NEWARK—On May 2, Fr. Michael Fugee, a priest of the Archdiocese of Newark, wrote the following to the Most Rev. John J. Myers, Archbishop of Newark: “For the good of the Church and for my peace, I have requested permission to leave public exercise of my priestly ministry.”

NEWARK—Representing a vibrant cross-section of the Catholic Faith, eight men will be ordained to the priesthood for service to the Church of Newark on Saturday, May 25, at 10 a.m.

AREA—The Catholic Cemeteries Office of the Archdiocese of Newark will host the annual outdoor Memorial Day masses (Monday, May 27) at archdiocesan cemeteries located throughout northern New Jersey.

WASHINGTON—The median age of men ordained to the priesthood in 2013 is 32, two-thirds are Caucasian, and 26 percent carry educational debt. These figures stand out in The Class of 2013: Survey of Ordinands to the Priesthood, the annual national survey of men being ordained priests for U.S. dioceses and religious communities. The study was conducted by the Center for Applied Research in the Apostolate (CARA), a Georgetown University-based research center.

NEWARK—Isaiah Arrington of Newark, a freshman at Immaculate Conception High School (ICHS), Montclair, last month worked with his Student Partner Alliance (S/PA) mentor, Alex MacKenzie, to revitalize a garden in downtown Newark, part of the Greater Newark Conservancy (http://www.citybloom.org).

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DEMAREST- Students in the art department at the Academy of the Holy Angels (AHA) recently received 19 awards in the prestigious Scholastic Arts competition. The Scholastic Art and Writing Awards national competition is the longest-running awards program for artistic teens in the United States.

UPPER MONTCLAIR—Lacordaire Academy’s Fine Arts Department presents the academy’s annual “Museum Show.” The art exhibit, free and open to the public, will be on display May 3-7 in the academy’s gymnasium. This year’s show “The Changing Landscape: A Panorama of Identity and Culture,” includes works by the academy’s Pre K-grade 12 students.

ELIZABETH- Seventeen students and one recent graduate from Benedictine Academy, accompanied by Adina Medina, honors English teacher, took part in an educational tour of London and Paris during Easter break, March 30 through April 7.

MONTCLAIR—Singers, dancers, poets, and even martial arts students showcased their abilities at Immaculate Conception High School’s annual talent show, which was held April 14.

Rev. Msgr. Richard J. Arnhols, pastor of Saint John the Evangelist Parish, Bergenfield, since 1998, will be honored by the parish community for his four decades in the priesthood with a special celebration on Saturday, May 25. A Mass of Thanksgiving at 5:30 p.m. will be followed by a dinner/dance in Conlon Hall.

Mount Saint Dominic Academy, Caldwell, will host “A Taste of Broadway,” an evening of Broadway music and wine, on Saturday, April 27, at the Doris M. Byrne Performing Arts Center, located on campus. The fund-raiser will begin with a wine tasting at 6 p.m. and musical review at 8 p.m.

College of Saint Elizabeth (CSE) Holocaust Education Resource Center, 2 Convent Road, has planned Holocaust remembrance and genocide awareness programs for April. All programs are free and open to the public.

Caldwell College presented its 28th annual Veritas Awards March 22 at the Essex Fells Country Club, 219 Devon Rd. The awards are the highest honor the college bestows on its alumni for their professional excellence in diverse fields.

Holy Name Medical Center’s MS (multiple sclerosis) Center will hold its 16th Annual Spring Fashion Fling Fundraiser on Sunday, April 28, from 11:30 am to 3:30 pm at the Marriott Glenpointe Hotel, Teaneck. Chris Cimino, WNBC-TV meteorologist, will serve as the event’s honorary chairperson and TV news commentator Meredith Vieira will serve as the honorary MS ambassador.

The Respect Life Office and Pro-Life Commission of the Archdiocese of Newark, on March 15, sponsored a pro-life enrichment day for priests and deacons. The theme for the day was “End of Life Issues” and the speakers included Archbishop John J. Myers; Bobby Schindler, brother of Terri Schiavo; and Fr. Tad Pacholczyk from the National Catholic Bioethics Center (NCBC).

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CALDWELL- The New Jersey Catholic Historical Commission (NJCHC) will sponsor “The Art of the Printed Word - Historical Book Creation from Prayer to Preparation to Publication” on Saturday, April 13 from 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m. at the Motherhouse on the campus of Caldwell College.

VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- Although attempts were made to simplify the ceremony, Pope Francis officially inaugurated his ministry as pope and bishop of Rome in a liturgy filled with biblical symbolism and signs of the universality of his mission.

VATICAN CITY (CNS)—Pope Francis’ papal motto is based on the Gospel account of “The Call of Saint Matthew,” the tax collector, in a homily given by Saint Bede the Venerable. The pope decided to keep his episcopal motto and coat of arms for his pontificate with just a few minor adjustments in line with a papal emblem.

VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- With his fisherman's ring and the pallium -- the main symbols of the Petrine office -- Pope Francis chose styles in continuity with two of his predecessors. The fisherman's ring Pope Francis chose is made of gold-plated silver and is based on the same design of a papal ring handed down from Pope Paul VI's personal secretary.

CALDWELL—Caldwell College has received a $150,000 grant from the George I. Alden Trust of Worcester, Mass. for its Nursing Skills and Simulation Laboratories to enhance its Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree. The grant provides the college with the ability to purchase a Laerdal SimMom manikin with newborn for obstetrics, and a Laerdal SimBaby manikin along with the equipment, software and microphones needed for this important learning tool.

MORRISTOWN—The College of Saint Elizabeth (CSE), 2 Convent Road, is inviting potential students of all ages to explore its academic offerings during two upcoming open house events: April 9 and April 14. On April 9, 6 to 8 p.m. in the Annunciation Center, there will be an open house for male and female adult students seeking to complete their undergraduate degree, enroll in a master’s, doctoral or certificate program.

Faithful from throughout the Archdiocese of Newark and beyond joined in fellowship, prayer and worship at the fifth annual Catholic Men’s Conference on March 2 on the campus of Seton Hall University.

NEWARK—Father Lawrence B. Porter Ph.D., K.H.S., professor of systematic theology, Immaculate Conception Seminary, Seton Hall University, South Orange, delivered the homily at the March 3 noon Mass at the Cathedral Basilica of the Sacred Heart, giving thanks for the ministry of Pope Benedict XVI. Archbishop John J. Myers presided at the Mass and offered prayers for the College of Cardinals as they begin gathering this week at the Vatican to elect a new pope.

UPPER MONTCLAIR—Lacordaire Academy, 155 Lorraine Ave., will host an open house event on Wednesday, March 13. The program, which will begin promptly at 7 p.m. and finish at 8:30 p.m., welcomes prospective students and their parents for the Lower School, co-ed Pre-K through 4th grade, with a special focus on Pre-K and Kindergarten families.

MORRISTOWN—The College of Saint Elizabeth (CSE), 2 Convent Rd., will offer a Doctor of Psychology (Psy.D.) in Counseling Psychology program beginning in the fall 2013 semester. The Psy.D. is a practitioner preparation program specializing in training mental health professionals committed to working with disadvantaged populations. The program is part of CSE’s mission to promote and effect social justice and positive community change.

SOUTH ORANGE—Immaculee Ilibagiza, best-selling international author, peace advocate and survivor of the 1994 Rwandan Holocaust, will present a program at Seton Hall University (SHU)’s Jubilee Hall Auditorium on Wednesday, March 13, 4:30 p.m.

NEWARK—Archbishop John J. Myers will celebrate the noontime Mass at the Cathedral Basilica of the Sacred Heart, March 3 for Pope Benedict XVI. Earlier this month Pope Benedict announced his resignation, which will take effect at the end of February.

NEWARK—Saint Paul’s Outreach New Jersey will host its third annual benefit banquet and fund-raiser on Tuesday, April 16, at Nanina’s In The Park, Belleville. The group will present Archbishop John J. Myers with its “Servant Leader Award.” Proceeds from the benefit will support the mission and programs of Saint Paul’s Outreach. The group’s New Jersey chapter is based on the South Orange campus of Seton Hall University.

LODI—The Religious Studies Department at Felician College will present a special lecture entitled “John Cardinal Newman and Conscience” to celebrate the worldwide Year of Faith. The lecture will be held in Obal Hall on Felician’s Lodi campus Feb. 28 at 7 p.m. Father Joseph W. Koterski, a Jesuit priest of the Maryland Province of the Society of Jesus, will serve as the featured speaker.

CALDWELL—Caldwell College will celebrate the professional accomplishments of three of its alumni at its 28th Veritas Awards Dinner on Friday March 22, 6 p.m. at the Essex Fells Country Club. The Veritas Award is the highest honor Caldwell College bestows on its alumnae/alumni for their professional excellence in diverse fields.

MORRISTOWN—The College of College of Saint Elizabeth (CSE) will host an Open House for prospective undergraduate students and their families on Saturday, Feb. 23, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. The event begins with information sessions hosted by college organizations and staff, where prospective students and their families will learn about the CSE experience.

WASHINGTON—Cardinal Timothy Dolan of New York, president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB), issued the following statement after learning of the resignation of Pope Benedict XVI on Feb. 11.

VATICAN CITY (CNS)—Saying he no longer has the strength to exercise ministry over the Universal Church, Pope Benedict XVI announced Feb. 11 that he would resign at the end of the month. Pope Benedict, who was elected in April 2005, will be the first pope to resign in almost 600 years.

KEARNY—Saint Stephen Parish, 676 Kearny Ave., observed the 70th anniversary of the Four Chaplains with a noon Mass on Feb. 3 and a dedication of a dramatic monument, created by Canadian artist Timothy P. Schmalz.

WASHINGTON—Representatives of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) and four Reformed Christian denominations publicly signed an agreement on baptism on Jan. 29 in Austin, TX, which affirmed that all of the churches involved recognize the validity of each other’s baptisms.

CALDWELL—Caldwell College has named Don O’Hagan of Upper Saddle River as chief information officer (CIO), an executive position charged with the responsibility of developing, executing and managing the computing and information technology (IT) strategies for the college.

WASHINGTON—In response to Feb. 1’s release of revised regulations for the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA), Cardinal Timothy Dolan of New York, president of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, provided the following statement on behalf of the USCCB.

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NEWARK—Five Catholic organizations and schools received $65,000 in grants from The Horizon Foundation for New Jersey as part of the foundation’s fourth and final round of 2012 grants.

Bailey Ramirez, Raymond Berry, Kristen Nugent and Nicolle Kott, four freshmen at Union Catholic Regional High School in Scotch Plains, recently were awarded the 2012-13 Navin Brothers’ Food Service Scholarship.

WASHINGTON—The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ (USCCB) Committee on Pro-Life Activities urges Catholics nationwide to participate in “Nine Days of Prayer, Penance and Pilgrimage,” Jan. 19-27, marking the 40th anniversary of the Supreme Court’s Roe v. Wade decision.

Visitation Academy Interparochial, Paramus, used funds from a “Go Green” environmental grant, provided by the Bergen County Utilities Authority, Little Ferry, to educate the student body on the importance of keeping the environment clean.

The 20th annual Archbishop’s Business and Labor Recognition Reception will be held Tuesday, March 12 at Mayfair Farms, 481 Eagle Rock Ave., West Orange.

The Debate Team of the Academy of the Holy Angels (AHA), Demarest, competed at Northern Valley Demarest High School on Jan. 8 with impressive results.

The NJ Coalition Against Human Trafficking, a coalition of faith-based and civic groups, is sponsoring a “Human Trafficking Awareness Day” rally on Friday, Jan. 11, 11 a.m., on the steps of the State House, 125 West State St.

