The Monitor looks back on a momentous year for the Diocese of Trenton and its faithful. Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M. and his priests celebrated Mass with Pope Francis, diaconate and priestly ordinations added to the body of clergy, thousands attended celebrations and rallies to rejoice in God’s presence in their lives, and evangelization efforts included a scholarly look at the Sacraments and numerous liturgical outreach projects by the people of the Diocese. Here’s an overview of the numerous memorable events that took place in 2014.
SOCIAL SERVICE / OUTREACH
Members of the Catholic community responded with donations totaling more than $50,000 for the victims of a March 4 natural gas explosion in Ewing. Proceeds from the diocesan “Ewing Family Relief Effort” were distributed via the Office of Catholic Social Services to families and individuals who lost homes or property in the explosion.
The second anniversary of Superstorm Sandy saw many in the Diocese of Trenton enduring the “new normal” with houses, businesses, roadways and places of worship still under repair. Affected areas have experienced a demographic shift, some families are still displaced, religious education programs have been combined and parish participation has declined in some areas.
Trenton Diocesan Council of St. Vincent de Paul Society opened the House in a Box Distribution Center in Ocean March 27/28 to help victims of Superstorm Sandy set up their new households with furniture, kitchenware, bedding and towels. The facility later enlarged and moved to Industrial Parkway, Brick.
Catholic Charities Diocese of Trenton continued to minister to the affected residents in the four counties of the Diocese. As of Nov. 30, $1,755,793.14 had been distributed to those in need from donations by individuals, groups, parishes, dioceses and a grant from the USCCB.
ADVOCACY
To better prepare all of the faithful to expand their awareness and ability to respond, the Diocese of Trenton launched the Catholic Advocacy Network, a web-based initiative that will equip members of the Diocese with information and alerts relating to the full range of issues covered within Catholic social teaching. The network (dioceseoftrenton.org/advocacynetwork) is intended to familiarize users with legislative issues and social action needs, grasp key message points and send correspondence to newspapers or legislators. In its inaugural year, the network alerted concerned Catholics to such diverse issues as the new adoption laws, the Fortnight For Freedom and right-to-life topics.
An action alert was issued by the Diocese and the N.J. Catholic Conference to request an increase in nonpublic school transportation funds in the upcoming state budget from $884 per pupil to $950 for each nonpublic school student.
The N.J. State Senate narrowly approved S382, a bill authorizing physician-assisted suicide, Dec. 15. The Diocese, in conjunction with the N.J. Catholic Conference and other pro-life organizations, held workshops, issued flyers and talking points and taken other steps aimed at informing concerned citizens to contact their senators to encourage a “no” vote on the issue.
DIOCESAN INITIATIVES, EVENTS, CELEBRATIONS
Bishop O’Connell launched the 2014 Catholic Appeal “Acts of Faith, Works of Love” in all parishes in the Diocese the weekend of Feb. 15-16, announcing a goal of $8 million to be directed towards diocesan operations, ministries and initiatives in addition to parish-based programs and Catholic social service agencies that serve the poor.
A “once in a lifetime experience” is how Bishop O’Connell dubbed his Jan. 3-11 pilgrimage to Rome and surrounding cities. The Bishop and more than 20 priests of the Diocese celebrated Masses in St. Peter’s Basilica, visited tombs of saints, and enjoyed a Papal Audience during the awe-inspiring visit. Bishop O’Connell celebrated two private Masses with Pope Francis, was one of six cardinals and bishops onstage with the Holy Father escorted to greet him personally, and obtained an apostolic blessing upon the people of the Diocese of Trenton during numerous private conversations.
Frigid weather did not prevent hundreds of thousands of pro-life supporters from around the nation to join the Jan. 22 March for Life in Washington; this year’s theme was “Adoption: a Noble Decision.” A state of emergency declared in N.J. by Governor Chris Christie lessened the number of those faithful from the Diocese and necessitated the cancellation of a number of Trenton events, including a Mass for Life and the Right to Life Rally at the State House.
Eighty-five couples from around the Diocese celebrated their vocation to married life during the Feb. 8 World Marriage Day Dinner-Dance in St. Clement Parish, Matawan.
