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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.

SOMERVILLE — Msgr. Joseph G. Celano arrived more than a year ago at Immaculate Conception Parish to become its pastor.

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.

The Exaltation of the Cross — a feast that speaks to us about someone who was also larger in death than he was in life: Jesus of Nazareth. Indeed, there were those who thought Jesus was a renegade, a blasphemer, a trouble-maker; yet, the small pocket of those whom he healed, taught and touched has mushroomed over 2,000 years, claiming innumerable converts who have come to acknowledge this Jesus not only as an ethical model and a miracle-worker but as the anointed one, the Christ, the long-promised savior whose humanity sanctified ours and whose divinity made satisfaction or, better, atonement, for our sins!

Article 154 - Catechism of the Catholic Church Series Paragraphs 2258-2269 The Fifth Commandment teaches: “You shall not kill” (Exodus 20:13 and Deuteronomy 5:17).

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.

The last weeks of August were filled with emotion for Stacey and Paul Miller, who were preparing to send their only son, Jacob, back to college.

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.

Article 153 - Catechism of the Catholic Church Series Paragraphs 2221-2246 Our discussion of the Fourth Commandment to “honor your father and your mother...” (Exodus 20:12 & Deuteronomy 5:16) continues with a review of its relationship to the duties of parents, and then the duties of civil authorities and citizens, as well as, the political community and the Church.

Two weeks ago today, on the Feast of the Dedication of St. Mary Major Basilica, at St. Anthony Church, Hawthorne, Salesians of St. Don Bosco Sister Natasha Roig, joyfully said, “Here I am Lord, You have called me,” and with that her Rite of Religious Profession began. What is significant about her vocation is that it is another sign of how St. Augustine of Canterbury Parish, Kendall Park, continues to promote vocations.

LAURENCE HARBOR — Because of the COVID-19 or coronavirus pandemic, many events and celebrations had to be postponed over the past 15 months.  Religious celebrations were no exceptions to that disruption: marriages, baptisms, first holy Communions and confirmations were all impacted. The installation of pastors at parishes in the diocese also had to be rescheduled. 

SPOTSWOOD — When Father John “Jack” O’Kane was officially installed as pastor of Immaculate Conception Parish at a Mass July 24, it was a role he had yearned for.