A Mass for the 17th annual World day for Consecrated Life will be celebrated noon, Sunday, Feb. 3, at the Cathedral Basilica of the Sacred Heart, 89 Ridge St. Sister Joanne Bednar, S.C.C., the delegate for religious for the Archdiocese of Newark, invited all women and men living a consecrated life to attend the Mass. Archbishop John J. Myers will preside at the Mass, while Father Vincent Sullivan, S.J., will serve as the homilist.

As part of Gov. Christie’s “season of service” campaign for those in need, NJ Health Commissioner Mary E. O’Dowd, on Dec. 18, 2012, visited Saint Bridget’s AIDS Support Network, an emergency shelter, operated by Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Newark.

The Catechetical Office of the Archdiocese of Newark has scheduled a series of courses intended to introduce adult Catholics to key teachings of the faith. “Spotlight on the Catechism” offers a course on each of the four parts of the Catechism while “Spotlight on the Scriptures” consists of two courses: introductions to the Old Testament and the New Testament.

Molaika Motley, Immaculate Conception High School (ICHS) Class of 1998, who in January lost her battle with breast cancer, was remembered at the annual ICHS homecoming football game, which was held in October against Hudson Catholic High School.

Jessica, Dominguez, a senior College of Saint Elizabeth (CSE), looked at her young audience in the Kid Central program at the YMCA in Madison and asked: “Do you know why we should eat bananas?” “Sure,” answered a four-year-old girl. “It’s for your potassium.” “So what I learned in my service learning project is that kids are really smart,” Dominguez, CSE dietetics major, said.

Six students from Queen of Peace High School (QPHS), 191 Rutherford Pl., took part in an international service project last August, working with the organization “From Houses to Homes” to build housing for the rural poor in the Republic of Guatemala.

Faith Quest 2013, a Catholic adult faith-formation forum, will be presented on Wednesdays evenings during the Season of Lent: Feb. 27; March 6, 13 and 20, 7:30-9 p.m. Saint Aloysius Parish, 219 Bloomfield Ave., will host the series.

The 42nd Annual Candlelight Carol Sing was held Wednesday, Dec. 12, and Thursday, Dec. 13 at the Cathedral Basilica of the Sacred Heart, 89 Ridge St., Newark. The program featured Christmas music sung by the Cathedral Choir and soloists, accompanied by the Cathedral Brass Ensemble and organist, Vincent Carr, all under the direction of John J. Miller, director of music ministries at the Cathedral.

Corralling a rambunctious group of 3-year-olds everyday can seem like an impossible task. Imagine 90 of them. “It can be a bit hectic most days,” Shomone Wheeler, program director of early care and education for the Little Schoolhouse, explained with a laugh. She has been with the Little Schoolhouse for nine years and began as a teacher.

Plans are well under way for the annual Catholic Men’s Conference and Women’s Commission Day of Reflection slated for consecutive Saturdays in March 2013 on the campus of Seton Hall University in South Orange.

Calling it “an opportunity to try to listen to God’s call,” Father John D. Gabriel, vocations director for the Archdiocese of Newark, is urging men 18 years and older to attend the annual “Weekend Vocation Discernment Retreat,” which will be held early in the New Year.

The Scholarship Fund for Inner- City Children’s (SFIC) 10th anniversary basketball festival will be held Jan. 4-6, 2013 at Kean University’s Harwood Arena in Union. The SFIC basketball festival is presented by Investors Bank and sponsored by The Star-Ledger.  

The Career Resources Ministry at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church, 1 Passaic St., in a continuing effort to help people seeking employment, will present the last in a four-part series of workshops on Sunday, Dec. 9, at 1 p.m. The workshops are held in the parish meeting room located in the lower church.

Registration is under way for Rachel’s Vineyard weekend retreats for post-abortion healing. Two retreats are planned: Jan. 18-20, 2013 and March 8-10, 2013. Each retreat begins on a Friday at 6:30 p.m. and ends on a Sunday at 5 p.m. Sponsored by the archdiocesan Respect Life Office, the retreat registration is $100 per person, which covers related materials, accommodations and meals.

The Office of Youth & Young Adult Ministry at the Archdiocesan Youth Retreat Center (AYRC), 499 Belgrove Dr., has provided a list of its upcoming retreats. The slate of events includes the name of the event, dates and times, location and a brief description of each retreat. All retreats will be held at the AYRC, unless otherwise indicated. Tom Conboy is the director of the archdiocesan Office of Youth and Young Adult Ministry.

The Christmas season should be a time of family, comfort and joy. Matthew Laracy, resident director of Magnificat Home, ensures the spirit of the season year-round for a group of low-income women. Founded in September 2009 by Laracy and his group of friends and family, Magnificat Home is a permanent residence for adult women who suffer from a range of emotional, mental and social difficulties.

The 42nd Annual Candlelight Carol Sing will be held Wednesday, Dec. 12, and Thursday, Dec. 13 at the Cathedral Basilica of the Sacred Heart, 89 Ridge St., Newark. Doors open at 7 p.m. and music begins at 8 p.m. for both performances. The program will feature Christmas music sung by the Cathedral Choir and soloists, accompanied by the Cathedral Brass Ensemble and organist, Vincent Carr, all under the direction of John J. Miller, director of music ministries at the Cathedral.

As the lingering aftermath of Hurricane Sandy continued to disrupt the lives of many throughout the Archdiocese of Newark, the efforts of volunteers in parishes and schools to help whenever and however they could continue unabated. The Archdiocese of Newark’s Property Management Administration has estimated that property damage from the Oct. 29 “megastorm” would exceed $10 million.

James J. King, who recently served as the director of the Office for Pastoral Care for Migrants and Refugees for the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, has been selected as the director of social concerns for the New Jersey Catholic Conference (NJCC).

The Season of Advent begins the Church’s liturgical year and consists of the four Sundays before Christmas, which began on Dec. 2. Father Thomas A. Dente, director of the archdiocesan Office of Divine Worship, said Advent is a time of preparation that directs the hearts and minds of the faithful to look forward to the second coming of Christ and to the past, to the birth of Jesus 2,000 years ago.

 MORRISTOWN—The Benedictine monks of Saint Mary’s Abbey, who for more than 100 years have been part of Saint Elizabeth of Hungary in Linden, will return the parish to direct archdiocesan administration in February.

Mass was celebrated Oct. 20 at the Cathedral Basilica of the Sacred Heart, Newark, marking the liturgical memorial of Blessed Pope John Paul II as well as the 34th anniversary of his ascension to the throne of Saint Peter. The Polish/Slovak Apostolate of the Archdiocese of Newark sponsored the celebration.

In coming weeks, the issue of the Health and Human Services mandates requiring religiously affiliated institutions to offer and pay for medical services that violate the religious beliefs and teaching of that religion, such as abortions, abortifacient drugs, and sterilization procedures will be resurfacing.  A recent column by The Most Rev. Joseph F. Naumann, Archbishop of Kansas City, addresses some of the myths on these mandates.

Archbishop John J. Myers (top left photo, center) led a blessing and dedication of the newly constructed Chapel Mausoleum at Maryrest Cemetery, Mahwah, on Oct. 13. Archbishop Myers is pictured anointing the chapel altar, with assistance from Rev. Msgr. Richard F. Groncki (left), archdiocesan pilgrimage coordinator, and Rev. Msgr. Michael A. Andreano, chancellor and secretary to the archbishop.

AREA—With initial estimates of property damage done by Hurricane Sandy anticipated to exceed $10 million throughout the archdiocese, it was a time when members of parishes and schools responded to the heartbreaking devastation and swung into action to help victims of the unprecedented storm that slammed into the Garden State Oct. 29.

Archbishop John J. Myers authorized a voluntary emergency collection to be taken at all parishes in the Archdiocese of Newark during weekend masses in November to assist in local relief efforts in the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy and the nor’easter that followed.

Archbishop Savio Hon Tai-Fai, S.D.B., secretary for the Congregation for the Evangelization of Peoples, expressed hope for unity among Catholics in China during a Nov. 8 visit to Immaculate Conception Seminary, School of Theology at Seton Hall University (SHU). The university conferred upon Archbishop Hon a doctorate of humane letters honoris causa.

Spreading a message of “life, hope, respect and joy,” faithful gathered at the annual Critical Life Issues Conference Oct. 20 at the Saint John Neumann Conference Center. Co-sponsored by the Linden-based Respect Life Office of the Archdiocese of Newark and the Office of Respect for Life in the Diocese of Metuchen, the event drew close to 300 attendees.

Year of Faith Pilgrimage in October, highlighted by attendance at an outdoor Mass celebrated in Saint Peter’s Square by Pope Benedict XVI that featured canonization of two Americans, began archdiocesan-wide participation in the worldwide spiritual journey. Parishes throughout the local Church are planning events to bring the Year of Faith into focus in a meaningful way.

The fourth annual “Nourishing Your Faith” dinner and fund-raiser was held Nov. 7 at the Teaneck Marriott at Glenpointe despite a snowy nor’easter storm and the aftermath disruptions caused by Hurricane Sandy. Archbishop John J. Myers and the archdiocesan Office of Development, led by Carla Repollet, executive director, hosted the gala event.

The Most Reverend John J. Myers, Archbishop of Newark, has authorized a voluntary special emergency collection to be taken at all Catholic parishes in the Newark Archdiocese to assist in local relief efforts in the aftermath of Superstorm Sandy and the Nor’easter. The collections can be taken during Masses over the next three weekends in November as parish schedules allow.

 NEWARK- All are invited to “A Concert for the Victims of Hurricane Sandy” at 4 p.m. on Nov. 18 at the Cathedral Basilica of The Sacred Heart, 89 Ridge Street, Newark. The concert, which will feature “Eternal Light: A Requiem” by Howard Goodall (with the Cathedral Choir, Soloists and Chamber Orchestra) is intended to be a source of comfort and consolation for all grieving the loss of loved ones.

Members of the local chapter of Centesimus Annus Pro Pontifice (CAPP) are urging faithful from throughout the Archdiocese of Newark to attend a CAPP-USA Conference in New York, which will be held on Saturday, Nov. 3.

Father Donald Hummel and Father Basil Lek, the chaplains at Paramus Catholic Regional High School, concelebrated an outdoor Mass for the student body on Oct. 18 to mark Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Separately, the Archdiocese of Newark celebrated a Breast Cancer Awareness Mass on Oct. 21 at the Cathedral Basilica of the Sacred Heart, Newark.

On Sept. 1 I lost a very good friend, Bernardine Franciscan Sister Mary Reginald Zajac, who died at the age of 101 and six months. After her burial, my good friend, Thomas Collinson, turned to his daughter Patti and said, “You can say you knew a living saint.” That one line perfectly captures the reason we mark the Feast of All Saints, a holy day, on Nov. 1.

Before Christ ascended into heaven after His resurrection, He commissioned the Apostles to go and proclaim the Gospel to the ends of the earth. The primary reason He sent them on this mission was to make His salvation available to everyone.

More Catholics would become priests and religious sisters and brothers if there were greater encouragement for them to pursue a religious vocation. Problems such as cost of Catholic schools and impediments to education, particularly among Hispanic Catholics, also stand as factors in determining who chooses to pursue a religious vocation.

NEWARK — Last year in Madrid, when Pope Benedict XVI announced Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, as the site of World Youth Day (WYD) 2013, cheers erupted among the crowd. In the Archdiocese of Newark, plans are already underway to gather young pilgrims for the celebration of faith in South America’s largest country.

After 38 years of service to the College of Saint Elizabeth (CSE), including 16 years as president, Sister Francis Raftery, S.C., will retire in June 2013, following the completion of her term and ministry as the college’s sixth president.

The Catholic Charities’ Emergency Food and Nutrition Network of the Archdiocese of Newark is calling on parishes throughout the four counties of the archdiocese to support the organization’s 28^th annual “Harvest of Hope” food drive, which will be held Nov. 1 to Dec. 31 to coincide with the upcoming Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays.