Bishop O’Connell was the keynote speaker at the Catholic Men for Jesus Christ Conference held Feb. 22 in St. Mary Parish, Middletown. About 600 men from around the Diocese and beyond responded to the call to place Christ at the center of their lives as they heard the Bishop acknowledge, “It takes courage to say, ‘I believe I witness, and I am Catholic, and the gates of Hell will not prevail against me.’”
The Bishop presided at the March 9 Rite of Election in St. Mary of the Assumption Cathedral, Trenton, when some 160 adults, teens and children were fully initiated into the Catholic Church.
Bishop O’Connell introduced a catechetical series for The Monitor on the Sacraments, sharing spiritual and instructional treatises on Baptism, Confirmation, the Eucharist, Penance and the Anointing of the Sick.
The Trenton Diocese celebrated the 15th annual Blue Mass for Law Enforcement April 1 in St. Mary of the Assumption Cathedral, Trenton. More than 650 officers, civic officials and civilians heard Bishop O’Connell reminded the congregation to “come to realize that God is our only hope; that God alone helps us make sense of the world, that God is… our stronghold.”
Diocesan priests and faithful were among the thousands of people swelling St. Peter’s Square, Rome, April 27 to witness the Canonization Mass for Popes John XXIII and John Paul II. Local celebrations of the canonizations included a Mass of Thanksgiving for St. John XXIII April 26 in St. Robert Bellarmine, Freehold, with principal celebrant Bishop O’Connell, and a Polish-themed Mass of Thanksgiving for St. John Paul II April 27 in St. Hedwig, Trenton with principal celebrant Father Jacek Labinski.
Count Basie Theatre, Red Bank, was buzzing with excitement April 6 for the fourth RE:IMAGE Film Festival. Hundreds in search of inspiring, uplifting and faith-filled messages through film attended the day-long collaborative project sponsored by the Office of Communications and the Department of Youth, Marriage and Family Life.
Hundreds of maturing adults gathered throughout the month of May in four parishes, one in each of the four counties of the Diocese, for the Spirituality / Education Days for Maturing Adults, sponsored by the diocesan Department of Pastoral Care. Msgr. Casimir Ladinski reflected upon the first year of Pope Francis’ pontificate, while religious artist Terry Galvin Anderson discussed the healing power of art with the scores of attendees.
In May and June, more than 1,600 young men and women graduated from parish, diocesan and private high schools, earning more than $178 million in college scholarships. JoAnn Tier, diocesan superintendant of Catholic schools, noted the “sense of pride, confidence and dignity” in the faces of the graduating seniors, while Bishop O’Connell urged the graduates to “Go and witness and make a difference” as they left the schools for the last time as students.
Bishop O’Connell welcomed Cardinal Chibley Langlois, the first cardinal to be elevated from Haiti, in a visit to his countrymen and the parishioners of St. Anthony Church, Hamilton, May 10.
Four seminarians of the Diocese of Trenton were ordained by Bishop O’Connell to the transitional diaconate May 17 in St. Mary of the Assumption Cathedral, Trenton. This year’s class included Arian H. Galvis, John Large, Jason M. Parzynski and Jarlath W. Quinn.
One week prior, 13 men were ordained permanent deacons for the Diocese: Christopher H. Chandennet, Timothy R. Collins, Richard Coscarelli, Gregory J. Costa, Philip T. Craft, Peter F. Downing, Joseph F. Gili, Richard J. Hobson, John R. Isaac, Christian Knoebel, Sean McMahon, Daniel Sakowski and Steven A. Wagner.
St. Mary of the Assumption Cathedral, Trenton, was filled with a joyful congregation May 31 as Bishop O’Connell ordained six new priests of the Diocese. Father John K. Butler, Father Carlo J. Calisin, Father Jerome J. Guld, Father Jean R. Felicien, Father Mark R. Nillo and Father Rafael E. Odar were welcomed enthusiastically by more than 700 family, friends and well-wishers.
More than 1,500 faithful gathered in the Great Hall, Ocean Grove, June 7 for the diocesan Pentecost Rally and Retreat Day. The day-long event held on the Vigil of Pentecost brought together the Anglo, Hispanic, Filipino and Haitian charismatic groups for the first time in a shared experience of song, praise, witness and the celebration of the Mass by the Bishop.
