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My dear brothers and sisters in Christ,
September 11 is an emotional day for us all, as it always reminds us of the horrific terroristic attacks in our country that changed and took the lives of too many innocent people. We continue to pray for the victims and their families and all of us affected by that day’s tragic events. Gratefully, this year, we had a celebration that gives us a reason to offer thanks as our diocesan community gathered with Bishop Emeritus Paul G. Bootkoski at our beautiful Cathedral of St. Francis of Assisi for a Mass of thanksgiving for his special milestone of 25 years of episcopal service. Indeed, we have much to be grateful for as 20 of those 25 years have been spent serving the faithful of this wonderful Church of Metuchen.
Being a bishop is a great joy. It is hard to get your mind around being called to be a successor of the Apostles who were such outstanding witnesses to Christ by how they lived and even gave their lives for Christ and His Church, His dear people. Visiting and praying with you, our priests, deacons and those in consecrated life, throughout our 90 parishes, as well as our own Saint Peter’s University Hospital, our schools, prisons, nursing homes and other institutions is truly a joy and what energizes us bishops for all the administrative duties that fall in our laps.
When I was on my retreat before my ordination as a bishop what stuck with me is that the bishop is above all to be a witness to the resurrection of Jesus. The Apostles found the tomb empty and then set out on sharing that news with all, becoming witnesses to hope for our world. They lived in challenging times, and we have our challenges, too. Deepening my friendship with Christ through private and communal prayer certainly keeps me focused. By praying and interacting with all our lay faithful, clergy, religious and deacons, learning from them about Christ and helping to spread His message of mercy and hope to all in need, we carry on the task that the Apostles set out on.
Bishop Paul has generously given himself to this for the past 25 years. Even now, in retirement, he continues to serve as he goes to St. Catherine of Siena Parish in Pittstown each weekend to celebrate Masses. He also had the mind of Pope Francis long before he took over the Chair of St. Peter in Rome, as Bishop Paul called a synod here in our diocese to listen to the voice of the faithful as he forged the road forward for our local Church. Now, the whole world is gathered in such a Synod. Finally, Bishop’s ministry here in Metuchen started at a challenging time, as you might recall, and gratefully he was a strong advocate for implementing child protection initiatives.
Yes, there is much that can be said, but to put it simply, Metuchen was blessed with the ministry of Bishop Paul and I am sorry that due to a pre-planned wedding on September 11 that I was not able to be present for this Mass of Thanksgiving, but I was united at the altar of the Lord, thanking God for the ministry Bishop has shared with us. Gratefully, I was able to join in the festivities afterward, congratulate Bishop Paul, and see some of our guests.
I ask you all to join me in thanking God for Bishop Bootkoski and his ministry. I know he is so grateful for you, as am I. So, on behalf of all in our diocese, congratulations, Bishop Paul and thank you for all you have done and still do for our diocese. We pray you will have many more years of good health and service to the beloved people of our diocese. Sto lat!
Most Reverend James F. Checchio, JCD, MBA
Bishop of Metuchen
