News - May 2021 RSS Feed

Yesterday, Governor Murphy announced in his Executive Order 242 that he is lifting most of the restrictions imposed to control the spread of COVID-19. The following guidelines are issued for the Diocese of Metuchen:

At this time, due to the observance of public safety protocols and the increase in the availability of vaccines, we have begun a return to some sense of normalcy in various sectors of our society.

My dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ, It is hard to believe that the Easter season is nearly at a close. As we draw near to Pentecost, a time of renewal for our Church, I find myself eagerly awaiting that renewal – how it is needed in our day. This has been a challenging year, in what seems to be a series of them, but the Holy Spirit’s coming on Pentecost is a reminder to us that even though at times it would seem easier to hide in the Upper Room as the Apostles did for a time, fortified by the Holy Spirit, we are called as Jesus’ disciples to journey through our lives with holiness and boldness.

So often, I tell you about our wonderful seminarians. I suspect sometimes that you might even get tired of hearing me brag about them, but they offer so much hope for the future. They are a committed group of young men, who inspire me as they grow in deeper friendship with Jesus while preparing to lay down their lives in service of Him and our diocese.  

Your voice could help save millions of lives! The Hyde Amendment has protected Americans from funding abortion for 45 years. It is credited with saving the lives of over 2.4 million children to date. Now, powerful members of Congress want to take away this law that both Democrats and Republicans have supported for nearly half a century. Without it, billions of taxpayer dollars could go to abortion. That means abortions would be cheaper, easier, and funded with our taxpayer dollars. 

The Bishops of New Jersey have recently voted to transfer the Solemnity of the Ascension of Our Lord from Thursday, May 13th to Sunday, May 16th (replacing the Seventh Sunday of Easter). Cardinal Tobin has made it clear that this change is for this year only.

Five years ago today, I was blessed to become your Shepherd. In sending me to your diocese, I remember Pope Francis said to me, “you must know a lot of people and clergy in your new diocese since it is so close to your home.”