at St. Thomas Aquinas High School, Edison, encapsulate the fervor that pervades the STEM (science, technology, engineering, mathematics) Learning Lab, also known as the Makerspace, as students and faculty prepare for the third annual Maker Faire.

METUCHEN — The robotics program at Saint Joseph High School began in 2005 with a handful of students and has grown into one of the largest organizations on campus, averaging 60 to 70 student participants each year.

So much has changed during the pandemic; then again, so much has not.

NEW BRUNSWICK — Saint Peter’s University Hospital, a member of Saint Peter’s Healthcare System, recently earned the CNOR® Strong designation from the Competency & Credentialing Institute (CCI).

In the classic theological text “A Companion To The Summa,” author W. Farrell explains that there are Americans who hold strange and dangerous theories about the nature of religion. Some teach that religion was born of ignorance, and will disappear with the coming of knowledge. Others hold that “religion is a manifestation of fear, cowardice, and a desire to escape.” Still others look upon “religion as a sop for failure, an excuse for lack of accomplishment and drive, the opiate of the downtrodden keeping them satisfied with the unsatisfying things of life.” Some even belong to religious sects in which religion can be described as an emotional outburst, satisfying the side of human nature that escapes knowledge. Yes, for some Americans today religion is merely a matter of feeling and as varied and independent as the emotions of each individual (Farrell, III, 297).

Nearly 84 percent of adults in the United States are feeling at least one emotion associated with prolonged stress such as anxiety, sadness, and anger, according to the “Stress in America: January 2021 Stress Snapshot” survey conducted by The Harris Poll on behalf of the American Psychological Association.

As we kick off our 2021 Bishop’s Annual Appeal, Bishop James F. Checchio invites all Catholics throughout the Diocese of Metuchen to be Transformed by Christ’s Body and Blood as we are Sent On Mission to Light a Fire in the Heart of the Church.

More than 27,000 young adults, college students, missionaries, parishioners, clergy, religious and others from across the country gathered in small groups Feb. 4-7 to participate in the SEEK21 conference.

EAST BRUNSWICK — The word “hope” is often not the right word at all, said Auxiliary Bishop Elias R. Lorenzo of the Archdiocese of Newark, during an in-person and online presentation at St. Bartholomew Church.

Despite the ever-continuing cacophony of pandemic precautions, technological mastery, remote learning challenges and the need for social distancing, scores of individuals in the diocese decided to heed God’s invitation to take the next step along their path towards Christ this Lent.

Dear Brothers & Sisters in Christ,​​​ It has been a challenging year, but one that we have not been left alone to face.  The pandemic has caused much uncertainty and we have all been impacted.  I know I join you in praying for brighter days ahead for us all, even as we particularly remember all those who are sick, have lost loved ones or have felt the economic impact of the pandemic.

To mark the fifth year anniversary of his apostolic exhortation, Amoris Laetitia, the Joy of Love, Pope Francis has designated March 19, 2021 through June 26, 2022 as the Year of the Family. This year, which will end on the occasion of the X World Meeting of Families in Rome, will be a time to reflect on and bear witness to family love.

Many of us bear crosses which are hidden from the world.  They come in many shapes and sizes — but, like the Cross of Christ, they weigh us down; they bring us pain; they crush our spirit; they may even lead us to ask — as did Jesus:  “my God, my God, why have you abandoned me?”

On Dec. 8, 2020, the 150th anniversary of the proclamation of St. Joseph as the Patron of the Universal Church, Pope Francis issued an Apostolic letter entitled Patris corde (With a Father's Heart). The Holy Father said that the intention of the letter was “to increase our love for this great Saint.”

Dear brothers and sisters in Christ, I always enjoy having the opportunity to share some thoughts with you in “The Catholic Spirit.” Sometimes, the newspaper asks for my column a bit early, because of holidays and deadlines, so on Sunday afternoon, March 7, I began this column highlighting Easter since the paper would be published on March 25, right before Holy Week.

Despite many obstacles, when Vocationist Sister Ermelita Gella, felt like she heard Jesus say, “When are you going to say yes to me?” she was ready to consecrate herself to Him and this year is celebrating her 25th jubilee as a religious.

For Sister Marie Colette Martelli of Blessed Pauline Convent, Monroe Township, it is hard to remember a time when the Sisters of Christian Charity were not a part of her life. Once teachers and mentors, and now family sharing a life in Christ, the Sisters of Christian Charity have played a critical role in shaping who she is today.

In 1961, when Sister Lorraine Wolliard entered the Sisters of Mercy, John F. Kennedy was in his inaugural year as the United States’ first Catholic president, noted author Ernest Hemmingway died, and actor Dolores Hart starred as St. Clare in the film “Francis of Assisi.”

As she celebrates her 60th jubilee this year, Sister Alice Swartz praises God for her life as a Sister of Mercy. “It has always been and continues to be full of blessings, challenges, and grace,” she said.