In acknowledgment of his universal view of the Church and his consistent encouragement and support of missionary outreach, the New York-based Pontifical Mission Societies designated Archbishop John J. Myers a “Pontifical Ambassador for Mission,” the organization’s highest honor.

The fourth annual “Nourishing Your Faith” dinner and fund-raiser will be held Wednesday, Nov. 7, at the Teaneck Marriott at Glenpointe, 100 Frank W. Burr Blvd., adjacent to Interstate 95. The evening begins at 6 p.m., followed by dinner and the event program. The keynote speaker for this year’s dinner is Ralph Martin, president of Renewal Ministries, Ann Arbor, MI.

Underlining the importance of homilies delivered by priests each week at Mass, the U.S. bishops, at their annual fall meeting, Nov. 12-15 in Baltimore, will vote on a formal document that highlights preaching suggestions and guidelines. 

A recent gathering of theologians and scholars in Kraków, Poland, confirmed that the words of a landmark encyclical written by Blessed Pope John Paul II remain vital to guide the Catholic Church. The site of the international conference was especially significant as Kraków is the city that molded the pope’s outlook on political, social and economic matters; the place where, in the words of John Paul, “every stone and every brick is dear to me.”

Brothers Steven DeMaio, S.D.B., Travis Gunther, S.D.B., and John Langan, S.D.B., pronounced religious vows as Salesians of Don Bosco at a Mass of Religious Profession on Aug. 21, in the chapel of Salesian High School.

NEW ROCHELLE, NY — Caitlin Seymour of Rochelle Park was among 18 candidates recently commissioned by the New Rochelle Province of the Salesians of Don Bosco as Salesian Lay Missioners (SLM). A graduate of Loyola University of Maryland, Baltimore, Seymour, 24, and her parents, Michelle and Tony Seymour, are members of Sacred Heart Parish, Rochelle Park.

A colleague and a friend, Rev. Msgr. Kevin M. Hanbury, whom I had known for more than a decade and with whom I’d worked closely during his years as vicar for education and superintendent of schools of the Archdiocese of Newark, finally succumbed after a courageous two-month battle with non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma.

In a very real sense, although Sacred Heart Parish closed three years ago, its spiritual heartbeat continues in Leesburg, VA. A focal point of the new church building, dedicated during a special Mass on Aug. 3, is the 64-ton Italian marble main altar and two side altars that traveled piece-by-piece on flatbed trucks from Sacred Heart Parish to Saint John the Apostle Parish.

Over the years, and especially now on the milestone of its 50th anniversary, much has been said and written about the landmark Second Vatican Council, which began on Oct. 11, 1962 and closed on Dec. 8, 1965. However, by comparison, little is ever mentioned about Pope John XXIII, the pontiff who launched the council.

To honor the golden anniversary of the Second Vatican Council, as well as mark the 20th anniversary of the publication of the Catechism of the Catholic Church, Pope Benedict XVI has called for a “Year of Faith,” beginning Oct. 11 and ending Nov. 24, 2013, to strengthen the faith of Catholics and draw the world to faith by their example.

Every year, something special happens on the next-to-last Sunday of October, as the Church reflects upon its deepest identity—as the Church in mission. World Mission Sunday, Oct. 21, is the day when Catholics throughout the world unite at Mass, recommitting themselves, in their own way through Baptism, to a missionary vocation.

In the late 19th century, Italian immigrants settled here and the Church became a source of community and strength for the newcomers. A new book by Father Thomas D. Nicastro, associate pastor of Saint Mary Parish, Nutley— “The Feast of St. Gerard Maiella, C.Ss.R”—published by The History Press, captures the importance of this century-old Catholic and Italian-American devotion to Saint Gerard in the Archdiocese of Newark and beyond.

Twenty-five years after he was ordained a bishop in its sanctuary, Archbishop John J. Myers of Newark was warmly welcomed back to Saint Mary’s Cathedral in Peoria during a Mass of Thanksgiving on Sept. 6, concelebrated by his successor as Bishop of Peoria and more than 125 diocesan priests.

NEWARK—The Archdiocese of Newark’s Office of Vocations will sponsor a “Harvest Family Day” at Saint Elizabeth Parish, on Sunday, Oct. 14, beginning with noon Mass. The event will include age-related breakout sessions and workshops, Eucharistic Adoration, a barbecue and various family activities. In addition, the Office of Vocations will host a series of vocation discernment evenings at the Archdiocesan Youth Retreat Center, Kearny.

NEWARK — The Linden-based Respect Life Office of the Archdiocese of Newark, along with the Office of Respect for Life in the Diocese of Metuchen, will co-sponsor “The Critical Life Issues Conference—The Year of Faith.” The event will be held Saturday, Oct. 20, 7:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. at the Saint John Neumann Conference Center, 146 Metlars Lane, Piscataway. Contact the Respect Life Office by phone (732-388-8211) or via e-mail (arnewrespect@sjanj.net) for more information.

NEWARK—An exhibition at The Jewish Museum of New Jersey tells the story of a handful of Catholic clergy, private citizens and even a German officer who orchestrated a dramatic rescue of several hundred Jewish refugees in Assisi, Italy, during the German occupation of that city.

NEWARK—An exhibition at The Jewish Museum of New Jersey tells the story of a handful of Catholic clergy, private citizens and even a German officer who orchestrated a dramatic rescue of several hundred Jewish refugees in Assisi, Italy, during the German occupation of that city.

The following is the text of the homily given by Archbishop John J. Myers during the special Mass on Sept. 22 at the Cathedral Basilica of the Sacred Heart, celebrating the 25th anniversary of his Episcopal ordination.

The Cathedral Basilica of the Sacred Heart was filled to capacity on Sept. 22 as Archbishop John J. Myers celebrated the 25th anniversary of his consecration to the Episcopacy. In addition to three cardinals, 13 bishops and one abbot attended the Mass along with numerous other guests. For additional photos, visit the photo gallery here. 

In recent days religious institutions and persons, including Ambassador Chris Stevens and three colleagues in Libya, have suffered vicious attacks. It is time to recall some basic principles yet again. More than a decade has passed since the New York City meeting of the International Catholic/Jewish Liaison Committee.

NEWARK—Parishes throughout the Archdiocese of Newark next month will open the “Year of Faith” celebration declared by Benedict XVI in his Apostolic Letter Porta Fidei (Door of Faith). Urging the faithful to participate fully in this unique spiritual experience, Father Thomas Dente, director of the archdiocesan Office of Divine Worship and chairman of the local Year of Faith task force, sees the Holy Father’s declaration as a time “to renew our faith as Catholics in Christ through the Church.

NEWARK — Two Catholic schools in the Archdiocese of Newark are among 50 private schools nationwide that have been recognized as 2012 National Blue Ribbon Schools. The two schools receiving this honor are Academy of Our Lady of Mount Carmel, Tenafly, and Visitation Academy, Interparochial, Paramus. Last year seven Catholic schools in the archdiocese received Blue Ribbon recognition (see The Catholic Advocate, Aug. 22).

Jan. 25, 1959, was almost as important a day in aviation history as that long-ago date in 1903 when the Wright Brothers flew the first airplane at Kitty Hawk, NC. That same Sunday also saw the beginnings of another entirely new era in the Catholic Church. That new era began with a three part announcement from Blessed Pope John XXIII at the Basilica of Saint Paul Outside the Walls in Rome.

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Back in 2000, I heard Carlo Cardinal Martini, then the Archbishop of Milan and later a papal contender in the last conclave, speak at Saint Joseph’s Church in Greenwich Village, New York. He related how he could fill his Cathedral of the largest archdiocese in the world when he would invite prominent atheists to dialogue on matters of faith. He made an analogy of the two lungs in the human body, which work in concert so a human being can breathe.

PARAMUS—The Catechetical Office of the Archdiocese of Newark will sponsor and host its annual Catechetical Convocation, which will be held Saturday, Oct. 27, at Paramus Catholic Regional High School, 425 Paramus Rd.

NEWARK—The annual cooperative admissions (COOP) examination for participating Catholic high schools in the Archdiocese of Newark will be administered on Friday, Nov. 9. Eighth graders interested in attending an archdiocesan Catholic high school in September 2013 are required to take the exam.

NEWARK — The Schools Office of the Archdiocese of Newark has organized the annual high school expos for middle school students and their families who are considering attending a Catholic high school in September 2013.

WASHINGTON TOWNSHIP —“Prophecy should never seek to control or dominate. Rather, it should be offered. Beware of exaggeration and consider the issue of credibility.” The common sense, real-world assessment of the expression of exuberant faith came from Damian Stayne, the featured speaker at the Charism School and Miracle Healing Service conference, which was held Aug. 17- 19 at Immaculate Heart Academy.

In the fall of 1963 a very bright, friendly and somewhat reserved farm boy from Illinois arrived in Rome to begin his theological studies. He did not hide that he missed his parents and his six siblings as well as the quiet life of the prairie.

Since his arrival in the Archdiocese of Newark, Archbishop Myers has devoted himself to addressing the pastoral needs of the people committed to his care. While the area assigned to him is considerably smaller than he was accustomed to previously, the number of the faithful and their institutions are infinitely larger.

Two hundred and twenty. That is the number of men ordained to the priesthood while Archbishop John J. Myers, celebrating the 25th anniversary of his Episcopal ordination, was chief shepherd of his home diocese in Peoria, IL, and the past 11 years with the Archdiocese of Newark. It is, no doubt, a satisfying number for the former Peoria vocations director.

I grew up in the fly-speck farm town of Earlville, IL, population 1,406. There were only 25 kids in my school class. Lucky for me one of them was John Myers. John and I grew up, went to grade school, went to high school, went through life, sometimes right next to each other— sometimes at great distances from one another— but always connected, always together. John was then, and still is, my best friend.

A friend; an inspiration; a good and faithful priest and bishop; a significant “shaper” of the Church in this country; a respected jurist…these are all titles that come to mind as I salute the Most Reverend John J. Myers on the silver jubilee of his consecration as a bishop.

Fall marks the beginning of the global “Year of Faith” celebration for the Catholic Church, as proclaimed by Pope Benedict XVI (see The Catholic Advocate, Aug. 8). Catholics will focus on renewing their faith and commitment to Jesus Christ and His Church. The Church, locally and universally, will look to revitalize the manner and method for the continued transmission of that faith to future generations.

WASHINGTON—Given widespread concern over the mounting human toll of high unemployment and stagnant economic conditions, Catholics can obtain timely, substantive information on the state of poverty in the United States and learn specific ways to assist those in need through a new Web site launched by the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB).

The Little Sisters of the Poor have been ministering to the elderly in the spirit of their foundress, Saint Jeanne Jugan, for nearly 170 years.  The recent mandate from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) threatens to take our financial challenges to an entirely new level.

Holy Family Academy recently held its first-ever eighth grade graduation. The academy, a Catholic school located on Providenciales Island, is part of the Missio Sui Iuris in Turks and Caicos, part of the British West Indies— a mission under the jurisdiction of the Archdiocese of Newark.

For Matthew Orso, a June graduate of Paramus Catholic Regional High School, his love of baseball began as it does for countless youngsters across the nation—watching games with his grandfather. From that typical beginning, however, sprung a magnificent obsession with the game that resulted in his penning a recently published book “Bonded at the Seams…Baseball in Our Lives.”

Last fall, seven Catholic elementary schools from the Archdiocese of Newark were recognized as 2011 National Blue Ribbon Schools by the U.S. Department of Education (see The Catholic Advocate, Sept. 28, 2011). The prestigious award signals that local Catholic schools strive for academic excellence, according to Rev. Msgr. Kevin M. Hanbury, the archdiocesan vicar for education and superintendent of schools.

NEWARK—Interfaith leaders throughout the Archdiocese of Newark offered prayers and words of compassion in the wake of the tragedy in Oak Creek, WI, where a lone gunman killed six worshipers and seriously wounded three others at a Sikh temple on Aug. 5. Congregation members of Sri Guru Singh Sabah Sikh Temple, Glen Rock, observed an interfaith service on Aug. 12, offering prayers for the Oak Creek victims and their families.

