May 2025: News, Resources & Upcoming Diocesan Events

This pastoral newsletter includes news, events and resources. For recurring events, please see the individual office newsletter.

2025 Jubilee Year of Hope

Diocesan Pilgrimage to Washington, DC - Jubilee 2025!


The Diocese of Metuchen will be hosting a pilgrimage to the Basilica of the

National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception on September 20 in celebration of Jubilee 2025. Please join Bishop Checchio and hundreds of other parishioners this fall as we travel to Washington, DC, to celebrate the 2,025th anniversary of the Incarnation of Our Lord.


Also, for those who are unable to travel to Washington, DC, for the Diocesan Pilgrimage, please know that Bishop Checchio, in accordance with the directives of the Holy See, has designated the following sites as sacred places in the Diocese of Metuchen where the faithful may obtain a Jubilee indulgence:

 

·        Cathedral of St. Francis of Assisi, Metuchen

·        Shrine Chapel of the Blessed Sacrament, Raritan

·        National Blue Army Shrine of Our Lady of Fatima, Washington

·    National Shrine of St. Lucy Filippini (inside St. Mary of Mt. Virgin Church), New Brunswick

Click Here for Information on Jubilee Year

Jubilee Pilgrimage of Hope — Led by Fr. Tom Lanza


Celebrate the Jubilee Year of Hope with a pilgrimage that includes stops in Poland, Czech Republic, and Italy! Fr. Tom Lanza, Diocesan Director of Vocations, will serve as chaplain and spiritual director.


The 14-day pilgrimage will take place from September 15 – September 28, 2025.The deadline to register is May 30, 2025


For more information, visit:

http://trip.nativitypilgrimage.com/hobson-jubilee

Click Here to Download Brochure

Office of Evangelization

Men’s Freedom in Christ Conference

"We are not fighting with flesh and blood but against spiritual principalities and powers” (Ephesians 6:12)

 

The Men of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton (Three Bridges) are hosting a Men’s Freedom in Christ Conference this May 10, from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. This conference is open to all men in the Diocese and will be held at the parish (105 Summer Road). Fr. Giuseppe Sinischalchi of the Franciscan Friars of the Renewal will be the principal speaker. Come discover the path to freedom in Christ this May. If anyone has any questions or concerns, please contact Tom Dwyer at 908-884-9947 or thomasdwyer@sprintmail.com.

Triumph of the Heart - Advance Screening!


An advance screening of Triumph of the Heart (https://www.triumphoftheheart.com/), a new movie about St. Maximilian Kolbe, will be held at Immaculata High School on Saturday, May 17. Seating is limited, however, so I would encourage you and your parishioners to purchase tickets—please scan the QR code on the attached flyer—sooner rather than later. (You can also purchase tickets, by clicking on the following link: https://bit.ly/toth-diocese-nj). Pete Knob, one of the principal organizers and a parishioner at Immaculate Conception in Somerville, is offering a 50% rebate for priests and religious who would like to attend the screening. If you would like to take Pete up on his offer, please email him at peteknobtoth@gmail.com. Deacon Steven Greydanus of Decent Films (https://decentfilms.com/) will be conducting a Q&A with Anthony D’Ambrosio, the writer and director of the film, immediately following the screening. I believe there will be an opportunity for you and your parishioners to ask questions, as well. Of course, if you have any questions or concerns, please contact Adam Carlisle, Secretary for Evangelization and Communication, at acarlisle@diometuchen.org.

Anchored in Hope - A Formation Event for Men



The Diocese of Metuchen is partnering with the Brotherhood of Hope, as well as the Men of St. James (Basking Ridge), to host Anchored in Hope, a night of good food, wine, teaching, music, and faith sharing. This free event (a free will offering will be collected at the event) is open to all men and will be held at the Stone House at Sterling Ridge on Thursday, May 22. Please share this information—I have attached copy of the flyer for your convenience—with the men of your parish. For questions, or to RSVP, please email Terry Conley at terryconley@me.com.

