A Letter from the Vicar General and Moderator
of the Curia to School Families

April 20, 2020

Dear Parents/Guardians,
 
On March 15, 2020, Bishop Checchio wrote to you to confirm that the Catholic schools in our diocese would be closed for at least two weeks.  He asked that everyone follow the directions coming to all of us from the Health and Human Services officials of the State of New Jersey.  As you have undoubtedly heard, Governor Murphy has announced that we will all continue to shelter in place until at least May 15, 2020.  In compliance with that directive, the Catholic schools of the Diocese of Metuchen will remain closed in order to protect your family, as well as the teachers and administrators of our schools.
 
Just as they have done since mid-March, our teachers and administrators will be providing instruction across the grade levels to all of our students from Pre-K to Grade 12.  The lessons may not look the same as they did in February,but given the tremendous cooperation I understand has been witnessed between the homes of our students and their respective schools, the challenge of distance learning has seen much success in our diocese.  Our teachers are continually seeking strategies that will enhance your child’s learning experience, especially in these trying time.
 
We are all discovering innovative ways to communicate with one another and to be supportive of one another.  None of us ever dreamed that we would be celebrating Holy Week and Easter on-line and not in our own parish churches.  Yet, these extraordinary times have provided opportunity for us to participate virtually at Masses celebrated by Pope Francis at the Vatican, Bishop Checchio at our Cathedral, or with your own pastor live streaming from your parish.  The unique mission of our schools is needed now more than ever; to deepen every child’s friendship with Jesus Christ and to help them view the world through eyes of faith.  This vision makes all the difference in learning not just information, but why we are here and where we are going.
 
Certainly, this is a difficult time for those of you working from home, managing your jobs and supervising your child/children as they attend an online class or ask for homework help. It is also true that for many this is an economically challenging time. No doubt you are being stretched as a parent and a family beyond what you would find comfortable or even possible.  Yet in all of this, God is at work.  He holds you and your family in His loving Hand. We are currently in the Easter season; proclaiming God’s triumph over sin, sickness and even death.  He is with us in a personal way in our daily struggles, disappointments and providing us a strength to meet the challenges of our day. 
 
As we continue to practice social distancing and follow the guidelines coming to us from the New Jersey Department of Health and Human Services, please know that Bishop Checchio prays for you and your children and is anxious for the day when he will be able to visit the children in their schools and parishes.  I encourage you to check our website for continual updates on COVID-19 and for guidance on spiritual resources for you and your family.
Please do not forget; we are One Body in Christ and we are together stronger through that bond than any other. Thank you for your confidence in entrusting your child/children to the great mission of Catholic education.  Your sacrifice is an investment now that will continue to bear fruit for all eternity.
 
Sincerely in the Risen Christ,
 

 
 
Father Timothy A. Christy,
Vicar General and Moderator of the Curia
The Diocese of Metuchen