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The rich diversity of the Diocese of Metuchen was on full display at the Multicultural Mass and Fair which was held April 20 in the Cathedral of St. Francis of Assisi, Metuchen. Organized by the Office of Multicultural Ministries, the event showcased a wide array of food, native tongues and colorful costumes. In keeping with this time of National Eucharistic Revival, the theme for the day was “Together as One in the Eucharist.”

“Even before birth, all human beings have the image of God and their lives cannot be destroyed without effacing His glory.” – Chief Justice Tom Parker, Alabama Supreme Court

On Nov. 8, some 70 senior citizens gathered at the St. John Neumann Pastoral Center, Piscataway, for a morning of prayer, fellowship and fun. Sitting at round tables, the participants broke bread together, chatted and took part in a Catholic trivia game.

On Saturday, Oct. 14, the Diocese of Metuchen will host a “Feminine Genius Brunch” from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the St. John Neumann Pastoral Center, Piscataway. The event, which is open to women of all ages, is modeled after events recently hosted by the Archdiocese of New York and the Sisters of Life in various parts of New York. The morning includes prayer, fellowship, good food, music and guest speakers.

Over the past few years there have been a growing number of bills being introduced in state legislatures across the country to legalize so-called “medical aid in dying.” In recent months there has been a flurry of news reports and editorials about the need to expand physician-assisted suicide in states where the practice is already legal in order to make “the right-to-die” more accessible. In states like Vermont, where this practice is allowed, the law was recently amended to increase patient access by allowing end-of-life prescriptions through telemed. There is even movement to drop the residency requirement for those who want to travel to the beautiful Green Mountain State to end their lives with a lethal prescription of drugs. Simply put: the “right-to-die movement” is alive and well!

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

The constitutional right to abortion has never been as fragile as it is heading into 2022. The United States Supreme Court is considering Dobbs vs. Jackson Women’s Health Organization, a case which could potentially weaken or even overturn the 1973 landmark decision in Roe v. Wade, which legalized abortion in our land.  A decision is expected sometime in June. Currently, the United States is one of only four countries, including China and North Korea, which allows the abortion of a child at any time during a woman’s pregnancy.

To mark the fifth year anniversary of his apostolic exhortation, Amoris Laetitia, the Joy of Love, Pope Francis has designated March 19, 2021 through June 26, 2022 as the Year of the Family. This year, which will end on the occasion of the X World Meeting of Families in Rome, will be a time to reflect on and bear witness to family love.