Connect, Belong, and Grow Together

 

Catechists, teachers, youth ministers, and diocesan and parish leaders—the St. John Bosco Conference (July 14-17, 2025) is for you! More than a conference, it’s a retreat with Jesus, the Master Catechist. Get inspired with engaging talks, be strengthened through the sacrament, and leave empowered to evangelize and share the Good News. At the St. John Bosco Conference, you join a community filled with other teachers of the faith where you can build lasting friendships and experience the joy of Catholic fellowship on Franciscan University’s campus in Steubenville, Ohio. For more information about the conference or to register, please click on the following link: https://steubenvilleconferences.com/events/st-john-bosco-conference/#register


Adam Carlisle

Secretary for Evangelization and Communication

732-529-7937

acarlisle@diometuchen.org

Office of Hispanic Evangelization and Pastoral Ministry

Regional Hispanic/Latino Ministry Gathering

Region III - New Jersey / Pennsylvania

On May 3, 2025, ten delegates from our Diocese will attend the Regional Hispanic/Latino Ministry Gathering in the Diocese of Camden.


This year under the theme "Hispanic/Latino Leaders: Bearers of Hope," The diocesan delegates will reflect and share on how to be bearers of hope in times of uncertainly, with special emphasis on the reality of immigration.

This event is exclusively for diocesan delegates.

For more information please email Lescobar@diometuchen.org

Hispanic Youth and Young Adults - Jubilee Mass Series

The 2025 “Pilgrims of Hope” Jubilee Year is a time to turn our gaze toward all those who represent hope and all those who need hope in our parishes. Is a time to recognize the value of our Hispanic youth and young adults.

Please join us this month on Friday, May 30, 2025 at 7:30 pm at St. Joseph Church, Bound Brook NJ (111 E High St, Bound Brook, NJ 08805), for the Diocesan Bilingual Mass with our Hispanic youth and young adults.



If you would like to receive more information about dates, times and locations, please email Lescobar@diometuchen.org

Hispanic Pilgrimage to the National Blue Army Shrine

Pilgrimage to the National Blue Army Shrine of Our Lady of Fatima.

'Hispanic Families, Pilgrims of Hope'.  



Join us on June 14, 2025 from 9:30 am to 3:00 pm, at the Blue Army National Shrine, where we will be able to receive the jubilee indulgence. All are invited to participate in the adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, confessions, prayer of the Rosary and Angelus, and closing Mass. The event is free and prior registration is not required. Please bring your lunch. More information? please visit diometuchen.org/peregrinacion-hispana

or contact us 732-243-4573 or at Lescobar@diometuchen.org

Click to submit an intention you would like us to pray for during the pilgrimage.

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Click the button to sign-up to receive monthly, information regarding the Hispanic Diocesan events and other resources for our community. 

Hispanic Office Newsletter

Office of Multi-Cultural Ministries

Asian and Pacific Islander Multicultural Fair


Save the Date! Multicultural Fair – May 10, 2025, 1:00pm to 4:00pm at Our Lady of Czestochowa, South Plainfield


Celebrating Asian Pacific Islander Month and the diverse cultures in the Diocese of Metuchen.


All are welcome!

Sr. Miriam Perez, SSC

Coordinator for Multicultural Ministries

732-529-7933

mperez@diometuchen.org

Office of Vocations

Quo Vadis? Discernment Retreat for Young Men


An invitation for young men (High School Students) ages 14-17 to attend our Quo Vadis Adventure Retreat 2025! This is an opportunity to have fun, grow in your faith, and begin to think/pray about where God may be calling you in life. 



Where: Camp Shiloh, 753 Burnt Meadow Rd, Hewitt, NJ, 07421

When: Tuesday, July 29- 31, 10 AM arrival.


To register, and for more information, please go to https://diometuchen.org/quovadis.

If you would like to learn more about the priesthood or attend our discernment events, please visit:


https://diometuchen.org/vocations


Rev. Tom Lanza

Director, Office of Vocations

tlanza@diometuchen.org

Office of Youth & Young Adult Ministry

NJ Catholic Youth Rally

Sunday, May 18th, 2025


Open to all Jr. High, High School & Young Adult Ministry, Scouting Parish/School Athletic Programs, and families!



