PISCATAWAY, N.J. – The Diocese of Metuchen is among the five Roman Catholic dioceses in New Jersey to announce a six-week extension for survivors of clergy sexual abuse who may still want to file a claim through the Independent Victims Compensation Program (IVCP).

METUCHEN, N.J. — Standing before a banner of Our Lady of Guadalupe bedecked with fragrant roses, Bishop James F. Checchio issued a challenge to the faithful seated within the Cathedral of St. Francis of Assisi Dec. 12: their work had only just begun.

WOODBRIDGE, N.J. – Edward Sita’s wife, Geneva, was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease three years ago. “We found it almost impossible to take care of Geneva,” Sita said of his wife, the mother of his three sons.

METUCHEN, N.J. – Following a yearlong period of spiritual awakening, the Diocese of Metuchen will be consecrated to Jesus through Mary, under her title of Our Lady of Guadalupe, on her feast day.

PISCATAWAY – The former pastor of Our Lady of Mount Virgin Parish in Middlesex, Fr. Patrick J. Kuffner, identified on the list of names of clergy currently under investigation by civil authorities as released by the Diocese of Metuchen in Feb. of this year, was arrested Nov. 20

PISCATAWAY – Fr. Thomas Ganley, who pleaded guilty in April to sexual assault, was sentenced today to four years in prison.

PISCATAWAY – Bishop James F. Checchio of the Diocese of Metuchen participated in a series of three separate votes to hold bishops accountable for instances of sexual abuse.

PISCATAWAY – Starting June 15, the New Jersey Independent Victim Compensation Program (IVCP) will begin accepting claims related to the sexual abuse of minors

Rev. Msgr. Joseph G. Celano, Episcopal Vicar of Administration, will preside at an outdoor Memorial Day Mass at 10 a.m. May 27, rain or shine, on the grounds of Resurrection Cemetery, Hoes Lane and Park Ave., Piscataway. At the same time, Rev. Msgr. John N. Fell, Director of Priest Personnel, will preside at a Mass at Holy Cross Cemetery, 840 Cranbury South River Road, Jamesburg.

Mark Dolak, identified on the list of names of credibly accused clergy released by the Diocese of Metuchen, had his priestly faculties removed by the Diocese of Metuchen over twenty years ago

METUCHEN – Speaking to a full cathedral at the April 15 Chrism Mass, Bishop James F. Checchio reminded the faithful and the more than 125 priests gathered at the Cathedral of St. Francis of Assisi to “rely deeply on Jesus Christ, facing whatever suffering comes our way, both from outside the Church and even from within.”

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

Much attention has been given to the meeting of bishops in Rome last month called by Pope Francis to address a morally reprehensible, shameful and horrific crime – the sexual abuse of children. For two decades, the Roman Catholic Church in New Jersey has taken firm action to address this issue, and we welcome the efforts of the Holy Father to bring the rest of the world up to our high standards for keeping our teaching, worship, and ministry spaces safe for everyone, especially children. We maintain a policy of zero tolerance. That means that any cleric who has abused even one child is to be permanently barred from engaging in any act of public ministry.