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Growing up, I recall my mother teaching us to give others the benefit of the doubt in regard to what others say about someone, “Believe none of what you read and half of what you see!” She wanted us to build our own impressions of people. Relatedly, she also taught us “if you don’t have anything nice to say, then say nothing!”

Pope Benedict XVI’s visit to the United States was truly a once in a lifetime experience for many including me. It gave us American Catholics the opportunity to witness firsthand our new pope -- the man who previously led the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, representing Christ in a very compassionate, loving way. It gave us a chance to know Benedict, our chief shepherd and pastor, whose pastoral sensitivity won him the hearts of the American people.

METUCHEN — Reflecting the devotion of Catholics of Filipino descent in the diocese, a symbol of faith in the form of a regal child took its place at the Cathedral of St. Francis of Assisi Dec. 23 at the conclusion of Simbang Gabi celebrations.

This year, the feast of the Baptism of the Lord fell on Monday, January 9. As a result, most Catholics, except for daily communicants, were not able to celebrate this nodal event in the life of Christ. Why is this closing feast of the Christmas Season so important to us? Moreover, did you ever wonder: “Why did Jesus ask to be baptized?” After all, the Church teaches that Christ shared in our humanity in all ways but sin. So, if Jesus was without sin, why would he ask for something that he really did not need?

As we enter into a new year, it’s a good time to look back and reflect on one of the highlights of 2022 — the historic Supreme Court decision in Dobbs vs. Jackson Women’s Health Organization, which overturned Roe v. Wade and turned the abortion issue back to the states.

Woodbridge – From throughout the diocese, members of the Catholic Daughters of Americas (CDA), Court Mercedes #769, gathered at St. James Parish, Oct. 9, to celebrate their 100th anniversary. CDA members of Sister Courts and state leaders joined in the celebration.

SOMERVILLE — Admired by generations and lauded as the “saint of the gutters” during her life, St. Teresa of Kolkata, better known as Mother Teresa, was “wonderfully, beautifully human,” according to Jim Towey, who came to know her as a friend.

“Cathedral Concerts” recently announced that pianist and active recitalist Veronica O’Brien is scheduled to perform at the Cathedral of St. Francis of Assisi Feb. 18, 7 pm.

It is with great anticipation that we approach Catholic Schools Week 2023! This week is a special time for us as we celebrate the many accomplishments of our students, despite the challenges of the past few years. We enthusiastically celebrate the mission of our schools: to form Disciples of Christ in a Catholic atmosphere where children can grow in faith, excel in academics and serve others. Throughout the week we recognize with gratitude the various stakeholders in our school communities who contribute to the education of the whole child.

WATCHUNG – Mount Saint Mary Academy recently earned the College Board’s 2022 AP Computer Science Female Diversity Award for expanding young women’s access to AP Computer Science Principles (CSP). This award has been garnered by the Academy since 2018.

Bishop James F. Checchio presided at the annual St. Thomas Star Mass and gave the homily Dec. 15.

METUCHEN – The diocese joined faithful around the world in a solemn yet hope-filled Jan. 5 Mass of praise for the life and ministry of Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI at the Cathedral of St. Francis of Assisi.

Clergy, religious and staff of the Diocese of Metuchen were invited to offer reflections on what Pope Benedict XVI meant to them.

EAST BRUNSWICK — The faculty and students of St. Bartholomew School raised $3,700 for the Catholic Charities, Diocese of Metuchen’s Diocese of Ozanam Family Shelter for Women and Children, Edison, by participating in a “Change Spree Challenge” coordinated by second-grade teacher Jennifer Balestrieri and principal Theresa Craig.

WATCHUNG — Elizabeth Roper, director of College Counseling at Mount Saint Mary Academy, recently announced that seniors Mary Claire Scheck of Metuchen and Renee Vozza of Westfield were appointed to United States service academies.

The Saint Joseph High School Class of 2027 admission’s cycle is already one for the record books, with a 24 percent year-over-year increase in total number of accepted students as of December 2022, with more expected in the coming months.

For the second consecutive year, “Insight,” the yearbook produced by the staff and advisor Dianne Fucci at St. Thomas Aquinas High School, Edison, received a First Place Award from the American Scholastic Press Association.

Grandparents of students at Immaculata High School, Somerville, gathered with the school community for a First Friday Grandparents Day Mass and reception Jan. 6.

At the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month in 1918, the Great War, as it was called prior to the start of World War II, ended. Initially called Armistice Day, it marked the end of hostilities when Germany signed an armistice agreement with the Allies. A year later, Armistice Day became a day to celebrate peace and to honor our men and women who served in the armed forces. In the United States in 1954, Armistice Day was renamed “Veterans Day”, while other nations either kept the name “Armistice Day” or renamed it “Remembrance Day”. Through the decades, as wars and conflicts arose, Veterans Day remained a day to honor our men and women who served, whether that service was during a time of war or peace.