Ticket Package includes:

-Admission to Six Flags

-Opening Ceremony & Sunday Liturgy 

-FREE Parking Vouchers for your group

-Mega-Meal Voucher

-Total Cost - $70






Add Ons:

Mega Meal Deal Plan (if you already have a season pass)

  • Includes 1 Drink, 1 Snack, and 1 Meal.
  • Cost: $20

Refillable Six Flags Sports Bottles:

  • With your Sports Bottle, you will receive FREE REFILLS ALL DAY in the Park
  • On future visits to Six Flags, they are $1 each time to refill.
  • Cost: $19



*** Tickets and parking passes can be picked up at the Diocesan Center (during our normal office hours) OR at check-in at Great Adventure (between 8:30am -10:00am) *** 

Register Here

Youth Minister Meet Up

Saturday, June 14th, 2025


Please join this fruitful opportunity for all who minister to youth (or who have the desire to!) to gather together for fellowship and formation. Youth ministers, youth ministry volunteer teams, PCL's, catechists, and priests are welcome to join.


The day will begin with Holy Mass at 9:00am and follow with light breakfast foods. Then we will begin our workshop using the Franciscan at Home module "Methods and Practical Skills for Youth Ministry" to learn the key areas in which we can walk with our youth.



Register Here


Jay Donofrio

Director, Office of Youth and Young Adult Ministry

(732)-243-4576

jdonofrio@diometuchen.org


Office of Divine Worship

Liturgical Guidelines following the Death of Pope Francis



As we mourn the death of Pope Francis and prepare to receive a new Pope, the Office of Divine Worship has put together a brief document with guidelines for this period. You can download it here. We have also compiled resources from the USCCB on our liturgical resources page.


2025 Papal Conclave


The Office of Divine Worship has also compiled a list of prayers, novena, and resources from the USCCB about the Upcoming Conclave on our liturgical resources page.

Episcopal Liturgical Preparation Form


When Bishop Checchio schedules to celebrate a liturgy at your Parish or Institution, please complete the Liturgical Preparation (LP) PDF Form which can be downloaded from the Downloadable Forms section.

If you need to submit a LP form for an upcoming Episcopal or Confirmation Liturgy with Bishop Checchio, please visit the Episcopal Liturgies page.

Episcopal Liturgies

If you are unfamiliar with how to fill out an LP form or if you need to know what information you should provide, please visit the Episcopal Liturgies page to download the instructions.

LP Form Instructions

Major Diocesan Liturgies



These Major Diocesan Liturgies recur every year with the Bishop of Metuchen as the main celebrant.


Visit our Major Diocesan Liturgies page to keep up to date with upcoming dates and details of our liturgies.

Major Diocesan Liturgies

Looking for Liturgical Resources?



If you are looking to find resources on the Mass and/or the Sacraments or to understand the Norms & Guidelines within the Diocese of Metuchen, visit our Resources page.




Liturgical Resources

Interested in joining the Diocesan Choir?

 

The Office of Liturgical Music is seeking new members for the Diocesan Choir. If you are interested or know someone who would be interested, please share this link to our survey.

 

Spring Survey 2025

Perpetual Adoration - Shrine Chapel of the Blessed Sacrament

The Shrine Chapel of the Blessed Sacrament, in Raritan, is looking for adorers to sit with the Blessed Sacrament Monday through Friday from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament is also being offered the first Saturday of each Month (Night Vigil) from 8:00 p.m. to 8:00 a.m. Anyone interested in signing up should visit https://blessedsacramentshrine.com

Eucharistic Adorers Wanted

Please consider promoting this important apostolate in your parishes.

Now that the pandemic is over, Bishop Checchio would like to offer Eucharistic adoration at the St. John Neumann Pastoral Center, Monday through Friday, from 9:00-11:45 a.m. As St. Pope John Paul II noted. “The Church and the world have a great need of Eucharistic adoration.” Anyone who is interested in signing up should contact Angela Marshall at amarshall@diometuchen.org.


