News - July 2022 RSS Feed

Justice and solidarity among nations” and “love for the poor” are themes close to my heart. How are these topics related to the Seventh Commandment, “You shall not steal”? When unjust relations exist between nations or when circumstances create a situation causing people to live on the brink of destitution, we need to consider how we might lend a helping hand.

I’ll never forget my freshman year in college. I had just returned home after my final exams. Two days later, I got a call from the resident assistant of my dorm who informed me that my roommate took his own life. First of all, my roommate was the last person on the floor that I would have ever expected to end his own life. He was handsome. He was popular. He was athletic and intelligent. He had lots of friends and was even engaged. So, why would somebody with so much going for him decide to call it quits. And while 48 years have elapsed since my buddy committed suicide, it’s something that remains with me to this day. I share this vignette from my life because suicide is the third largest killer of young people in the United States.

MIDDLESEX — When Father David V. Skoblow began his journey as a newly-ordained priest and parochial vicar at Our Lady of Peace Parish, Fords, in 2015, he told a reporter that his primary responsibility was the salvation of souls, which, pursuant to canon law, is “the supreme law of the Church.” Seven years later, it remains the focus of his ministry as he assumed the office of pastor of Our Lady of Mount Virgin Parish.

NEW BRUNSWICK — In the same house of worship where he served as a transitional deacon 30 years ago, Father Thomas F. Ryan was elevated to pastor of Holy Family Parish at a Mass of Installation May 29. Holy Family includes the former Sacred Heart Church, now a worship site.

HILLSBOROUGH — From a young age, Msgr. Joseph Curry knew he wanted to serve God and others. His parents and grandparents shared their strong faith with their young boy who would become a priest. From them, he learned that God always had to be significant in his life. It is a lesson he heard again when Bishop James F. Checchio installed him as pastor of Mary, Mother of God Parish.

The final report of the diocesan phase of the Synod has been released, reported Bishop James F. Checchio to the people of the diocese. As a result of the months-long interview and recording process, he said, “our diocese has experienced a process that allowed for authentic listening to one another and to the Holy Spirit… Therefore this report is not a strategic plan but a summary of recurring themes for us to reflect on and learn from as we continue our journey as a diocese.”

Peter G. Kane, who has extensive experience in the financial services industry and Catholic education leadership, was recently appointed by Bishop James F. Checchio as the next president of St. Thomas Aquinas High School, Edison.

METUCHEN — A trio of speakers shared their insights on the Holy Trinity June 4 following the annual Pentecost Vigil Mass at the Cathedral of St. Francis of Assisi.

METUCHEN — His irrepressible smile illuminating the sanctuary, Ronal Romario Vega Pastrana joined the ranks of the clergy of the diocese June 11 at a joyous celebration of his priestly ordination.

(Editor’s note: The following is the homily given by Bishop James F. Checchio at a Mass, during which he ordained Father Ronal Vega Pastrana to the priesthood for the diocese, at the Cathedral of St. Francis of Assisi, Metuchen, June 11.)