Christina Leslie

“Jesus saw the good in his apostles, not what was missing,” Bishop James F. Checchio reminded the congregation seated before him in the Cathedral of St. Francis of Assisi for the April 15 Diocese of Metuchen Chrism Mass. “The same is true for us: God sees the good in us… He sees a reflection of himself in us and loves us. What a blessing.”

The important role of the Catholic Church in offering faith-filled treatment of mental illness was the theme of the annual day-long 2025 Choices Matter - A Critical Life Issues Conference, the 24th such event sponsored by the diocesan Office of Human Life and Dignity. The program of diverse speakers, prayer, book signings, fellowship, pro-life and mental health exhibits, along with the opportunities of Eucharistic Adoration and Confessions, began with Mass celebrated by the Bishop.

Whether confronted by a suspected drug dealer, a suicidal man on a roof, or his own health challenges, South Brunswick Police Deputy Chief James Ryan responded to the crises with faith. He asserted, “Prayers work. We need to listen to God’s word, and we need to have faith as our bedrock.”

During their anything-but-average days, they serve as counsellors, tour guides, supply officers, coffee makers, troubleshooters, photographers and bulletin preparers. Still others serve as translators, money collectors, laundry workers, dog walkers, chefs and horticulturalists. Their job responsibilities may be unique to their particular parish or school, but may accurately be summarized as “Director of First Impressions.”

Sometimes it takes a broken-down bus at just the right time and place to change the course of your life’s direction. Denise Materia, who this spring will retire from a 40-year career as Mount Saint Mary Academy Athletic Director, recalled her first introduction to the Catholic girls’ preparatory school set high on a hill in the Watchung Mountains.