Rev. Timothy M. Eck, II

Director, Office of Divine Worship

732-562-2435

teck@diometuchen.org

Office of OCIA (RCIA)

Missed Rite of Election?

Did any of your catechumens miss the Rite of Election on Sunday February 9th for some reason? If so, reach out to Jason Cordova (jcordova@diometuchen.org) to receive the form to request delegation to celebrate the Rite of Election in the parish. All Catechumens must participate in the Rite of Election before they are initiated into the Church.


Confirmation Delegation Reminder

As we celebrate the Easter season, remember that priests of the diocese already have faculties to confirm many people who are completing their sacraments of initiation and being received into full communion with the Catholic Church. They do not have faculties to confirm those who were baptized Catholic and have receive their first communion. Please review the explainer from the Office of Divine Worship outlining when delegation is needed to celebrate the sacrament of Confirmation. If delegation is needed, this delegation form can be filled out and submitted to the Office of the Bishop.

Contact: For questions pertaining to OCIA, please contact rcia@diometuchen.org

Office of Human Life & Dignity

May Edition — Word of Life


The May Edition of Word of Life is available in English and Spanish. Word of Life is a monthly resource for dioceses and parishes that includes monthly features, intercessions, bulletin quotes, and graphics.

NEW! PARISH TOOLKIT ON IVF AND INFERTILITY



A new parish toolkit, available in English and Spanish, includes resources to help Catholics understand the Church’s teaching on marriage and the procreation of children. It also includes resources to help parishes provide support and guidance for married couples who are experiencing difficulty having children.

Visitation Novena May 22-30

The Feast of the Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary on May 31 commemorates the Blessed Mother’s visit to her cousin Elizabeth and the encounter of Jesus and St. John the Baptist while in the wombs of their mothers. Download the novena or sign up to receive it daily by email at respectlife.org/visitation.

RACHEL’S VINEYARD: HEALING, HOPE, AND LOVE

 

Rachel’s Vineyard is a sanctuary of hope and healing for those carrying the heavy burden of loss, whether through abortion or miscarriage. It is a place where hearts broken by pain can be mended, and where the mercy and love of God can soothe even the deepest wounds. Through our confidential and non-judgmental weekend retreats, you will find a safe space to grieve, to release the weight of guilt, shame, or anger, and to begin the journey toward renewal and peace.

 

These retreats are not just about healing; they are about reclaiming your voice, finding forgiveness, and embracing the profound truth that you are loved beyond measure. No matter how much time has passed, you deserve this healing. Whether you’re a mother, father, grandparent, sibling, or someone touched by abortion in any way, Rachel’s Vineyard welcomes you with open arms. Let this be the moment you step out of the shadows and into the light of restoration and hope. Visit www.RachelsVineyard.org for more information on retreat dates and locations. Healing is waiting for you, you are not alone.


Come to our Healing Weekend Retreat

June 27-29, 2025

The National Blue Army Shrine of Our Lady of Fatima

Washington, NJ


To register, or for more information, please contact Leah at leah@soulfilledbygrace.co.site (609-709-3479) at or Ana at ana@soulfilledbygrace.co.site (908-319-2950).


2025 Respect Life Poster Contest Winners

 

Students were asked to draw a picture of how a grandparent or older person in your life has impacted your life in a positive way. 16 Catholic Schools participated and 13 Religious Education Programs participated with a total of 144 entries submitted.

Click Here for the List of Winners
Click Here to View Winning Posters

Jennifer A. Ruggiero, M.A.

Secretary, Secretariat for Family and Pastoral Life

Director, Office of Human Life & Dignity

(732) 562-1990

jruggiero@diometuchen.org

Angela Marshall

Program Coordinator

(732) 562-1990

amarshall@diometuchen.org

Office for Persons with Disabilities

New Book Available for Persons with Disabilities



In honor of World Down Syndrome Day (March 21), Word on Fire is pleased to present a very special prayer book for people with developmental disabilities: Let Us Pray: Catholic Prayers for All Abilities, by Mark Bradford, the Word on Fire Institute’s Fellow for Persons with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities.

