In recognition and appreciation of the dedication and sacrifices of Catholic school educators, the Diocese of Metuchen officially began the new academic year with the celebration of Mass Aug. 31 for those who have made, and continue to make, significant differences in the lives of students and families across the Diocese.
Bishop James F. Checchio was the principal celebrant and homilist for the Mass which was celebrated in St. Augustine of Canterbury Church, Kendall Park. Concelebrants included Father Jonathan S. Toborowsky, diocesan vicar general; Father Timothy A. Christy, rector, Cathedral of St. Francis of Assisi, Metuchen; Rev. Canon Robert G. Lynam, pastor, St. Augustine of Canterbury Parish, and a number of priests from the Diocese.
In his homily, Bishop Checchio recounted the journey of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton to the Catholic Church. As the founder of the first parochial school in the United States, she made a major contribution to Catholic education and, after her canonization as the first native-born American saint, she was named the patron saint of Catholic schools.
The Bishop reminded teachers and all those present, that they are “called to represent Jesus the teacher. Together we must show our young people something more than the world has to offer. And that is Jesus Christ. We need to have young people who know, Jesus, who love Jesus, who let Jesus into their lives: our world needs this, our country needs this.”
Bishop Checchio expressed his gratitude to the teachers for what they do for the youth of our Diocese, saying, “Where would we be without you, where would our young people be without you? Your efforts make a difference and we are grateful.”
Sister Barbara O’Kane, vocation director for the Religious Teachers Filippini – an institute of consecrated life devoted to Christian education – said, “This Mass with the Bishop was an inspiration and the start to a wonderful year in Catholic education.”
At the end of the Mass, Father Lyman thanked the Bishop for celebrating the Eucharist and marking the start of the Catholic School year. He also mentioned that the following Tuesday, Aug. 5, would be the 60th Anniversary of the opening of the parish’s school.
Following the Mass, the congregation remained in the Church to hear an address from Father Christy, who also thanked all the teachers for choosing to serve in this vital ministry and stressed that, in being present for the Mass, “we are being invited into greatness. There is no room for mediocrity, only greatness.”
Father Christy applauded the Bishop, “who is behind us, who loves and supports Catholic schools. Bishop Checchio wants us to be the best Catholic schoolteachers we can be.” Father Christy added, “Our parents, our pastors want only what is best for our children.”
At the close of his presentation, Father Christy quoted French novelist Leon Bloy: “The only real sadness, the only real failure, the only great tragedy in life, is not to become a saint. … How much will your students miss out if you don’t become a saint?”
Katie Hack, who teaches religion and social studies at the School of St. Elizabeth, Bernardsville, considered the Mass a “perfect way to begin the school year, to be in the presence of Jesus and to be inspired by the support of all the other teachers gathered.”
Isaac Howard and Daniel Spencer, both on the faculty of Immaculata High School, Somerville, believe the environment in a Catholic school has a dimension not found in other schools. Howard, who has taught in public, private and charter schools, believes, “Immaculata focuses on what is really important in life, not on current social trends of the day.” He said, “The emphasis on morals and respect permeates the entire curriculum, not just the religion classes.”
Spencer acknowledged, “Hearing Bishop Checchio stress the value of a Catholic education reinforces what I have found to be true teaching at a Catholic school.”
Following the Mass and presentation, those present were invited to a breakfast reception in the school cafeteria.