Dear Parents and Guardians,  I hope this letter finds you well and in good spirits. As we approach the joyous occasion of Catholic Schools Week, I am filled with gratitude for the incredible community that makes up our Catholic schools. lt is a time for us to come together, reflect on our shared values, and celebrate the unique gifts that Catholic education offers to our students. 

WASHINGTON - In observance of Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, Most Reverend Timothy P. Broglio of the Archdiocese for the Military Services, USA, and president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) has issued a statement:

Washington D.C. – In a unanimous vote during a meeting held in Washington D.C., on December 5, 2023, The Most Rev. James F. Checchio, Bishop of Metuchen, has been elected to the Board of Trustees of the Papal Foundation, aligning with the Foundation's ongoing commitment to support charitable initiatives championed by Pope Francis and the Holy See on a global scale.

WASHINGTON - Across the United States, approximately 2,750 pregnancy help centers offer life-affirming support to pregnant and parenting women in need. Some of these centers have been the targets of violence, vandalism, and an orchestrated campaign to malign their good names. In recognition of their contribution to the common good, and in observance of Pregnancy Help Appreciation Week (November 6-10), Bishop Michael F. Burbidge of Arlington, chairman of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ (USCCB) Committee on Pro-Life Activities, issued the following statement: 

On this solemn feast of All Souls Day, we as a Church come together to pray and remember our departed loved ones who have gone before us. Indeed, it is a day when we unite in prayer, interceding that all the deceased and our loved ones may now enjoy eternal peace with our Heavenly Father.

PERTH AMBOY – During Mental Illness Awareness Week, a dedicated time to spotlight the profound impact of mental health on individuals and communities, Catholic Charities, Diocese of Metuchen, one of the largest nonprofit social service providers in New Jersey, offers hope and unwavering support for those in need.

METUCHEN – Bishop James F. Checchio has announced the following priestly appointments. Unless otherwise noted, all appointments are effective September 1, 2023.

KENDALL PARK – In a heartfelt tribute to the exceptional dedication and sacrifices of Catholic school educators, the Diocese of Metuchen officially began the new academic year honoring the individuals who have made the most difference in our local communities - its teachers.

WASHINGTON - This morning Pope Francis announced the creation of 21 new cardinals. Two of the archbishops have deep ties to the United States: Archbishop Robert Prevost, Prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops, who is a native of Chicago, and Archbishop Christophe Pierre, who is the Apostolic Nuncio to the United States.

METUCHEN  – At the Cathedral of St. Francis of Assisi, Bishop James F. Checchio welcomed Rev. Jose Manuel Lim to the priesthood of Jesus Christ for service to the Diocese of Metuchen during a June 24 ordination celebration. 

WASHINGTON - On June 16, the Catholic Church celebrates the Solemnity of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. Most Reverend Timothy P. Broglio of the Archdiocese for the Military Services, USA, and president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB), and Cardinal Timothy M. Dolan of New York, chairman of the USCCB’s Committee for Religious Liberty, joined by Archbishop José H. Gomez of Los Angeles, have called on Catholics to pray the Litany of the Sacred Heart, and make an act of reparation—an act offered to the Lord with the intention of repairing the spiritual damage inflicted by sin

CENTRAL JERSEY – Recognizing the outstanding achievements of the graduating class of 2023, the 429 graduates of the four Catholic high schools in the Diocese of Metuchen together received more than $108 million in scholarships and awards from its high schools while emphasizing the profound impact of Catholic identity on their educational journey.

The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) and the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops (CCCB) have issued the North American Final Document for the Continental Stage of the 2021-2024 Synod: For a Synodal Church: Communion, Participation, and Mission.

So that the Church of Metuchen may be spiritually one in a common observance of Lent, the following obligations are to be observed by all Catholics of the Diocese who enjoy the blessings of good health:

Reacting to the recent earthquakes in Turkey and Syria, Pope Francis has asked Catholics to be in solidarity with the region.  The death toll had reached close to 20,000 as of February 9, with the number of dead expected to climb further.  Watching the horrifying scenes of children being pulled from the rubble is heart breaking too.

Today is a special day to say thank you to God for you and your witness.  We are so blessed here in the Metuchen Diocese by you, your commitment to your vows and your ministry on behalf of the Church.  You give testimony to the world that Christ is enough in life and deserving of our love.  You remind us that while we live in this world, we are journeying toward another and are called to try to make this world a little more like heaven by your acts of charity and mercy.  Your leading others into deeper friendship with Christ has a significant impact on our diocesan family.  Thank you!

The faithful of the Diocese of Metuchen who participate either virtually or in person in the events surrounding the March for Life, including the Masses that will be celebrated at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception can receive a plenary indulgence granted by a decree from Pope Francis. 

As we pause to remember and pray for the soul of Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI, we remember, too, the promise of the resurrection, eternal life. 

This Thanksgiving Day, we are once again given the opportunity to reflect upon the many blessings God has showered upon us. As we conclude our fortieth anniversary as a diocese, we have much to be thankful for as we reflect on the graces that have come to each of us over these past forty years. Indeed, you have been one of those blessings.

WASHINGTON - The Catholic Church in the United States will celebrate National Vocation Awareness Week, November 6-12, 2022. Across the United States, dioceses, parishes, and Catholic organizations will host events to promote vocations to the ordained ministry and consecrated life. The faithful are encouraged during this week to renew their prayerful support for those currently discerning a vocation to the priesthood, diaconate, or consecrated life.