As the new school year approaches, the Archdiocese of Newark remains steadfast in its commitment to providing students with a faith-infused academic program. However, the means by which that commitment is achieved reflects the changing demands and technology advances of the world in which we live.

The first day at a new school is always an adventure for any student. However, in seven Catholic schools in the Archdiocese of Newark, it won’t just be the students who are new. Seven new principals at schools will be taking the helm come September.

As we approach the beginning of another exciting school year, I thought I would share with you some of the thrust contained in the soon-to-be-published executive summary of the document, “Lighting the Way: Building a New Era in Catholic Education.” Many people have spent tireless hours putting together this important work.

Brother Chris Alar, M.I.C., addressed a gathering of pilgrims on Aug. 4 at the National Shrine of The Divine Mercy, discussing the extraordinary message of Divine Mercy and why it is relevant. The Marians of the Immaculate Conception administer the national shrine.

Christians have been going on pilgrimages from the very beginning of our faith. Early Christians visited the birth place Jesus and other sites documented in the Gospels. There was special devotion to visiting the place of Jesus’ passion, death and resurrection in Jerusalem. Christian pilgrims also visit locations important to lives of the Apostles, martyrs and saints.

The Office of Youth and Young Adult Ministry at the Archdiocesan Youth Retreat Center, 499 Belgrove Ave., will host the semiannual Open Confirmation retreat on Saturday, Sept. 29, which is open to all parishes of the Archdiocese of Newark.

The following is a commentary article and an “open letter” to The Star-Ledger, penned by Father Jim Chern, the director of campus ministry for the Archdiocese of Newark. Earlier this year, Fr. Chern mailed a similar letter to editors at the Newark-based newspaper, which never was published.

Cardinal Stanislaw Dziwisz (center), the Archbishop of Krakow, Poland, celebrated Mass at Saint Theresa of the Child Jesus Parish, Linden, on July 8, part of his pastoral visit to New Jersey.

The following is a transcript of the address made by Archbishop Emeritus Peter L. Gerety at his 100th Birthday Mass celebrated July 19 at the Cathedral Basilica of the Sacred Heart, Newark. For a gallery of candid photos from the Mass, click here.

“God sent me to do this job” declares Lila Taylor, who is in the vanguard of a groundbreaking Grief Support Group for the Deaf in the Archdiocese of Newark, which provides bereavement counseling and assistance for those with hearing loss.

The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops announced a worldwide “Year of Faith” celebration will begin on Oct. 11 and conclude on Nov. 24, 2013. Oct. 11 is the 50th anniversary of the opening of the Second Vatican Council (Vatican II). Plans for the Year of Faith celebration were first spelled out in Pope Benedict XVI’s Apostolic Letter of Oct. 11, 2011, Porta Fidei (“Door of Faith”).

Earlier this year, 11,500 students in Grades 1 through 7 in the schools of the Archdiocese of Newark took the TerraNova exam (Third Edition), a standardized achievement test published by CTB/ McGraw-Hill. TerraNova score reports provide information about how students are achieving in relation to specific learning objectives and as compared to the rest of the nation.

A familiar expression, “the squeaky wheel gets the grease,” is the phrase that telegraphs the work of the NJ Network of Catholic School Families. Established in 1996 by the Catholic Bishops of New Jersey, the NJ Network of Catholic School Families, known as “the Network,” is active in all five Garden State dioceses.

In its effort to call attention to the evils of human trafficking and modern-day slavery, the Frederick Douglass Family Foundation (FDFF) has united with Benedictine Academy, naming the school as its first “Douglass Freedom Partner.”

The following is a transcript of the address made by Archbishop Emeritus Peter L. Gerety at his 100th Birthday Mass celebrated July 19 at the Cathedral Basilica of the Sacred Heart, Newark. For a gallery of candid photos from the Mass, click here.

The loss of a loved one does not wait for convenience or a time when family members and friends are ready. “But of that day or hour, no one knows, neither the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. Be watchful! Be alert! You don’t know when the time will come” (Mark 13: 32-33). The topic of death and funerals is something that tends to be put on the backburner. Pre-planning a memorial or funeral service and selecting a burial option is a growing trend in the United States.

Sacred vessels have played an important role in the history of the Judeo-Christian religion. The most laudable and easily discernible evidence of the importance of these vessels in worship is the continued utilization of precious materials for their construction.

Among his many accomplishments during his seven decades in the priesthood Archbishop Peter L. Gerety was a pioneer of outreach to the Latin-American and African-American Catholic communities, using the common ground of faith to span racial and ethnic border lines. He courageously pursued this ministry of faithful inclusion during the turbulent decades of the 1950s-1980s.

In our prayers at RENEW International, we thank God for those who have gone before us. We stand on the shoulders of giants. But if one name comes first in our prayers, it’s Archbishop Emeritus Peter L. Gerety, aptly called “the father of RENEW.’’

Peter L. Gerety, as a bishop, has always “been conscious of that sharing of intimacy with the Holy Spirit” which the Church attaches to the fullness of priesthood, the episcopacy, according to a close friend.

Only a few months ago, just about every form of our modern media showered constant attention on the occurrence of the 100th anniversary of the sinking of the RMS Titanic.  Some three months after this tragic loss of 1,500 lives, a child was born in Shelton, CT. Unlike the Titanic, this newborn baby is still alive and well as we celebrate his 100th birthday.

“The only thing I can do is thank God,” a reflective Archbishop Emeritus Peter L. Gerety said on the eve of turning 100 years old. As he approaches the century mark, Archbishop Gerety wants everyone in the Archdiocese of Newark to realize “the blessing of our Catholic faith. It’s our compass in life.”

Archbishop Peter L. Gerety comes to Newark as a newcomer but hardly a stranger. Born in Connecticut, he spent most of his priesthood in New Haven’s inner city before going to Portland, ME, as a bishop eight years ago. However, it was in northern New Jersey that the Gerety story began.

Editor’s note: Two years ago Archbishop Emeritus Peter L. Gerety, D.D., delivered a homily on the meaning of the priesthood at his Saint John Vianney residence, located in Rutherford. Though at the time he was addressing retired priests, Archbishop Gerety’s words ring true today for priests young and old. The following is an edited excerpt of his homily.

Nearly 5,000 people filled Washington’s Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception on July 4 for a Mass that celebrated the closing liturgy of the nationwide June 21-July 4 “Fortnight for Freedom” campaign.

Archbishop John J. Myers issued a statement immediately following the June 28 decision by the Supreme Court on the Affordable Care Act (ACA), saying he, along with his fellow bishops of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB), share “a profound disappointment over the Supreme Court’s decision upholding as a tax the provision of the ACA that requires individuals to purchase a health plan—the so-called individual mandate.”

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Beginning June 21 and continuing until July 4, every diocese across the nation will be participating in a program known as “Fortnight for Freedom.” This is a call for an end to an institutional coercion by the government against conscience, and government intrusion into the ordering of Church institutions.

The International Pilgrim Statue of the Virgin of Our Lady of Fatima, on the second stop of a 21-day tour of the Archdiocese of Newark, was venerated with a Mass celebrated June 5 at Gate of Heaven Cemetery in East Hanover by Rev. Msgr. Richard F. Groncki, rector emeritus of the Cathedral Basilica of the Sacred Heart in Newark.

On June 30, two popular figureheads for youth and young adult ministries in the Archdiocese of Newark. Father Steve Ryan, S.D.B., will leave his assignment and head to the Sunshine State as the newly appointed director of Mary Help of Christians Center in Tampa, FL. Sister Marilyn Minter, C.S.S.F., will be director of a Felician mission near Port-au-Prince, Haiti.

NEWARK—Relatively new in the Archdiocese of Newark, the local chapter of Centesimus Annus Pro Pontifice (CAPP) is working hard to meet the sometimes daunting social justice issues that abound in today’s increasingly secular world. Its goal, explains CAPP-Newark president Natalie Dengler, is to “change hearts and develop well-formed consciences through the evangelization of Catholic Social Teaching.”

JERSEY CITY—As it bid goodbye to its graduating Class of 2012, Saint Peter’s College is preparing to transition into Saint Peter’s University in the fall. “Saint Peter’s College is taking a monumental step into the future and endless possibilities await us,” Eugene J. Cornacchia, Ph.D., president of Saint Peter’s College, explained.

Saint Michael Church/Parish of the Resurrection, 252 Ninth St., Jersey City, will present a concert of sacred music (“Come Follow Me”) on Sunday, June 24 at 4 p.m. The musical program will feature the Saint Michael Singers accompanied by the church’s newly restored and recently designated historic landmark—a circa-1925 E. M. Skinner organ.

Cardinal Stanislaw Dziwisz, the Archbishop of Krakow, Poland, and the former secretary to Blessed Pope John Paul II, will tour the Archdiocese of Newark, part of an official pastoral visit to New Jersey. On Sunday, July 8 there will be an outdoor procession beginning at 10:30 a.m. at Saint Theresa of the Child Jesus Parish, 131 East Edgar Rd., Linden.

Saint Peter’s College awarded 872 degrees at the undergraduate and graduate levels at its 121st commencement exercises May 21 at the PNC Bank Arts Center, Holmdel. The Jersey City college will become a university in the fall.

MORRISTOWN—Nearly 500 diplomas, one of the largest classes in the 110 year history of the College of Saint Elizabeth (CSE), were awarded May 12. The college graduated 264 undergraduates from its Women’s College and adult undergraduate programs and 233 graduate students, including 15 who received doctorates in Educational Leadership.

CALDWELL—Caldwell College awarded 382 diplomas at its 70th commencement ceremony, which was held May 20. The Class of 2012 included 298 undergraduates and 84 graduate students.

Archbishop John J. Myers, in September, will mark the 25th year of his Episcopal ordination, a silver anniversary that follows two milestones he celebrated in 2011—the 45th year of his priesthood and his 10th year as the shepherd of the Archdiocese of Newark. He is one of many jubilarians being honored in this edition of The Catholic Advocate.

I always enjoy this time of year. We have just celebrated the ordinations of transitional deacons and new priests (May 20 and May 26, respectively). It is a joyous time in this local Church of Newark.

As most Catholics know, the American bishops have spoken strongly in defense of religious freedom with their recent statement, “Our First, Most Cherished Liberty.” Catholic and Protestant theologians have joined the bishops in defending the centrality of religious freedom in American life.

SOUTH ORANGE—Graduates of Seton Hall University’s (SHU) Class of 2012 were encouraged to honor their journey by finding their passion and purpose in life. About 1,290 spirited baccalaureate graduates filled the Izod Center for the University’s 155th commencement on May 21.

Bishop David Arias, O.A.R., marks his 60th year as a priest, a milestone to celebrate his many pioneering accomplishments. He was the first Hispanic auxiliary bishop in New Jersey and has served the Church as a pastor, author, teacher and community leader.

The Catholic Cemeteries Office of the Archdiocese of Newark hosted Memorial Day masses at seven archdiocesan cemeteries.

Among the careers the new priests had before entering the seminary were accountant, small-business owner, actor, restaurant manager, public school teacher and Iraq War veteran.

The Class of 2012 is marked by intriguing and divergent paths to a lifetime of service to God, His Church and Her people.

This local Church of Newark is again among the national leaders with the number of ordinandi. Last year 18 men were ordained, while there were 13 priests in the Class of 2010.

Representing well the diversity that is a proud strength of the Archdiocese of Newark, Archbishop John J. Myers will ordain 16 men into the holy priesthood on Saturday, May 26 at 10 a.m. in the Cathedral Basilica of the Sacred Heart.

Most Rev. John J. Myers, Archbishop of Newark, on May 16, announced several archdiocesan appointments concerned with the development and training of candidates for Catholic priesthood.

