Bishop: faith, good works, generosity of faithful inspiring

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

The Season of Advent is my favorite liturgical season as it is a season of hope. Hope is a combination of the desire for something and the expectation of receiving it. Our desire is for Jesus, and that is what Advent prepares us for, Jesus’ coming to us again and again! During Advent, we are regularly reminded in our readings about all that God has done throughout the millennia before Jesus’ birth to meticulously prepare the world for His arrival. We are also reminded that we are a pilgrim people as we read about generations of our ancestors longing for the coming of the Messiah. We join with them, knowing we were made for and destined for heaven with our Lord, guided on our way by His Mother and the saints who intercede for us as our friends in heaven, assisting us on our way.
 

Our recent renewal of our consecration to Jesus through Our Lady of Guadalupe was another reminder of God’s desire to reach out to us through His dear mother. For me, having lived many years in Rome, where so many saints are buried, it was always inspiring to read their stories and visit their tombs to seek their intercession and learn from their example of how to live in the world. So many dedicated lay faithful, clerics and religious built up the Kingdom of God in their own unique ways. They remind us that even in our struggles, which have been plentiful for us this Advent, we always have to keep heaven in mind! The saints were not perfect; they had their own struggles and challenges, too, but they always strove to stay united with Christ in prayer and let that friendship guide every decision they made and every word they spoke.    
 

Yes, this graced season of hope is a time when we prepare our hearts for the birth of our Lord as we are called to focus more intently on Him and His coming more fully into our world and our lives. He is ultimately the answer to all our struggles. He desires to be with us, always. As we see so many in our world looking for answers and meaning in all the wrong places, we are reminded anew where we are to place our hope each day. We still have some time left in Advent to commit ourselves to increased time in prayer and good works. It is not too late!     
 

This year, as we reflect on Advent, most of us will also remember COVID-19, which has greatly impacted our lives not only during the four weeks before Christmas, but also during the past eight months. Most especially, we grieve with those who have lost loved ones. In addition, all of us have learned to work, go to school and even seek recreation in new ways. Many are or have been isolated because of illness or in an effort to try and stay safe. Many of you have shared with me that you are still attending Mass virtually instead of in person, but longing to receive the Eucharist. Together, we have experienced extraordinary and challenging times as life seems to constantly change. Yet, with all of the uncertainty, we have had to stay awake, stay attentive as Advent reminded us, to witness moments of grace.        
 

Hopefully, we have made these months into a time of more intense prayer, devotion and sacrifice. I have seen this in our diocese and have been inspired by the spiritual connection our faithful throughout the diocese have demonstrated. Prayer is so powerful — it changes everything and I am fortunate to have a unique window into your prayer lives and the opportunity to pray daily for your intentions.    
 

The sacrifice and generosity I have witnessed in recent months has been so truly inspiring. Our pastors submitted nominations for Disciples of Mercy who were recognized at our recent Catholic Charities Virtual Gala. The commitment of these disciples to serve the least of our brothers and sisters in need during this pandemic was awesome! Their creativity and perseverance, too, was something to behold. My heartfelt thanks goes out to all of them. Our parishes, St. Vincent de Paul Societies, Social Outreach committees and our own Catholic Charities initiatives to help those in need during the pandemic continues to be amazing. I thank all who are striving to live the Gospel message in our challenging times.      
 

Even with all of the challenges we have been confronted with, I am excited and so grateful to share with you that we have not only reached but surpassed our 2020 Bishop’s Annual Appeal goal of $7.2 million! This is a tremendous accomplishment that we achieved together as a community of faith through prayers and sacrifice. It is a testament to your commitment to ensure that the ministries in the Diocese of Metuchen remain vibrant. The Church of Metuchen is alive thanks to your good efforts! Your generous and faithful support gives me great hope that we will continue to be a source of hope, love and charity to one another and our neighbors who need Christ the most. You will find a final report on the Bishop’s Annual Appeal on page 16 in this edition of “The Catholic Spirit.”  
 

Please know that the funds raised in the Bishop’s Annual Appeal are being used exclusively for the ministries outlined in the Appeal materials. These funds are restricted to the many vital needs made possible through your support for the formation of our seminarians and deacons, outreach to our youth and young adults, and programs to assist couples through marriage preparation. With your help we are able to continue our efforts in evangelization and catechesis, advocacy for human life and dignity, and effectively minister to people of varied ethnicities and languages.

In particular, the ministry of Catholic Charities continues to provide vital services by assisting the homeless, hungry, or those without emotional support both in ordinary times and in the difficult days of the pandemic. These needs have only expanded during this time. Indeed, many lives have been impacted and transformed by Catholic Charities. I invite you to learn more about this ministry, specifically the response from Catholic Charities during the pandemic, by visiting www.diometuchen.org/champions and watching the 2020 Champions for Catholic Charities Virtual Gala. You will see how the Works of Mercy are alive in our diocese and how we are serving thousands of people in need every day.        
 

The support to our 2020 Bishop’s Annual Appeal will have a significant impact on the lives of so many. Your faith and generosity are deeply appreciated and I am so grateful to be a part of such a loving and generous diocese. We face an unknown future together. There are some who have been affected economically by the pandemic and as a result have not been able to support this year’s Bishop’s Annual Appeal. Yet together, we are able to put the love of Christ in action, serve as disciples of Christ, and continue to live our mission. Indeed, we are able to accomplish many great things because of your generosity. You make the Kingdom of God alive in our midst; you bring Christ to others, making Him and His love known right here in Central New Jersey.
 

While we are all on different paths of our spiritual journey you can be confident that God is guiding us. He always is. This is what Advent and our upcoming Christmas celebration remind us of so poignantly. There have been so many acts of selflessness in recent months. It is because of this that I know so many of you are renewing your trust in Him and are answering His call. Again, thank you to all those who supported this year’s appeal, whether it be through prayer, financial support or both.      
 

Please know of my daily prayers for all of you. It is such a great joy to be your Bishop. Please pray for me, too. I love you and look forward to continuing to work with all of you to make God’s presence known in our parishes and our beautiful diocese. God bless you all!  A blessed Advent and Christmas to all of you and your loved ones.

 

With renewed best wishes, I remain

Yours in Christ,

Most Reverend James F. Checchio, JCD, MBA Bishop of Metuchen