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In October, 1948, six spiritual daughters of St. Teresa of Avila journeyed from their monastery in Morristown to establish a new Carmelite foundation in what was then the Diocese of Trenton. Mother Mary Magdalen of Jesus Crucified was the foundress of the monastery, originally located in New Brunswick. In 1972 the Carmel of Mary Immaculate and St. Mary Magdalen found a home at 26 Harmony School Road, Flemington.

“Hearts on fire, feet on the move” was the theme Pope Francis chose for this year’s World Mission Sunday, Oct. 22. By the look of the many schoolchildren marching along Main Street, Metuchen carrying placards of support, the Diocese answered him with a resounding “yes”.

Legions of saints who have performed public miracles have enriched the faith of Catholics throughout the ages, but the simple efforts of a young, ailing Carmelite novice intent on living “the little way” continues to enrich followers with spiritual roses to this day.

A sign on Main Street in front of Annunciation Church, Bloomsbury, welcomed Bishop James F. Checchio, parishioners and guests – a visible example of the pride and excitement parishioners felt as they celebrated the 75th anniversary of the founding of Annunciation Parish on Sept. 24.

Raritan’s Holy Trinity Parish, which, in the words of Bishop James F. Checchio, “sees what needs to be done and meets those needs,” celebrated 75 years of such faith-filled service Sept. 30 with a jubilee Mass.

The journey towards ordination to the permanent diaconate in the United States follows directives issued by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. These directives specify a five-year program of human, intellectual, spiritual and pastoral formation with three preliminary stages prior to ordination: candidacy, lector and acolyte.

In line with the Holy Father’s exhortation that mankind must better care for the God-given gifts nature provides, one Bridgewater community of faith is doing their part to lead the way to green.

In recognition and appreciation of the dedication and sacrifices of Catholic school educators, the Diocese of Metuchen officially began the new academic year with the celebration of Mass Aug. 31 for those who have made, and continue to make, significant differences in the lives of students and families across the Diocese.

“This is what the Church needs so desperately now … your intercession, your consecration,” said Bishop James F. Checchio to 23 religious sisters celebrating significant anniversaries this year.

Two parishes in the Diocese of Metuchen had reason to celebrate on July 30 when Bishop James F. Checchio installed Father Mauricio Tabera-Vasquez as the pastor of St. Luke Parish and St. Joseph Parish, both in North Plainfield.

Deacon John T. Flynn, ordained five years before the creation of the Diocese of Metuchen, died July 18, 2023, having served his home parish of St Philip and James, Philipsburg, for 46 years. He was ordained a permanent deacon on May 14, 1977, by Bishop George W. Ahr, Diocese of Trenton.

Just a few hours after being ordained to the priesthood June 24 by Bishop James F. Checchio in the Cathedral of St. Francis of Assisi, Metuchen, Rev. Jose Manuel Lim celebrated his Mass of Thanksgiving in the Church of St. Mary of Mount Virgin, New Brunswick.

On June 3, St. Mary Parish, Alpha – a word that means beginning – celebrated such a moment with the installation of Father Dawid J. Wejnerowski as its pastor.

The Parish of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Hackettstown, referred to by parishioners as St Mary, is one of the oldest parishes in the Diocese of Metuchen. On the morning of June 4, the Solemnity of the Most Holy Trinity, Bishop James F. Checchio installed Father Leopoldo (Leo) Salvania as pastor of this vibrant parish.