Pressroom

Bishop Checchio joins his brother bishops of the Bishops' Conference of France (Conférence des évêques de France - CEF) in expressing deep regret for the actions that occurred at the Opening Ceremony of the Games of the XXXIII Olympiad in Paris, France, on July 26, 2024. He invites the faithful of the Diocese of Metuchen to join him in prayers of reparation for this scandalous act, which regrettably took place so soon after our uplifting and inspiring National Eucharistic Congress during this time of Eucharistic Revival in our local Church.

The Diocese of Metuchen's Office of Communications and Public Relations and The Catholic Spirit, the official newspaper of the Diocese of Metuchen, will be regularly updating and reporting on the Diocese of Metuchen's participation in the 10th National Eucharistic Congress in Indianapolis, IN, from July 17-21, 2024.

Together with the Bishops of the United States and the Vatican, the National Eucharistic Congress offers our prayers for former President Trump, and those who were killed or injured. The National Eucharistic Congress has been planning for a safe and secure event for all attendees for the past two years. We have retained a nationally recognized security firm who has worked in close coordination with local, state, and federal law enforcement and intelligence agencies throughout. We will continue to be very attentive to security needs for all.

WASHINGTON – Following the news of the shooting at a political rally involving former President Donald Trump today, Archbishop Timothy P. Broglio of the Archdiocese for the Military Services, USA, and president of the U.S. Conference of Bishops (USCCB) offered the following statement:

METUCHEN – Bishop James F. Checchio has announced the following priestly appointments. Unless otherwise noted, all appointments are effective July 1, 2024. May God continue to grant these priests and all clergy in our diocese the wisdom, understanding, and strength they need to follow in the footsteps of Jesus, the words needed to proclaim the Gospel, and joy in their hearts as they minister to His people.

ATLANTA— The Diocese of Metuchen's Office of Communications & Public Relations and its official newspaper, The Catholic Spirit, received esteemed recognition from the Catholic Media Association during the 2024 Catholic Press Awards Banquet & Presentation at the annual Catholic Media Conference.

CENTRAL NEW JERSEY— Rising from a global pandemic, the Class of 2024 from the Catholic Schools in the Diocese of Metuchen has emerged with profound academic distinction and a legacy of community dedication. This group of 458 graduates navigated unprecedented challenges with remarkable resilience, securing over $113,000,000 in scholarships and contributing over 45,000 hours of committed service.

WASHINGTON - The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) has issued the National Synthesis of the People of God in the United States of America for the Interim Stage. The synthesis marks the completion of the Interim Stage of the 2021-2024 Synod: For a Synodal Church: Communion, Participation, and Mission.  

METUCHEN—Gathered before the Blessed Sacrament in the Cathedral of St. Francis of Assisi, the Diocese of Metuchen officially welcomed the National Eucharistic Pilgrimage (NEP) to Central New Jersey on May 27th and 28th. This pilgrimage, a crucial element of the ongoing National Eucharistic Revival, is designed to rekindle devotion and faith in the Eucharist across the United States.

The Diocese of Metuchen welcomes this morning's news from our Holy Father, Pope Francis, of the appointment of the Most Reverend Joseph Williams as the Coadjutor Bishop of Camden.

EDISON – Following a rigorous selection process led by the Board of Limited Jurisdiction of St. Thomas Aquinas High School, the Most Reverend James F. Checchio, JCD, MBA, Bishop of Metuchen, is pleased to announce the appointment of Mr. Kevin Sacco as the next President of the coeducational Catholic high school, effective July 2024. This decision comes after careful consideration and review under the guidance of Board President, Very Reverend Timothy Christy, and the Board of Limited Jurisdiction.

PERTH AMBOY – The current mental health crisis affecting many people in our country has led Bishop Checchio of the Metuchen Diocese to request Catholic Charities, Diocese of Metuchen (CCDOM) to address this significant need. As a leading social service provider in central and western New Jersey, CCDOM did just that and has launched a transformative initiative to address the pressing mental health crisis. Announced in February 2024, the innovative Mental Health Navigator program, rooted in the principles of Catholic social teaching, marks a significant step towards providing essential mental health support and resources to those in need.

Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ, I trust this letter finds you well and uplifted as we continue to embrace the Easter season's blessings. I am grateful to be able to share the news of a vital initiative being launched by Catholic Charities, Diocese of Metuchen, to extend mental health services to those in our community who are in need.

In the spirit of this sacred time, as our Jewish brothers and sisters enter into the celebration of Passover, may we all reflect on the profound significance of G_d working in our midst. Commemorating our shared history and journey from bondage to freedom, we are united this day in remembering those among us who may feel oppressed, burdened, or marginalized. Especially at this moment, marked by uncertainty and difficulty, let us unite in prayer, seeking the guidance and strength of the Almighty.

WASHINGTON – “It is with gratitude to the Holy Father that we receive his Apostolic Blessing upon the participants in the National Eucharistic Congress, and for the opportunity for Catholics in our country to obtain a plenary indulgence by participating in the events of the Eucharistic Revival,” said Archbishop Timothy P. Broglio, president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops.

METUCHEN - The Most Reverend James F. Checchio, JCD, MBA, Bishop of Metuchen, will preside at Holy Week and Easter liturgies and services at the following locations. All are welcome and encouraged to participate.

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. Bishop Checchio has approved this year’s Lenten Regulations.

My dear Sisters and Brothers in Consecrated Life,  Today is a day set aside to thank you, and God, for the wonderful men and women in consecrated life in our beautiful Diocese. The Diocese of Metuchen has benefitted richly from your witness and your ministries. 

My dear brothers and sisters, As you know, our local Church has been blessed with the ability to walk closely with those who are sick and dying, offering healing and peace through Jesus Christ thanks to the good work of Saint Peter’s University Hospital (Saint Peter’s) in New Brunswick. For over 116 years, as an independent Catholic institution, Saint Peter’s has been a beacon of healing hope offering medical care and great love for each individual from conception to natural death.

Governor Phil Murphy recently signed a proclamation designating the week of January 28 – February 3, 2024, as Catholic Schools' Week in New Jersey and acknowledging the contributions of Catholic schools to the public welfare of all New Jerseyans.  The theme for this year’s Catholic Schools’ Week is “Catholic Schools: United in Faith and Community.”