Before I share any updates and announcements with you, I first want to express how extremely proud I am of our Catholic school students, families, faculty and staff. As you know, our teachers and school administrations worked diligently to set up procedures and put plans into place to support students through virtual learning, and together with our students and school families, everyone seems to have adjusted well. 

The rapidly evolving coronavirus pandemic has brought challenges for so many in our local communities and unfortunately, we recently learned that the residents of St. Joseph’s Senior Home in Woodbridge, and the Little Servant Sisters of the Immaculate Conception, who faithfully operate the assisted living and nursing center, were no exception.

In directives just released by Bishop Checchio, he asked that all public Masses throughout the Diocese of Metuchen be temporarily suspended beginning no later than March 18 and resume no earlier than April 3, 2020, when the situation will be re-evaluated as circumstances unfold.

As you all face the challenge of managing responses to the coronavirus on many levels: your own personal, for your families and also on professional levels, I want you to be assured of my prayers for you and your families. You have had such extra burdens placed on you during this time. I want to thank you for your cooperation with our schools as they continue to navigate these uncharted waters too.

As you are already aware, there is a serious and growing concern regarding the novel coronavirus (COVID-19). Among the many concerns arising is the safety and well-being of children, especially as it relates to their gathering in large group settings and how this could affect the spread of the virus. Therefore, those in positions of responsibility are called to prayerfully consider their particular situation and what steps should be taken in order to mitigate the potential spread of contagion.

Facing the rapidly evolving coronavirus pandemic, the Diocese of Metuchen’s Office of Schools has been in regular contact and consultation with, and has been following the recommendations of, public health officials.

PISCATAWAY – Facing the rapidly evolving coronavirus pandemic, the Most Rev. James F. Checchio, Bishop of Metuchen, announced today that while Masses in the Diocese of Metuchen will continue to be celebrated, the faithful are not obligated to attend until the weekend of April 4 – 5, when the situation will be re-evaluated as circumstances unfold.

PISCATAWAY – Amid growing national concern over the spread of the coronavirus, the Roman Catholic Diocese of Metuchen has enacted measures in parishes across its four counties as a precaution.

EDISON – The Most Rev. James F. Checchio, Bishop of Metuchen, and Cardinal Joseph W. Tobin, Archbishop of the Archdiocese of Newark, were joined by civic and community leaders at a groundbreaking ceremony for the St. Paul the Apostle Senior Residence Feb. 25.

The Diocese of Metuchen and the Catholic pastors of the parish communities that serve the City of New Brunswick have heard the concerns voiced by coalition members on behalf of the Lincoln Annex School community and have responded to the letters we received.

As you are likely aware, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) gave a press conference yesterday updating the country on the current status of the coronavirus (COVID-19), and what steps should be taken moving forward. We wanted to share with you some of the steps our school communities are taking to prevent the spread of illness across our campuses.

Parishes throughout the four-county Diocese of Metuchen, which includes Somerset, Hunterdon, Middlesex and Warren, will mark the start of Lent with the distribution of ashes to the faithful, a reminder of their sinfulness and the power of God to create holy people out of sinners.

MONROE TOWNSHIP – Bishop James F. Checchio presided at a Mass in which three elements integral to Catholics’ faith were blessed and dedicated in the newly-renovated Our Lady of the Nativity Church Feb. 9.

CENTRAL JERSEY – Religious Teacher Filippini Sister Mary Louise Shulas, principal of St. Augustine of Canterbury School in Kendall Park, beamed with pride as four of her students presented their recycled hydroponic system to a standing-room only crowd at the State House in Trenton on Jan. 27, the second day of nationally-recognized Catholic Schools Week.

PISCATAWAY, N.J. – The Diocese of Metuchen is among the five Roman Catholic dioceses in New Jersey to announce a six-week extension for survivors of clergy sexual abuse who may still want to file a claim through the Independent Victims Compensation Program (IVCP).

METUCHEN, N.J. — Standing before a banner of Our Lady of Guadalupe bedecked with fragrant roses, Bishop James F. Checchio issued a challenge to the faithful seated within the Cathedral of St. Francis of Assisi Dec. 12: their work had only just begun.

WOODBRIDGE, N.J. – Edward Sita’s wife, Geneva, was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease three years ago. “We found it almost impossible to take care of Geneva,” Sita said of his wife, the mother of his three sons.

METUCHEN, N.J. – Following a yearlong period of spiritual awakening, the Diocese of Metuchen will be consecrated to Jesus through Mary, under her title of Our Lady of Guadalupe, on her feast day.

PISCATAWAY – The former pastor of Our Lady of Mount Virgin Parish in Middlesex, Fr. Patrick J. Kuffner, identified on the list of names of clergy currently under investigation by civil authorities as released by the Diocese of Metuchen in Feb. of this year, was arrested Nov. 20

SOMERSET – Two individuals will receive awards for their work on behalf of those in need, on Oct. 17 at the 2019 Champions for Catholic Charities Dinner to be held at the Palace in Somerset Park, Somerset