The New Jersey Symphony Orchestra, along with a choir composed of over 100 singers from 37 churches within the Archdiocese of Newark, performed Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony May 11 at the Cathedral Basilica of the Sacred Heart, Newark.

The Catholic Cemeteries Office of the Archdiocese of Newark will host the annual Memorial Day masses at seven archdiocesan cemeteries throughout northern New Jersey on Monday, May 28, at 11 a.m.

The International Pilgrim Statue of the Virgin of Fatima will be on display throughout the four counties of the Archdiocese of Newark during a 21-day tour that begins June 4 at Convento Misioneras del Corazon de Jesus, 109 Parker St., Newark, and concludes at the Cathedral Basilica of the Sacred Heart, 89 Ridge St., Newark.

The Pontifical Mission Societies in the United States hosted its inaugural “World Mission Dinner,” a gala fund-raiser held May 2 at The Pierre Hotel in New York City.

Last month we celebrated Easter, a joyful spiritual journey that began with the season of Lent. Lent is the period of discipline that allows the life of Jesus to become visible. God has a design for all of us. Let us not despair.

NEWARK—Archbishop John J. Myers will ordain eight transitional deacons at the noontime Mass on Sunday, May 20 at the Cathedral Basilica of the Sacred Heart.

NEWARK—The Archdiocese of Newark’s Office of Development and Stewardship will host its annual Stewardship Day on Saturday, June 2, 9 a.m. to noon at the Archdiocesan Center, 171 Clifton Ave.

Around 70 young men from throughout the archdiocese attended the Vocations Awareness Evening Prayer Service in the crypt of the Cathedral Basilica of the Sacred Heart in Newark on April 25. The Archdiocesan Office of Youth and Young Adult Ministry hosted “Continuing the Journey” April 27-29 at its Kearny center.

SOUTH ORANGE—“I know what our culture says about lives like mine; they say my story can’t be true. I’ve been called controversial, but the only controversial thing about me is that I was supposed to be killed,” Melissa Ohden, abortion-attempt survivor, said.

SOUTH ORANGE—Extending a hand of friendship and expressing a desire to open doors to ecumenical dialogue, Metropolitan Mor Cyril Aphrem Karim, the leader of the Archdiocese of the Syrian Orthodox Church for the Eastern United States, addressed an attentive gathering at the Chapel of the Immaculate Conception at Seton Hall University (SHU) on April 26.

LODI—As part of a five-year trend of lay educators being installed as leaders of the four Catholic colleges in the geographic confines of the Archdiocese of Newark, Anne M. Prisco, Ph.D., will become Felician College’s first lay president on July 1.

NEWARK—Saint Vincent Academy (SVA) embraces the notion that faith-based compassion is an essential part of healthy living—a force that can help to heal hearts and souls, especially those with special needs. As a matter of fact, SVA has built this philosophy into its curriculum, which is highlighted each year by a community service program.

As if serving the Church as a priest were not enough of a blessing, some priests have the added privilege of ministering to the people of God as hospital chaplains. I am honored to be numbered among such men in the Archdiocese of Newark.

At Holy Name Medical Center in Teaneck, the Pastoral Care Department’s clergy, chaplains and volunteers minister to the spiritual needs of patients, visitors, physicians and staff at all hours of the day and night.

LODI—The importance of humor among the faithful of the Catholic Church will be the focus of Felician College’s annual Pope John Paul II lecture, which will feature a keynote address by author Father James Martin, S.J.

To help mark the World Day of Prayer for Vocations (Sunday, April 29), I was asked to write a guest article on the efforts of Religious in the four counties of the Archdiocese of Newark. My hope is that publishing this information may lead to new collaborative projects and partnerships with other organizations to serve those in need.

SOUTH ORANGE — The Sister Rose Thering Fund for Education in Jewish/Christian Studies at Seton Hall University (SHU) 400 South Orange Ave., will present an original theatrical performance on Sunday, April 29, at 2 p.m., at its 19th annual “Evening of Roses” scholarship fund-raiser. SHU’s Jubilee Hall will be the site of the program.

CALDWELL— Caldwell College will hold its 37th annual Presidential Scholarship Gala on Friday, April 27, at Mayfair Farms, 481 Eagle Rock Ave., West Orange. Honorees will be William H. Connolly Jr., president of William H. Connolly and Co. LLC, and Louis LaSalle, vice president of external affairs for Barnabas Health/Saint Barnabas Medical Center.

NEWARK—The Scholarship  Fund for Inner-City Children (SFIC) will honor Investors Bank with the Vitae Discimus Award (“We teach by our lives”) Tuesday, May 15 at the 28th annual dinner at Mayfair Farms, 481 Eagle Rock Ave., West Orange.

SOUTH ORANGE — The Salesians of Don Bosco youth ministry is hosting New Jersey’s ninth annual Pro-Life Youth Rally Friday, April 27, 8:30 a.m.-2 p.m. on the campus of Seton Hall University, 400 South Orange Ave.

Over 200 people from various backgrounds and faiths gathered in prayer for an end to abortion during the 40 Days for Life campaign, an example of the sustained energy and interest in pro-life efforts by members of the Archdiocese of Newark.

NEWARK—The Orchestra of Saint Peter by the Sea, under the direction of internationally renowned conductor Father Alphonse Stephenson, returns to the Cathedral Basilica of the Sacred Heart, 89 Ridge St., on Sunday, April 22, for the fifth annual concert in support of Catholic education.

WASHINGTON—The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) reported that thousands of new Catholics across the United States joined the U.S. Church during the recent Easter season.

JERSEY CITY—Saint Peter’s College, which received its original charter in 1872, will become Saint Peter’s University in the fall. “Saint Peter’s College is taking a monumental step into the future and endless possibilities await us,” exclaimed Eugene J. Cornacchia, Ph.D., the college’s first lay president.

WEST ORANGE—“Charity does not exist without justice,” noted Jonathan Lace, theology faculty and speaker at Seton Hall Preparatory School’s Peace and Social Justice Conference March 21. 

Priests, Religious and deacons joined the faithful from throughout the Archdiocese of Newark at the Cathedral Basilica of the Sacred Heart for the annual Chrism Mass on April 2 and Easter Sunday Mass, both celebrated by Archbishop John J. Myers.

Seton Hall University’s (SHU) Whitehead School of Diplomacy, South Orange, and the Peace Islands Institute, Newark, co-sponsored “9/11 and Its Impacts on International Relations and Domestic Politics,” a scholarly forum held March 23 at SHU’s Bishop Dougherty University Center.

SOUTH ORANGE — The Salesians of Don Bosco are hosting New Jersey’s ninth annual Pro- Life Youth Rally Friday, April 27, 8:30 a.m.-2 p.m. on the campus of Seton Hall University, 400 South Orange Ave.

TRENTON—A spectrum of concerned citizens from throughout the Garden State gathered March 23 for a “Rally for Religious Freedom,” which was held outside the State House in Trenton, 125 West State Street, to voice public opposition to the Obama administration’s Health and Human Services (HHS) mandate.

NEWARK—The Archdiocese of Newark’s Office for Evangelization will host a two-day “Discovering Christ” training conference April 24 and 25 at the Archdiocesan Center, 171 Clifton Ave. Most Reverend Edgar M. da Cunha, Auxiliary Bishop of Newark and Vicar for Evangelization, has invited all members of the Archdiocese of Newark and beyond to attend this training event.

CALDWELL—Caldwell College’s third annual 5K “Run/ Walk for Autism” will take place Saturday, April 21. WCBS TV meteorologist John Elliott once again will kick off this year’s event, which will be held rain or shine.

Saint John the Evangelist Parish, Leonia, celebrated an anniversary Mass on March 18, marking the parish’s 100-year milestone.

Archbishop John J. Myers and his auxiliary bishops have released their Holy Week schedules. Information available at press time follows.

Archbishop John J. Myers celebrated the Palm Sunday Mass at the Cathedral Basilica of the Sacred Heart, Newark. Concelebrants included Bishop Manuel A. Cruz, Rev. Msgr. John E. Doran and Rev. Msgr. Michael A. Andreano.

The forces of dark and light are a lifelong movement, a tension that’s inherent in human nature. The challenge for Catholics is to recognize how evil can distort the truth through flawed, cumulative patterns of self-righteous justification.

NEWARK—Calling it a time for renewal, Rev. Msgr. Edward G. Bradley, director of the Ministry of Retired Priests, delivered a Lenten reflection at the Archdiocesan Center centering on Pope Benedict XVI’s message for the season.

NEWARK—Coptic Orthodox Christians in New Jersey and throughout the world are mourning the death of His Holiness Pope Shenouda III, who died in Cairo on March 17 at the age of 88.

Maryrest Chapel Mausoleum, Mahwah, operated by Catholic Cemeteries of the Archdiocese of Newark, is installing treasured spiritual artwork—old and new. Archbishop John J. Myers will dedicate and bless the facility on Oct. 13.

This year thousands of theatergoers in the Northeast and beyond are making a pilgrimage to see “The Passion Play” at the Park Performing Arts Center, 560 32nd Street, Union City, for what has become an annual Lenten tradition.

Members of Boy Scout and Girl Scout troops from throughout the Archdiocese of Newark attended their annual awards prayer services on Feb. 12 and March 4, respectively, at the Cathedral Basilica of the Sacred Heart in Newark.

SOUTH ORANGE — Over 1,000 faithful women from around the archdiocese gathered at Seton Hall University on March 3 for the 20th annual Women’s Day of Reflection, organized by the Women’s Commission of the Archdiocese of Newark.

Since 1919, the Catholic Church in the United States has worked for universal healthcare. No other organization has as long and as dedicated a record of support for universal healthcare. No other organization can equal the more than a century long record of establishing hospitals to care for the sick, especially for the poor who have no means to pay for their healthcare.

On Feb. 14 I was greeted with a front-page headline in The Star-Ledger: “By deciding to die, she set everyone free.” At first it seemed an appropriate human interest story for Saint Valentine’s Day— someone giving up her life for others. But that is not at all what this story was about.

The results of a national writing assessment administered in November 2011 to all students in Grades 4 and 7 in the Catholic schools of the Archdiocese of Newark demonstrate the rigor of the Language Arts curriculum and the effectiveness of writing instruction.

Archbishop John J. Myers (center) accepts a $176,000 ceremonial check for the benefit of the archdiocesan CYO and Office of Youth and Young Adult Ministries during the 19th annual Archbishop’s Business and Labor Reception held March 6 at Mayfair Farms in West Orange.

SOUTH ORANGE — Sustained applause filled the Seton Hall University field house on March 11 as Most Rev. Arthur J. Serratelli, Bishop of the Paterson Diocese, told an audience of close to 2,000 faithful at the fourth annual archdiocesan Men’s Conference that “as disciples we should never be ashamed that we are Catholic.”

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Project Manager: Emet Huelgas Telephone: 973-497-4082 Fax: 973-497-4362 Email: huelgaem@rcan.org Address: The Office of Property Management Administration The Archdiocese of Newark 171 Clifton Avenue Post Office Box 9500 Newark, NJ 07104-0500

Who would expect a young man who had not completed his education, was kidnapped by pirates, enslaved and forced into years of servitude in a foreign and barbaric land to lead the charge in evangelizing a fiery people living on the edge of the known world?

The Archdiocese of Newark conducted the annual Call to Continuing Conversion and Rite of Election Feb. 25 and 26 at the Cathedral Basilica of the Sacred Heart, with Archbishop John J. Myers presiding at the liturgical rites. “Being a Christian means being a member of the community of the Elect,” Archbishop Myers said.

Caldwell College will host its 27th Veritas awards dinner Friday, March 23, 6 p.m., at the Essex Fells Country Club, 219 Devon Rd., Essex Fells. Veritas is the highest honor the college bestows on its graduates for their professional excellence in many fields.

