News - May 2024 RSS Feed

May is such a wonderful month!  The days are getting longer and warmer. I welcome this, especially for my morning walks. Flowers and lawns are renewed, adding beauty to our neighborhoods, too. We are getting ready for graduations of all kinds. Ordinations take place and so many of our children receive their first Holy Communion this month.

Hosted by the Asian and Pacific Catholic Network in collaboration with the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, the 21st Annual Asian and Pacific Island Catholics Marian Pilgrimage was held May 4 at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception, Washington D.C.

In the rush of daily life, where constant deadlines and schedules overwhelm, many feel lost, unsure of where to turn or what to believe. Finding a sense of calm and direction can seem like an impossible task. However, John Risely ‘24, president of the Gospel of John Club, presents a calm assurance on a weekly basis that, “Everything is going to be okay.”

The rich diversity of the Diocese of Metuchen was on full display at the Multicultural Mass and Fair which was held April 20 in the Cathedral of St. Francis of Assisi, Metuchen. Organized by the Office of Multicultural Ministries, the event showcased a wide array of food, native tongues and colorful costumes. In keeping with this time of National Eucharistic Revival, the theme for the day was “Together as One in the Eucharist.”

I cannot remember how many times I have heard people saying they do not go to Mass anymore because it is always the same thing. They walk through those doors of the church, and they feel like they can predict every single move. The priest’s gestures, the words he says, how many times they must kneel and get up. It has all become so familiar that they have lost that sense of holiness. Therefore, that feeling of being in the presence of something greater than themselves is not there any longer. For them, it has become nothing more than a routine, and they are just not getting anything out of it anymore.

We’ve all heard the expression that “charity begins at home.” As noble as this notion might be, the fact is that there are millions of people beyond our homes who would be grateful to eat what we will not, even the food that many Americans, especially American restaurants, dispose of on a daily basis.

May 1 was a unique day at Immaculate Conception School, Spotswood, beginning with an 8:30 a.m. “Consecration” of the school to the Blessed Virgin Mary. The entire 115-member student body, gathered outside in front of the statue of Mary to hear comments from Father John O’Kane, pastor, on the meaning of consecration, which he defined as “set aside for a holy purpose.

“What a wonderful day for an ordination,” said Bishop James F. Checchio as he began the Mass of Ordination for 16 men to the Diaconate on May 3, the Feast of Saints Philip and James, Apostles. He said these two saints will be “wonderful intercessors and inspiring examples for our brothers today.”

Parish catechetical leaders gathered April 18 at the St. John Neumann Pastoral Center, Piscataway, to listen to a three-part presentation by Sean Fitzgerald of the Augustine Institute. In his introduction, Fitzgerald emphasized that “it’s all about souls” and that “God has picked us to be ‘boots on the ground’ at this time.”

Fifteen men who initially met as strangers in August 2020 gathered together April 15, 2024, as brothers preparing to be ordained permanent deacons on May 3. They were beginning the five-day retreat required by Canon Law as a final step before Ordination.

Bishop James F. Checchio, center, opened the 2024 Hope Through Education Spring Luncheon held April 25 at Hamilton Farm Golf Club, with inspirational words to some 120 guests.

Boys and girls, your day has come. This month, you finally receive the Eucharist. You know the word “Eucharist” comes from the Greek word eucaristia, which means “thanks.”

Immigration is a delicate subject nowadays. Nonetheless I am wading into the discussion because I want to sponsor an immigrant. However, my immigrant is not a person who seeks to cross the border into this country. My immigrant is a word that I want to bring into mainstream use in the English language.

Ninety-two year old Dolores Jules has a deep love for Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament. “When I enter the Adoration Chapel the first thing I remember is that Jesus is truly present in the Blessed Sacrament and as I sit and pray I know he hears every word I say, and every thought that crosses my mind. [It] is the most peaceful time to sit before our Lord, to give your heart and soul to him. I just love it.” Her deep enjoyment for this time in prayer inspired a heartwarming project that has been a labor of love for over fifteen years. Now a parishioner of St. Helena’s in Edison, Dolores was professed with the Order of Secular Franciscans since 1992, and has been an active minister in the St. John Vianney Fraternity since 2007.