Cathedral Family,
This coming week, all of the priests of our Diocese of Metuchen will be called together for our annual Priest Convocation with Bishop Checchio. Every year, the priests pull away from their parish duties to spend time together as a “presbyterate,” the Greek word for the bond of priests working together with a Bishop for the good of souls in a particular geographical region. We have around 180 priests in our diocese in active ministry (more if we include those who are retired or serving in other ministries). The Diocese of Metuchen is comprised of four central counties; Middlesex, Somerset, Hunterdon and Warren. We have roughly 600,000 Catholic people spread out in 90 parishes.
This year, our guest Convocation presenter will be Cardinal Timothy Dolan of New York. He will give
us a few encouraging talks on priestly identity and mission from his experience and wisdom. We will spend time praying a Holy Hour together that includes opportunity for confession followed by a special mass to honor our brothers who are celebrating significant anniversaries. Mostly, we just
“hang out” with each other, catching up with brother priests that we do not regularly see. It’s a jovial and lighthearted time.
This will be our last Convocation with Bishop Checchio. As you know, he has been elevated to be the Archbishop of New Orleans. He will be leaving the diocese early to mid- November to take up his new post. Bishop Checchio has been a great advocate of increasing brotherly, priestly bonds. Since his arrival as our Bishop in 2016, he has also encouraged us to not only care for our parishes, but to get involved with other priests for fraternity and support. Two recent cases of priests committing suicide,
one in Italy, the other in North Jersey, has shown a spotlight on the mental health of priests. Lots have been commented and written about priests becoming overworked, discouraged and losing a sense of themselves as they seek to deal with the realities of pastoring people in the current climate. Spiritual refreshment, brotherhood and support are needed. So do pray for me and all of our Metuchen priests on Convocation. May we be the authentic shepherds you need and deserve as we forge ahead for the Kingdom of God!
There are many joys here at St. Francis. The parish picnic this past Sunday was well attended, enthusiastic and fun. The activities for kids and families were a testament to lots of coordinated efforts---youth ministry kids, confirmation volunteers and steady watchful adults to keep it all flowing.
I was conscripted (much against my will) into line dancing. God just did not give my body a good
sense of rhythm. My mind tells me to go one way, but my feet go another---it’s all very confusing. I
apologize to those whose feet I stepped on and elbowed turning the wrong way! I am very grateful to the volunteers and Mrs. Kara Kwiatkowski who spearheaded the initiative. It was a great work of love. And to the many folks who came: Thank you! You all make St. Francis a special place.
Next weekend, we will celebrate World Mission Sunday. Bishop Checchio will celebrate the 12 noon Mass and Fr. Hillier, the Diocesan Director of Missions will be present. It’s a very important reminder that our baptismal graces make us “missionary,” by nature. What we have been given in faith has to be given away. Please pray for all the mission lands of the world and pray that we will take up the challenge to “make disciples of all the nations.”
Have a joy filled week and pray for the priests!
In Jesus,
Father Christy