 

Let Us Pray: Catholic Prayers for All Abilities is a simple guide to prayer, one showing readers how to talk with God and grow in love through gratitude, adoration, forgiveness, and compassion. The book was specially designed for adults with an intellectual disability and uses a custom typeface for dyslexic readers.

 

Featuring a foreword by Archbishop Joseph E. Kurtz, Let Us Pray includes the “big three” Catholic prayers, prayers for daily life and Sunday Mass, and prayers for special times of life. Everyone can pray because God loves everyone, and prayer is as simple as a heart-to-heart conversation with God. So . . . let us pray!

 

To purchase a copy of the book, please click on the following link: https://bookstore.wordonfire.org/products/let-us-pray


Rev. John Hillier, Ph.D

Director, Office for Persons with Disabilities

(732) 243-4580

catholicswithdisabilities@gmail.com

Office for Discipleship Formation for Children

Mark your calendars:

-Wednesday, September 3 - Dr. Joseph White - The Catechetical Accompaniment Process

-Saturday, September 6 - In-person catechist/PCL training from Our Sunday Visitor, "Alive in Christ" curriculum series

-Saturday, November 15 - "Catch-up Catechesis" and OCIA for children/Teens

-Saturday, February 28, 2026 - Dr. Kathy Amidei - Involving Families in Faith Formation


Jill Kerekes

Director, Office of Discipleship Formation for Children

732-529-7930

jkerekes@diometuchen.org

New Homeschool Ministry

Upcoming Events


Homeschooling Mom's Retreat — He Restores My Soul / Psalm 23

June 14, 9:00am – 12:30pm

St. John Neumann Pastoral Center, 146 Metlars Lane, Piscataway, NJ 08854 


Sign up for more information here:

https://diometuchen.org/homeschool-ministry-1


Rev. Gilbert Starcher

Coordinator, Office of Homeschool Ministry

gstarcher@diometuchen.org

Office of Communications and Public Relations

New 2025 Diocesan Directory! 


The Office of Communications and Public Relations recently released the 2025 Diocesan Directory. This directory is your essential guide to diocesan personal and services, featuring diocesan offices and staff, clergy directory, parish and school information, healthcare and social services, consecrated life, and so much more! If you are interested in purchasing copies for your parish, please contact Mary Gregory at 732-529-7934 or mgregory@diometuchen.org. Also, if you notice any errors or omissions, please let us know. We welcome your feedback.

Parish Social Media Audit Survey


As you know, the Office of Communications and Public Relations has partnered with Prenger Solutions Group (https://prengersolutions.com/) to conduct a social media audit of all ninety parishes. You should have received an email over the Christmas holiday, asking you to please complete a survey that will help the Diocese evaluate the ways in which our parishes are using social media at the local level. We were hoping to complete this survey by Friday, January 10, but, unfortunately, we are still waiting for a number of parishes to complete the survey. Again, I would ask that you please complete the following survey as soon as possible.


https://survey.alchemer.com/s3/8127221/2025-Parish-Social-Media-Audit-Diocese-of-Metuchen


I understand that not every parish has an active social media account, but it is important that every parish complete this survey so that we have an accurate accounting. Of course, if you have any questions or concerns, please contact Adam Carlisle, Secretary for Evangelization and Communication, at acarlisle@diometuchen.org.

Employment Opportunity - Director of Communications and Public Relations


Please consider posting this announcement in your parish bulletin:



The Diocese of Metuchen is seeking a Director of Communications and Public Relations to assist diocesan offices, ministries, parishes, schools, clergy, and its partners/affiliates to highlight key initiatives, events, and messages. The ideal candidate will have a degree in Communications/Public Relations, be a person of living Catholic faith, and be conversant in both print and digital media. Interested candidates should contact Adam Carlisle, Secretary for Evangelization and Communication, at acarlisle@diometuchen.org.


Employment Opportunity - Freelance Writer / Book Reviewer


The Catholic Spirit, the official newspaper of the Diocese of Metuchen, is seeking one or more book reviewers to review one book a month for a new, original Book-of-the Month feature. The ideal candidate will be an experienced writer who has reviewed books, particularly Catholic books, for other publications. An interest in academic, as well as more popular, non-academic books, is a plus. Interested candidates should contact Adam Carlisle, Secretary for Evangelization and Communication, at acarlisle@diometuchen.org.