The annual Saint Patrick’s Day Parade, marking its 77th year as the oldest Saint Patrick’s Day parade in New Jersey, will be held Friday, March 16. Grandstand ceremonies in downtown Newark will begin at noon and the parade is slated to step off at 1 p.m.

Registration is under way for the second annual “Catholic Deafest” on Saturday, March 24, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., at the Saint John Neumann Conference and Banquet Center, 146 Metlars Lane, Piscataway. The event is co-sponsored by the Ministries for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing from the Archdiocese of Newark and the dioceses of Trenton, Metuchen and Camden.

AREA—The Archdiocese of Newark will close seven of its schools—six elementary schools and one high school—at the conclusion of the current school year on June 30.

THE ORANGES—The Friendly Sons of Saint Patrick of the Oranges will hold its 111th anniversary dinner Thursday, March 15 at Mayfair Farms, 481 Eagle Rock Ave., West Orange. The organization will honor B. Matthew Cannan as its “Young Irishman of the Year.”

BAYONNE—Saint Vincent de Paul Parish, 979 Avenue C, on Saint Patrick’s Day, March 17, will present a program celebrating the lives of three Irishmen who worked in the early 1900s on the Lombard- Romanesque church building.

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 NEWARK—The archdiocesan Catholic Charismatic Renewal, under the direction of Father William J. Halbing, will sponsor a four-part Lenten seminar, entitled “Overcoming Temptation and Sin,” on four consecutive Monday evenings during the month of March. Saint Bartholomew Parish, 2032 Westfield Ave., Scotch Plains, will host the series, which begins March 5. Each session begins at 7:30 p.m.

NEWARK—With emphasis on the practical benefits of immediate registration, organizers of next month’s annual Day of Reflection and Catholic Men’s Conference are in the final planning stages. Archbishop John J. Myers, an avid proponent of both spiritually enriching experiences, will be the main celebrant at the concluding Mass of both events.

AREA—The Catechetical Office of the Archdiocese of Newark will sponsor a series of six “Spotlight” courses in March and April. “Spotlight on the Catechism” offers one course on each of the four parts of the Catechism of the Catholic Church. “Spotlight on the Scriptures” provides courses introducing the Old Testament and New Testament respectively.

WEST ORANGE — Last month Seton Hall Prep and the Community Food Bank of Hillside held a “Summit on Hunger,” a program designed to engage students, raise awareness on the social and healthcare concerns and explore strategies to deal with the complex issues of poverty and hunger.

A Mass for the 16th annual World Day for Consecrated Life was celebrated Feb. 5 at the Cathedral Basilica of the Sacred Heart, Newark. During his homily, Bishop Manuel A. Cruz spoke of his “great gratitude” to the Sisters, Brothers, seminarians and priests assembled at the Mass.

KEARNY— Over the past two years, the Archdiocesan Youth Retreat Center, 499 Belgrove Dr., has undergone tremendous changes. Not only is there a fresh coat of paint on all the walls throughout the building, but additional full-time staff, innovative programs and pioneering conferences have made the center the premiere local retreat destination in the Archdiocese of Newark.

LOS ANGELES—Four years ago, a traumatic car accident left 10-year-old Daniela Duarte blind in her left eye with paralysis of her right eyelids. Recently, Archbishop John J. Myers assisted Daniela and entrusted her care into the hands of Saint Vincent Medical Center.

Being appointed pastor of Saint Francis of Assisi Parish, Ridgefield Park, means you are the “unofficial mayor” of the Bergen County village, according to Father Larry Evans, who was selected for the position in July of 2011.

Our journey toward Easter begins with Lent. We recall the words of Saint Peter Chrysologus (a homilist born 405 in Imola, Italy) who said: “Fasting is the soul of prayer; mercy is the lifeblood of fasting.”

JERSEY CITY—On Friday, March 23, the parishes of Saint Joseph and Saint Nicholas and the schools of Deanery 10 will welcome to the historic Landmark Loew’s Jersey City Theater at Journal Square “Array of Hope,” the wide-ranging Christian live and multimedia concert experience geared toward teens and young adults.

Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Newark Chancery Office condensed financial information for fiscal years ended June 30, 2011 and 2010.

NEWARK—The Archdiocese of Newark will conduct the annual Call to Continuing Conversion and Rite of Election Feb. 25 and 26 at the Cathedral Basilica of the Sacred Heart. The liturgical rites are celebrated the first weekend of the Season of Lent throughout the United States.

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Grammar Building owned by Saint Stephen's Church, Kearny New Jersey                              Address: 131 Midland Avenue Kearny, NJ 07032

FAIRFIELD — Faith Quest 2012, an adult spirituality forum organized by four parishes in western Essex County, will be held four consecutive Wednesdays, March 7 through March 28, 7:30- 9 p.m., at Saint Thomas More Parish, 12 Hollywood Ave.

SOUTH ORANGE—When Alan B. Delozier researched his book telling the vibrant and intriguing history of the Archdiocese of Newark in pictures, he did not have to go far.

NEWARK—Kevin Cummings, president and chief executive officer of Investors Bank, and Sister Deborah L. Humphreys, S.C., councillor of the leadership team of the Sisters of Charity of Saint Elizabeth, Convent Station, will serve as grand marshal and deputy grand marshal, respective, of the Newark Saint Patrick’s Day Parade, which steps off on Friday, March 16.

WEST ORANGE—Last October Blessed Pope John XXIII Academy, 8 Saint Cloud Pl., embarked on an innovative education program known as STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math). After four months, STEM has received high grades from the elementary school’s students, teachers and administrators.

WOODLAND PARK—Pope Benedict XVI, on Jan. 19, appointed Most Rev. William Charles Skurla, D.D., as Metropolitan Archbishop of the Byzantine Archeparchy of Pittsburgh. He will be enthroned in Pittsburgh on April 18.

Robert A. Facchina (left), president and chief executive officer of Johanna Companies, Flemington, and Alphonse Rispoli (right), secretary/treasurer of Teamsters Local No. 863, will be honored at the 19th annual Archbishop’s Business and Labor Recognition Reception.

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UNION—Holy Spirit Parish, 984 Suburban Rd. (at the corner of Morris Avenue), will host a benefit concert Sunday, Feb. 12, 4 p.m., to aid victims of Tropical Storm Washi, a killer cyclone that hit the Philippines just prior to the recent Christmas holiday. The storm claimed the lives of over 1,000 people—a figure expected to rise considerably in the coming weeks. Father Armand Mantia, pastor of Holy Spirit, said musical performances at the Feb. 12 benefit concert will include the Spirit Singers, members of the parish’s music ministry; the Bayanihan Club of Union Singers, directed by Erwin Argonza; and the choir at Saint Peter’s Prep, Jersey City, led by Gian Paolo Eleria.

Prayer was an important part of the game plan that saw the Ironmen of Don Bosco Prep, chalk up an undefeated season as the country’s number one ranked football team with the nation’s longest winning streak now at an impressive 48 games. Such outstanding gridiron achievements are nothing new for veteran Head Coach Greg Toal, who has been on the sidelines since 1976, and his players. The Ironmen are also numero uno in New Jersey for the sixth straight year. Overall the team has been the Garden State’s best eight times.

NEWARK—“Pledge Week,” which kicks off the 2012 Archbishop’s Annual Appeal (AAA), will be held Feb. 4 and 5 at parishes throughout the four counties of the Archdiocese of Newark. Supported by the generosity of the faithful, last year the AAA donations registered a 2.5-percent increase compared with the previous year—despite the sluggish economy.

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Project Manager: Emet Huelgas Telephone: 973-497-4082 Fax: 973-497-4362 Email: huelgaem@rcan.org Address: The Office of Property Management Administration The Archdiocese of Newark 171 Clifton Avenue Post Office Box 9500 Newark, NJ 07104-0500

A group of friends in their 20s with similar interests, living together under one roof and trying to make ends meet, might seem like the concept for a new TV sitcom. However, as members of the Salesians of Don Bosco Office of Youth and Young Adult Ministry, the four friends in question share a deep, spiritual vocation along with a house in Orange. Mary Elise Zellmer, director of development at the South Orange based Salesian office, started her position last fall. A native of Denton, TX, Zellmer spent a year doing mission work in Rwanda with the Salesians before relocating to the Archdiocese of Newark.

The Hispanic/Latino Bishops of the United States, on Dec. 12, 2011, issued “Mañanitas,” a letter to immigrants. Three bishops from the Archdiocese of Newark—Most Rev. David Arias, O.A.R.; Most. Rev. Edgar M. da Cunha, S.D.V.; and Most Rev. Manuel A. Cruz) were among the 33 bishops who signed the letter. The text of the letter, provided by the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, appears below.

Archbishop Timothy M. Dolan (right), who leads the Archdiocese of New York and serves as the president of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB), was named a cardinal by Pope Benedict XVI on Jan. 6. He will be officially elevated to the College of Cardinals Feb. 18 in Rome. The pope also named Archbishop Edwin F. O’Brien of Baltimore, 72, as a cardinal.

Archbishop John J. Myers along with active and retired bishops and members of the curia from the Archdiocese of Newark recently traveled to the Vatican to meet with Pope Benedict XVI, visiting “the Threshold of the Apostles” (Ad Limina Apostolorum), which included prayers at the tombs of Saints Peter and Paul. Ad Limina visits are scheduled every five years when a “State of the Province/Diocese” report is given to the Holy Father and the various Vatican Dicasteries/Congregation Offices.

The promise of the birth of the Messiah came at a time when the people of God were under the threat of annihilation. The kings of Syria and Israel had conspired and joined forces to make the land of Judah desolate. In response to this threat, God declared that this aggression will not stand and promised the birth of Emmanuel—God Himself pitching His tent among us to take care of business (Ref. Isaiah 7:1-17).

It seems to get earlier and earlier each year. I am talking about preparing for the Christmas holiday, not the Christmas holy day. First there was Black Friday, the day after Thanksgiving Day, when shopping malls did all in their power to lure customers into their stores with enormous discounts on some high-priced gifts. They began opening earlier every year until this year when some stores opened late Thursday night on Thanksgiving Day. This move put a whole new dimension on Christmas shopping.

Throughout the Archdiocese of Newark, the faithful gather at retreats to strengthen their connection with God and the Sacraments. Tailored to various ages and experiences, retreats are an escape—whether just overnight or for a few days— from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Prayerful reflections, lectures and celebration of Mass create an environment that fosters relationships within the community and with the Catholic faith.

Nineteen fifty one. Harry S. Truman was president of the United States. A bitter military conflict on the Korean peninsula, in its second year, reflected the global Cold War tensions. “ Newark’s Sacred Heart Cathedral was still three years away from being completed and dedicated. It also was the year the Archdiocese of Newark launched a new newspaper called “The Advocate,” which rolled out its first edition on Dec. 30, 1951.

NEWARK—The 41st annual Candlelight Carol Sing will take place at the Cathedral Basilica of the Sacred Heart, 89 Ridge St., on Wednesday, Dec. 14 and Thursday, Dec. 15. Doors open at 7 p.m. for both performances. There are no reservations and no tickets required. Seating is first come, first serve. Admission is free and the public is cordially invited to attend. A free-will offering will be accepted at the end of each performance.

ELIZABETH—As mounds of boxes and canned groceries are being unloaded into the Saint Joseph Social Service Center food pantry, one question is constantly being asked: Will there be enough? Even after purchasing a large supply from The Community FoodBank of New Jersey in Hillside, Sister Jacinta Fernandes, O.S.B., director of the center, worries that clients won’t get all the food they need—a troubling situation considering the spirit of the Thanksgiving season.

