A Letter from
Bishop James F. Checchio

April 15, 2020

Dear Bishop-elect Kevin Sweeney,
 
I join with you, your home Diocese of Brooklyn, and, in a special way, your new diocese of Paterson in thanking God for your appointment as the eighth Bishop of Paterson by our Holy Father, Pope Francis.
 
Pope Francis has chosen an exemplary priest from the presbyterate in Brooklyn, with vast experience in pastoral service to the parishes and people of the diocese. In a particular way, your commitment to building a culture of vocations will be a blessing to the young men and women considering the call to priesthood and religious life, and I am sure helped you to live your priesthood more authentically. No doubt, this will assist you in caring for the priests of the diocese too.  I know that the people and priests of Paterson join in thanking God too as they celebrate this wonderful news of a new shepherd.
 
I know I also join the faithful of Paterson in thanking Bishop Arthur Serratelli for his sixteen years of faithful and zealous service to the people of Northwestern New Jersey. They have been years of challenge and great change for the Church in New Jersey and he has been a shepherd after the heart of Christ in guiding this beautiful diocese with dedication, prayer and humility.
 
I assure you of the prayers and fraternal support of the clergy and people of the Diocese of Metuchen during your time of preparation for service to your new flock. As a neighboring diocese, I hope that we find many opportunities to pray and work together in building up the Kingdom of God in our portions of the vineyard. Through the intercession of Our Lady of Guadalupe, Saint John the Baptist, and Saint Patrick, may you be filled with the gifts of the Holy Spirit needed to shepherd the Diocese of Paterson with faith, hope, and charity.
 
With renewed best wishes, I remain
 
Yours in Christ,


Most Reverend James F. Checchio, JCD, MBA
Bishop of Metuchen