Employment Opportunity - Graphic Designer 


Please consider posting this announcement in your parish bulletin:

The Catholic Spirit, the official newspaper of the Diocese of Metuchen, seeks a Graphic Designer to assist with the layout and design of its publication. The ideal candidate will have Adobe InDesign and Photoshop experience in a PC environment, be familiar with all aspects of electronic publishing, be a well-organized and reliable, and have a proven track record of meeting deadlines. Interested candidates should contact Adam Carlisle, Secretary for Evangelization and Communication, at acarlisle@diometuchen.org.

Employment Opportunity - Freelance Photographer



The Diocese of Metuchen is seeking a freelance photographer to cover important events throughout the diocese, including the Bishop Checchio’s pastoral visits. The ideal candidate will assist the Office of Communications and Public Relations, as well as The Catholic Spirit, the official newspaper of the diocese, in telling the story of the diocese and its partners/affiliates. Interested candidates should contact Adam Carlisle, Secretary for Evangelization and Communication, at acarlisle@diometuchen.org.

Making the Good News Known 



The Office of Communications and Public Relations is committed to making the Good News known and telling the story of the Diocese of Metuchen, which includes telling the stories of our parishes, schools, ministries and the faithful. Do you have a positive, inspiring story to share about an individual within our local Church of Metuchen? Is your parish doing something that lights a fire in the heart of our part of the world? We want to hear from you!

We invite you to share your news with us by emailing communications@diometuchen.org and, as always, news@catholicspirit.com.

Office of Family Life

Lectio Divina for Couples & Families


Two Thursdays per Month at 6:30pm on Zoom. Couples and families are welcome to join in praying Lectio Divina (a meditative reading of a short scripture passage).


Contact: cdaverso@diometuchen.org with any questions and for more details.

Life-Giving Wounds Retreat – August 22 – 24, 2025



Retreat for healing for adult children of divorce or separation. Arrive on August 22nd by 6:00 PM and depart on August 24th by 1:00 PM. Cost is $315 per person which includes meals and 2 nights' accommodations at the San Alfonso Retreat House, 755 Ocean Avenue, Long Branch NJ.


Contact cdaverso@diometuchen.org or amarshall@diometuchen.org with any questions. Register at https://diometuchen.org/adult-children-of-divorce. ..

Silver & Gold & 5 Year Wedding Anniversary Celebration


You are cordially invited to celebrate your 25th, 50th, 50+ or 5th Wedding Anniversary with the Church of Metuchen and renew your marriage vows with Bishop James F. Checchio at a special Evening Prayer Service at the Cathedral of St. Francis of Assisi in Metuchen on Sunday, October 19, 2025 at 3:00 PM. The Silver and Gold Anniversary Prayer Service will again include couples celebrating 5 years of marriage. Registration is required. Please register online at: https://www.diometuchen.org/silver-and-gold-anniversary-celebration. If you are unable to access, please contact the Family Life Office at 732-562-1543 or amarshall@diometuchen.org.  Registration will close on October 10, 2025.


Although no fee is required, in the past many Jubilarian couples have given a donation of gratitude to the Church in memory of this special occasion. Donations may be made online at https://www.diometuchen.org/silver-and-gold-anniversary-celebration or calling 732-562-1543.  

Surviving Divorce


For men and women seeking healing from separation or divorce. This 8-week program, while based on the teachings of the Catholic Church, is open to anyone who needs comfort, counsel and clarity after a divorce. Meetings will be held on Wednesdays 6:30 PM – 8:00 PM beginning April 23, 2025 at the St. John Neumann Pastoral Center, 146 Metlars Lane, Piscataway, NJ. For more information or to register contact Rachelle Hanna at rachelle.hanna@gmail.com

Worldwide Marriage Encounter Weekend


A Worldwide Marriage Encounter Weekend gives you the time and tools to enrich your marriage, deepen communication, and nourish the spirituality in your marriage.