The U.S Census Bureau recently confirmed that over 49 million Americans, or 16% of the population, live in poverty. Similarly, the Legal Services of New Jersey Poverty Research Institute has documented the alarming depth and breadth of poverty in New Jersey—a state that is frequently ranked as the second or third richest state in the country. In 2009, over 799,000 New Jersey residents had incomes lower than the official poverty rate—incomes so low that they were unable to make ends meet and required food stamps to survive. Sadly, although the poor are in the hundreds of thousands, they are often invisible to us. As the plight of these, our brothers and sisters, continues to spiral downward, we cannot stand by in silence. We cannot ignore children who go to bed hungry, parents who are jobless, families who are homeless, the sick who suffer without medical care, or the elderly who live in infested or unsafe housing.

PARAMUS—Citing the “richness of our faith,” Most Rev. Edgar M. da Cunha, Auxiliary Bishop of Newark, welcomed 800 participants to the annual Catechetical Convocation at Paramus Catholic Regional High School on Nov. 12. The day-long event is sponsored by the Catechetical Office of the Archdiocese of Newark.

The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops has established the First Sunday of Advent, November 27, 2011, as the date on which the ENGLISH TRANSLATION ACCORDING TO THE THIRD TYPICAL EDITION OF THE ROMAN MISSAL, is to be introduced in all the dioceses of the United States of America. This is to take place at all of the Masses, including anticipated Masses, for Advent I. Consequently, from that date forward no other translation of the Roman Missal may be used lawfully in the United States.

NEWARK—On Nov. 27, the first Sunday of Advent, the English-speaking Church in the United States will begin using a new translation of the Roman Missal (see The Catholic Advocate, Sept. 14). This means many of the words used at Mass will change. The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB), Washington, DC, urged that leaders of parish communities should be catechized to help implement the new translation. Anticipating concerns among the faithful, Archbishop John J. Myers sent a letter to parishes last year throughout the archdiocese stressing the importance of preparing for the changes to the missal.

WEST ORANGE — In the forthcoming season of Advent, the Church prepares for the birth of Christ through prayer and reflection. At Seton Hall Preparatory School, young men share their own unique voices in a publication titled: “Student Prayers.” The collection of prayers was penned by students and offers insights into their concerns, fears and yearning for connection with God. Father James White, school chaplain, compiled anonymous prayers written by students on note cards during retreats and spiritual exercises. Fr. White also assembled a selection of traditional Catholic prayers, reflections and scripture verses.

La sanación interior  es restaurar el bienestar integral de la persona (el concepto hebreo de shalom significa: paz, bienestar, salud, prosperidad...); es una transformación de nuestro ser íntimo por Dios que nos creó. No se trata de cambiar, ni mucho menos "borrar" el pasado sino de cambiar los recuerdos que llevamos en el presente de aquellas cosas que quisiéramos olvidar.

El fin de semana del Encuentro Matrimonial es una experiencia positiva y personal que ofrece a las parejas casadas una oportunidad para aprender una técnica de comunicación amorosa que pueden usar por el resto de sus vidas. Es una oportunidad para mirar profundamente su relación de pareja y con Dios

En los tiempos modernos la familia moderna, ha sufrido quizás como ninguna otra institución, la acometida de las transformaciones amplias, profundas y rápidas de la sociedad y de la cultura. muchas familias viven esta situación permaneciendo fieles a los valores que constituyen el fundamento de la institución familiar. Otras se sienten inciertas y desanimadas de cara a su cometido, e incluso en estado de duda o de ignorancia respecto al significado último y a la verdad de la vida conyugal y familiar. otras, en fin, a causa de diferentes situaciones de injusticia se ven impedidas para realizar sus derechos fundamentales.

NORTH ARLINGTON—Young people and the future of the pro-life movement was at the forefront of the Life Issues Seminar Oct. 1 at Queen of Peace High School. “Fear Not! ‘There is hope for your future,’ says the Lord” (Jer 31: 17) was the theme of the annual seminar. Attending the forum was one courageous, living example of that theme of hope: 16-year-old Nichelle Alexander and her six-month-old baby. Sponsored by the archdiocesan Respect Life Office, the event began with a Mass at Queen of Peace Parish celebrated by Most Rev. Thomas A. Donato, Auxiliary Bishop of Newark.

SOUTH ORANGE—Asking the university community to join him in continuing to “strengthen our Catholic identity,” A. Gabriel Esteban, Ph.D., formally became the 20th president in the 156- year history of Seton Hall University (SHU) at investiture ceremonies held Oct. 14. Held during the president’s first year in office, highlights of the ceremony included conferring the authority and symbols of the office. Esteban, the first Filipino-American president of a major U.S. university, was appointed in January after serving on an interim basis during the latter half of 2010 (see The Catholic Advocate, Jan. 12). In recognition of the historic event, the national anthems of both the United States and the Philippines were played at the beginning of the ceremony. 

The post-Halloween period of Nov. 1 and 2 are commemorated as All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day, respectively. From the very first centuries and throughout the early Middle Ages, days were “assigned” to martyrs, sometimes (with the passage of time) to more than one. This became known as the “sanctoral cycle” or cycle of the holy men and women of the Church.

We at Seton Hall University (SHU) are ever grateful for the strong and compassionate leadership of His Grace, Archbishop John Joseph Myers. We are happy to congratulate him on his 10 years of inspired service as shepherd of the Archdiocese of Newark, chairman of the university’s board of trustees and president of the board of regents.

In the last decade, Archbishop Myers has exercised these responsibilities with the wisdom and pastoral generosity that are at the core of every bishop’s ministry.

I first met Archbishop John J. Myers 35 years ago when I was a newly ordained priest and he was newly returned to the Diocese of Peoria, IL, after completing a doctorate in Canon Law. He was named vice chancellor and vocation director and was assigned to live at the cathedral rectory, which was the next parish over from where I was assigned after my ordination that year (1976).

I remember he called to welcome me to the area and invited me to the Cathedral for a get together. I remember how impressed I was as a young priest that he would take the time to personally call me and offer me his friendship when I was new in the city and had no real friends there.

The motto on Archbishop John J. Myers’ coat of arms reads: Mysterium Ecclesiae Luceat (“Let the mystery of the Church shine forth”). The motto offers a summary of the central theme of the Second Vatican Council’s (1962-66) Dogmatic Constitution of the Church, known as Lumen Gentium (“Light of the Nations”).

The first chapter of Lumen Gentium is entitled: “The Mystery of the Church” and begins with the proclamation that Jesus Christ is the light of humanity. The document states: “the Church, that is the kingdom of Christ, already present in mystery, grows visibly through the power of God in the world. All people are called to union with Christ, who is the light of the world, through whom we live and toward whom our whole life is directed.”

Seven Archdiocese of Newark Schools Named National Blue Ribbon Schools

Archdiocese Marks Breast Cancer Awareness Month With First-Ever Diocesan-Wide Liturgy

AREA—Applications are now being processed for November’s annual Cooperative Admissions Examination (COOP), an essential element in the admissions procedure for eighth graders planning to attend Catholic high schools in the Archdiocese of Newark and Diocese of Paterson next fall. The COOP test will be administered on Friday, Nov. 11. Test sites are at many of the Catholic high schools in Bergen, Essex, Hudson and Union counties as well as Rockland County in New York State. The only exceptions among the 31 archdiocesan high schools are Seton Hall Prep, West Orange; Oak Knoll School, Summit and Newark’s Christ the King Prep.

NEWARK — A professor emeritus along with a member of the Class of 1991 will be honored at Seton Hall University School of Law’s 27th annual Red Mass, to be celebrated on Friday, Sept. 30, 4 p.m., at the Cathedral Basilica of the Sacred Heart, 89 Ridge St. Most Rev. William E. Lori, bishop of the Diocese of Bridgeport, CT, will be that main celebrant and homilist. Concelebrants include Father Nicholas S. Gengaro, law school chaplain, as well as archdiocesan and visiting clergy. Archbishop John J. Myers will be in attendance.

NEWARK—Seven members of the Archdiocese of Newark will be invested into the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem during a Mass and ceremony Saturday, Oct. 1, 2:30 p.m., at the Saint Patrick’s Cathedral, Fifth Avenue at 50^th St., New York. The seven were nominated by Archbishop John J. Myers. Most Rev. Timothy M. Dolan, the Archbishop of New York, will preside at the Oct. 1 Mass.

"You are not going to find Jesus as a friend request on Facebook,” Father James Chern, director of Montclair State University’s (MSU) Newman Catholic Center, advises his young adults. Newly appointed by Archbishop John J. Myers as director of Catholic Campus Ministries for the Archdiocese of Newark (see TheCatholic Advocate, Aug. 10), Fr. Chern utilizes innovative methods, including instant messaging via Facebook Chat, to reach out to the large Catholic population on campus.

PARAMUS—The Catechetical Office of the Archdiocese of Newark will host its annual Catechetical Convocation Saturday, Nov. 12, at Paramus Catholic Regional High School, 425 Paramus Rd. The event is organized to provide information and serve the needs of parish catechetical leaders, catechists, Catholic school teachers, Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) catechumenate teams, eucharistic ministers, parish sacramental teams, youth ministers, social justice teams, adult spirituality teams, liturgists, priests and deacons and adult faith formation teams.

NEWARK—Think of it as an invitation to participate in a retreat and an opportunity to connect and communicate with a faith-formation community— 24 hours a day. Parishes throughout the Archdiocese of Newark offer a variety of experiences to help parishioners deepen their faith. These may include Bible study groups, lectures, missions, small community faith-sharing groups, retreats, video presentations and many more. These various offerings typically are described as “adult faith formation” opportunities, all of which help to extend and cultivate the catechetical experience.

Last month this whole part of the country was put on alert for a devastating hurricane that was fast approaching us. Television channels cancelled all their regular programming to bring us the very latest news on the progress of Hurricane Irene. Our governors and mayors spoke to us constantly to warn us of the possible dangers.

In somewhat the same manner as we prepared for Hurricane Irene, Rev. Msgr. James M. Sheehan prepared himself for an event that was fast approaching in his life. This was not just a threat for someone to think about. This event was guaranteed by the best medical information available. The diagnosis was cancer and the prognosis was that it was terminal. Msgr. Sheehan accepted this information with a prayerful calmness that characterized his whole life.

WASHINGTON—Archbishop Timothy M. Dolan, president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB), and Bishop Gerald F. Kicanas, chairman of Baltimore based Catholic Relief Services (CRS), are urgently seeking contributions to support emergency relief efforts in the Horn of Africa. “Every day we are seeing more and more heartbreaking news about the drought and famine in Somalia and the eastern parts of Africa,” Archbishop Dolan and Bishop Kicanas wrote in a prepared statement.

For several regional schools in the Archdiocese of Newark, the future, quite literally, looks brighter through inventive use of solar energy. Local schools and parishes are putting “green” into action by installing solar panels—not only to save money, but to preserve the environment. “The (solar energy) industry is unique in the sense that it does not comply with the typical laws of supply and demand,” Steve Belloise, archdiocesan executive director of the Office of Property Management, explained."

NORTH ARLINGTON—Important, lifelong lessons in healthy living were learned by students at Queen of Peace School who took part in a national Blue Ribbon Challenge. Part of the “Mission for Health” program, sponsored by the Lysol brand of disinfecting and cleaning products (a unit of Reckitt Benckiser), the competition is designed to motivate young people and their families to strive for better health and improved attendance.

EAST RUTHERFORD —Over 1,500 faithful from around the country gathered at the New Jersey Charismatic Convention July 1-3 at the Sheraton Meadowlands Hotel and Conference Center. The convention was co-sponsored by The Alliance of Filipino Catholic Charismatic Prayer Communities (AFCCPC) of North America and Canada in conjunction with the Archdiocese of Newark’s Catholic Charismatic Renewal Office. The theme “Return to Me with Your Whole Heart” permeated throughout the weekend that included praise concerts, masses, guest speakers and workshops.

WASHINGTON—Archbishop Pietro Sambi, the apostolic nuncio to the United States, died at Johns Hopkins Hospital July 27. He was 73.