The next Worldwide Marriage Encounter Weekend will be held July 18 – 20.


Please apply ASAP as space is limited.

Phone 1-732-904-9636 for application and information (Tom & Ruth DeFalco).


Visit us at: www.wwme.org for more information.


New Marriage Catechumenate



The Office of Family Life is seeking parishes willing to pilot the new Marriage Catechumenate, as called for by the Vatican Dicastery of Laity, Family and Life. This unique form of marriage preparation involves married couples meeting with and mentoring engaged couples one-on-one. Pastors interested are encouraged to identify married couples within their parishes who could serve as mentors and contact Cristina for details at cdaverso@diometuchen.org A training for mentors will be planned for the Fall.


Cristina D'Averso-Collins, M.T.S., M.S.P.

Director, Office of Family Life

732-562-1990 

cdaverso@diometuchen.org

The Catholic Spirit

The most recent edition of The Catholic Spirit is now available. In addition to our coverage of the Easter Triduum, the April issue featured articles about the Chrism Mass, held at the Cathedral of St. Francis of Assisi, a Christian Anthropology Workshop for PCLs, catechists, teachers, and school administrators, and the Mount Saint Mary Mock Trial team, which advanced to the regional finals for only the second time in school history. The April issue also included articles about the St. Joseph High School and St. Thomas Aquinas High School wrestling programs, both of which produced medal winners at this year’s state championships. We are also hard at work on next month’s edition, which, in addition to a memorial supplement for Pope Francis, will feature articles about Laudato Si’, which is celebrating its tenth anniversary in 2025, a leadership summit for the men of the Cathedral Deanery, and the 2025 STREAM Faire held at St. Thomas Aquinas High School in Edison. The May issue will also celebrate a number of important deacon anniversaries. Of course, you can read the full version of both editions online by visiting https://catholicspirit.com/, where you can browse through stories individually or view the full paper as it appears in print. As always, we thank you for your support and welcome your feedback.

The Catholic Spirit - New Social Media Accounts!


The Catholic Spirit is pleased to announce the launch of several new social media accounts! The Catholic Spirit is now on Facebook (The Catholic Spirit - NJ), Instagram and X (formerly Twitter). Please Like and Follow us @CathSpiritNJ for important updates from the official newspaper of the Diocese of Metuchen. Thank you!

Catholic Charities

Volunteer at Thrift Store and Food Pantry


Make a difference in your community! Catholic Charities needs volunteers for their thrift store and food pantry in Phillipsburg. Your time can directly help those in need.


Contact Maria Hunter at 732-387-1315 or mhunter@ccdom.org to learn more about how you can contribute.

Mental Health Navigator Services



Catholic Charities is offering a free service to assist residents of our Diocese in receiving support and education on how to understand and obtain mental health services and help remove the barriers that often exist when trying to figure out where to start.


Tiffany Workman

Communications Specialist

732-243-4581

tworkman@diometuchen.org

Office of Ongoing Faith Formation

Adult Enrichment Course

"Eschatology Part II"


The Office of Ongoing Faith Formation will be offering an Adult Enrichment Course entitled "Eschatology Part II: The Book of Revelation" at the St. John Neumann Pastoral Center located at 146 Metlars Lane, Piscataway, NJ. Classes are presented by Fr. Glenn Comandini, S.T.D.



Part II will be held on Thursdays from March 27, 2025 through June 5, 2025 (no class April 17 for Holy Thursday). The course will be a continuation of Part I and will examine the Book of Revelation using Catholic exegesis to study apocalyptic imagery such as The Seven Seals, The Woman Clothed with the Sun, and The Heavenly Rider. The registration fee is $20, covering the 10 classes of Eschatology Part II. Furthermore, the New American Bible will be used in class and can be included in registration for an additional $10, if needed.


You may register online at www.diometuchen.org/faith-formation (Part I and Part II have two separate registration links). For more information, please email amarshall@diometuchen.org or call 732-562-1543.

Office of Religious and Consecrated Life

Sister Anna Nguyen, SCC

Coordinator, Office of Religious and Consecrated Life

(732) 562-2439

anguyen@diometuchen.org

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