A major figure in the diplomatic relations between the Vatican and Israel, Archbishop Sambi served as a featured speaker at a national vocations conference held two years ago in the Archdiocese of Newark. Archbishop John J. Myers issued a statement, noting that Archbishop Sambi “was a strong friend and supporter of the Catholic Church in the United States."

MONTVALE—Under the tutelage of Deacon Joseph Sisco, S.F.O., director of Campus Ministry at Saint Joseph Regional High School, not a month goes by that students are not involved in at least one and often more than one social outreach project.

Ordained in 1989, the 62-year old Deacon Sisco, whose wife Phyllis is principal of Saint Peter’s School in Belleville, has been involved in social outreach causes for a quarter century. “I believe in it. I like what I do,” he explained.

NEWARK—The unwavering dedication of three individuals to the mission of RENEW International was honored June 2 at the organization’s 12th annual awards dinner. Sister Mary C. McGuinness, O.P., Ronald J. Bushwell, and William B. McGuire were rewarded for years of commitment to RENEW’s values. The Plainfield-based organization fosters spiritual renewal in the Catholic tradition by empowering individuals and communities to encounter God in everyday life, deepen and share faith, and connect faith with action. (see The Catholic Advocate, June 8)

SCOTCH PLAINS —Kimberly Leegan, a Humanities teacher at Union Catholic Reg-ional High School, was selected to attend the 2011 Microsoft U.S. Innovative Education Forum (IEF), July 28-29, on the Microsoft corporate campus in Redmond, WA. Managed by Microsoft Partners in Learning, the IEFs are a series of regional events held globally celebrating the achievements of innovative K-12 teachers and school leaders improving education by creatively implementing technology in the curriculum.

 ORANGE—Two Salesians of Don Bosco with strong ties to the Archdiocese of Newark were ordained as priests July 2 at Our Lady of the Valley Parish. Bishop Luc Van Looy, S.D.B., of Ghent, Belgium, ordained Father Matthew DeGance, S.D.B., and Father Michael Leschinsky, S.D.B. Most Rev. Dominic A. Marconi, Auxiliary Bishop Emeritus of the Newark Archdiocese, concelebrated with Bishop Van Looy, along with over 40 priests. Bishop Van Looy was vicar general of the Salesians before Pope John Paul II named him bishop of Ghent in 2003.

On the bright sunny Saturday afternoon of May 7, in a ceremony presided by Cardinal Angelo Amato, Prefect of the Congregation of the Causes of Saints, in Pianura on the outskirts of Naples, Italy, the name of Father Justin Russolillo, founder of the Society of Divine Vocations, was added to those declared “blessed” in the Catholic Church. One had to be there to fully understand and appreciate the joy and enthusiasm of an estimated 30,000 people who joined three cardinals, 30 bishops, 400 priests and hundreds of Religious for this occasion.

NEWARK—Mary’s Meals, an international organization dedicated to feeding and educating children who suffer from the ravages of poverty and war, recently established its first U.S. headquarters at Saint Antoninus Parish, 337 South Orange Ave. Patty Decker, a member of Saint Thomas the Apostle Parish, Bloomfield, will direct the Mary’s Meals office. The organization feeds 526,000 children each day in 16 countries in Africa, Eastern Europe, Asia and the Caribbean.

NEWARK—From July 18-24, the Gratia Plena Evangelical Community at Saint Antoninus Parish, 337 South Orange Ave., will host volunteers in its second “mission immersion” week. The theme for this upcoming mission immersion is: “It’s better to light one candle than to curse the darkness.”

Each day begins with prayer and Mass. Busses commute the group to different work sites throughout the area. July 11 is the deadline for registration. Contact the community by phone (973-489-0509) or e-mail (mjlmgm@gmail.com) for details.

ARCHBISHOP FORMS NEW EDUCATION COMMISSION - Goal is to Set Strategic Plan for Future of Catholic Education in Archdiocese

NEWARK—The Choir of the Diocese of Rome will perform at the Cathedral Basilica of the Sacred Heart, 89 Ridge St., on Friday, June 10 at 7:30 p.m. The Livingston Symphony Orchestra will accompany the choir with a repertoire featuring original pieces specifically composed for the late Pope John Paul II. The choir performed at the late pontiff’s beatification May 1 at the Vatican. Theologian and director, Rev. Msgr. Marco Frisina, founded the Choir of the Diocese of Rome in 1984. The group was created to accompany major diocesan liturgies, many of which are presided over by the Holy Father. Although the choir has 250 members, only about 50 made the trip for the American tour.

NEWARK—Saint Lucy Parish, 118 Seventh Ave., will host the Pompeii Marian Mission in the United States from Thursday June 16 to Saturday, June 18, which will display of the “missionary image icon,” a 60-by-49-inch painting. Masses on June 16 and 17 at 6:30 p.m. and a noon Mass on June 18 will celebrate the arrival of the Marian Mission. The holy icon is an image—a faithful copy of the original painting that depicts the Blessed Mother and Child, surrounded by stars. The original painting is maintained in the Italian city of Pompeii, famously associated with the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in the year 79. Following its display at Saint Lucy, the icon will be transported to Saint Rocco Parish, Glen Cove, Long Island, New York.

The annual Memorial Day Mass was celebrated at Holy Cross Cemetery, North Arlington, to honor fallen heroes and celebrate the lives of deceased. Organized by Catholic Cemeteries of the Archdiocese of Newark, the Mass was celebrated by Rev. Msgr. Michael A. Andreano, Vice Chancellor and Secretary to Archbishop John J. Myers. Memorial Day masses also were celebrated at six other cemeteries throughout the archdiocese. Father Charles M. Kelly, parochial vicar at Queen of Peace Parish, North Arlington, delivered the homily at Holy Cross on the sacred memory of loved ones and the true meaning of the holiday.

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The first time that Bishop Edgar M. da Cunha, S.D.V., visited the rectory of Saint Rocco/Saint Brigid Parish in Union City, he said, “I have never seen so many pictures of Pope John Paul II in one place.” It so happened that he was visiting the parish to bless the statue of Pope John Paul II located in front of the church on Kennedy Boulevard. Whoever knows Father Manuel D. Rios, the pastor of Saint Rocco/ Saint Brigid, knows why he has so many of these pictures: they go along with his love and devotion for the Polish pope. We interviewed Fr. Rios a few days before the May 1 beatification of John Paul II.

ORLANDO, FL — Luke Abbate, age 15, the son of Steve and Maryanne, the brother of Jon, Adam and Rachel, all of Marietta, GA, and the grandson of Deacon Robert and Joan Kinsey of DeLand, FL, died Feb. 15, 2006, from injuries sustained in a car accident. The high school sophomore was riding home with an acquaintance following lacrosse practice. Deacon Kinsey—originally from Jersey City and a 1956 graduate of Saint Peter’s College—recently contacted The Catholic Advocate to share the story of his grandson.

NEWARK—“If the poor represents the image of God, then what we do for the poor is never too much. What is important is to do charity, not talk of charity.”

These words characterized the life commitment of Sister Dulce Pontes, a member of the Missionary Sisters of the Immaculate Conception, who died in 1992 at the age of 78. Sr. Dulce will be beatified in Brazil on May 22.

NEWARK—In addition to a nutritious meal, many of those who line up by the hundreds at the soup kitchen of Saint John’s Parish have serious medical issues. To address basic needs, healthcare services are available at the oldest parish in the Archdiocese of Newark.

Barbara Maran, pastoral associate and director of outreach—a job description that encompasses management of the parish’s soup kitchen and healthcare services— said the program was established three years ago to provide a “more-grounded” service to the community.

Through the strife and struggle of debilitating illness, faith can help comfort wounds. The annual Gennesaret Weekend, a retreat that caters to spiritual and physical needs of people with life-changing illnesses, will be held May 20-22 at the Archdiocesan Youth Retreat Center in Kearny, 499 Belgrove Dr.

The name and concept of the retreat stems from the Gospel of Mark 6:53 when Jesus landed on the shores of Lake Gennesaret where the sick were brought to Him and made well. The retreat includes ample rest periods, daily Mass, musical worship and Anointing of the Sick.

NEWARK—Already active for many years in their parish communities and beyond, 35 men from throughout the Archdiocese of Newark will deepen their commitment to God and His people when they are ordained to the permanent diaconate on Saturday, May 21, 10 a.m. at a Mass in the Cathedral Basilica of the Sacred Heart.

Among the national leaders with the number of ordinandi, across the country the average class is 15, Newark’s Class of 2011 is a diverse and devout brotherhood who have diligently prepared over the past several years to become a deacon.

NEWARK—Parishes throughout the Archdiocese of Newark, which reflect a Polish community heritage and tradition, have planned special masses and events that will coincide with the May 1 beatification of Pope John Paul II at the Vatican.

Pope Benedict XVI will celebrate the beatification of his predecessor, an event that’s expected to attract thousands of pilgrims to the Eternal City. According to biographical information provided by the Vatican’s Holy See press office, Pope John Paul II, elected to the papacy Oct. 16, 1978, was born Karol Józef Wojtyla in the Polish town of Wadowice, not far from Krakow, on May 18, 1920. He was the youngest of three children born to Karol Wojtyla and Emilia Kaczorowska.

For the past 11 years, Carol Shea and the Career Resources Ministry at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish, Ridgewood, has given practical advice and lent a sympathetic ear to the unemployed. Everyone from former chief executive officers to blue-collar workers gather in the parish’s basement, eager to find a way to get back into the job market (see The Catholic Advocate, Nov. 11, 2008).

Shea, a retired vice president of IT recruiting at Berman, Larson, Kane in Paramus, offers her expertise to a growing number of frustrated job seekers. Ed McCabe, senior counselor/trainer for Lee Hecht Harrison, and Richard Kritzer, a sales/marketing specialist and senior account executive with FedEx, conduct the workshops. Tom Lewis is also a member of the ministry team.

A BLESSING THAT ‘CHANGES LIVES’—Catholic Charitiesof the Archdiocese of Newark hosted the sixth annual Archbishop’s Gala celebration and fund-raiser April 5 at Nanina’s in the Park, Belleville. Archbishop John J. Myers was unable to attend the event due to his recent eye surgery. Stephen N. Adubato Sr., founder of the North Ward Center and the Robert Treat Academy Charter School, received Catholic Charities’ Humanitarian of the Year Award. Martin Bowers, who was mentored by and now works for Catholic Charities, received the “Spirit of the Heart” award.

JERSEY CITY—Saint Aedan Parish, located at the corner of Bergen Avenue and Mercer Street, will serve as the cornerstone for a reinvigorated emphasis on ministry and mission at Saint Peter’s College and the surrounding community.

The Archdiocese of Newark and Saint Peter’s College jointly announced an arrangement where the college will assume responsibility for all operations of Saint Aedan’s, including staffing. Near-term plans call for the parish to transition into a college church, staffed by members of the Saint Peter’s Jesuit community. Eventually the site will be known as Saint Aedan: The Saint Peter ’s College Church.

SOUTH ORANGE—A record number of faithful women from around the archdiocese gathered at Seton Hall University on March 19 for the annual Women’s Day of Reflection, organized by the Women’s Commission of the Archdiocese of Newark.

Pamela M. Swartzberg, L.C.H.S., commission chairperson, noted that over 850 attended this year’s conference compared to 350 guests the previous year. Swartzberg surmised that the inclusion of a young women’s program along with a Spanish-speaking track contributed to the dramatic increase in participants.

NEWARK— Archdiocesan priests heard from a panel of experts on how to more effectively convey the pro-life position of the Church at the first in a series of life-issues seminars March 25.

Held at the Archdiocesan Center, the three-hour program was sponsored by the Respect Life Office and the Office of Continuing Education for Priests. Topics for subsequent seminars will be selected based on evaluations forms filled out at the initial gathering.