The Strand Theater, Lakewood, was filled with more than 900 men, women and teens Sept. 19 for an Array of Hope concert with special guest contemporary Christian musician Matt Maher. The performers in the multi-media, faith-based presentation swept the enthusiastic audience up into a transformative journey through which God’s love for them was reflected via music, video and witness.
The joy of a faith-filled Catholic education was evident on the faces of more than 800 students, teachers and parents from 36 elementary and eight high schools during the celebration of two diocesan Catholic Schools Masses held April 29 and Oct. 7 in St. Mary of the Assumption Cathedral, Trenton. Bishop O’Connell reminded the assembled, “Our schools are different and we are different because of our faith.” The decision was made to hold a single annual Mass each fall.
The Oct. 19 Bishop’s Anniversary Blessing in St. Robert Bellarmine Church, Freehold, recognized 340 couples from the four counties of the Diocese for their commitment to the Sacrament of Marriage. Couples married one, 25, 50 or more years received certificates and accolades from their families and friends.
St. Catharine Church, Spring Lake, was the site of the 89th annual diocesan PTA Conference. Msgr. Thomas N. Gervasio, diocesan vicar general and moderator of the curia, was principal celebrant of the Mass, and Divine Word Father Martin Padovani delivered an address entitled “Hope is the Road, Faith is the Victory.”
The Diocese of Trenton began a new chapter in social communications with the expansion of its presence on several platforms. New Pinterest and Instagram accounts are now in existence, websites have been consolidated and added, and the Diocese has hired a new social media coordinator. Bishop O’Connell urged other to “join, without delay and with the greatest effort in a common work to make effective use of the media of social communication in various apostolic endeavors, as circumstances and conditions demand.”
In consultation with clergy, diocesan staff and other representatives of the Diocese, Bishop O’Connell promulgated the revised Statutes of the Fourth Synod Dec. 8. The work, which stretched over the better part of three years, updated statutes dating from 1991. The statutes, which shape the law of the universal Church to the needs of the Diocese, include those addressing parish governance, financial obligations of individual parishes and the Diocese as a whole, and practices and responsibilities of diocesan clergy and employees.
AWARDS AND RECOGNITION
The Trenton Diocesan Council of Parent Teacher Associations was named one of four 2014 Distinguished Home and School Association Award winners in the U.S. by the National Catholic Educational Association during its Convention and Expo in Pittsburgh April 24. The PTA was recognized for its work in providing $20,000 in funding over a three-year time frame for its teachers to attend special needs workshops at Georgian Court University, Lakewood.
The Department of Radio and Television’s video, “Voices from the Storm”, which tells the story of the communities affected by Superstorm Sandy, won a Telly Award in the religion/spirituality category during the organization’s 35th awards ceremony in June.
The Monitor garnered 10 Catholic Press awards during the Catholic Media Conference June 18-20, in categories ranging from editorial, best front page, Year of Faith coverage and general excellence. The late Msgr. Richard L. Tofani, who served as diocesan director of missions for 24 years, was recognized with the 2014 Archbishop Edward T. O’Meara Award.
Two programs produced by the diocesan Department of Radio and Television were awarded 2014 Silver Davey Awards which honor the finest small firms, agencies and companies in the world. The film “Voices from the Storm,” and Realfaith TV episode “Runaway Teens” were recognized by exhibiting a standard of excellence determined by the Academy of Interactive and Visual Arts.
Eleven men and women of the Diocese were among the 81 invested in the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem’s Eastern Lieutenancy of the United States during the annual investiture Mass, Sept. 27, in St. Patrick’s Cathedral, N.Y., and celebrated by Bishop Nicholas DiMarzio of the Diocese of Brooklyn.
PEOPLE IN THE NEWS
Rachel Rogers, a student in Donovan Catholic and parishioner in St. Joseph, both Toms River, was voted winner of the 2014 Loving Life Logo Contest held by the Respect Life Ministry in the diocesan Department of Pastoral Care. Rogers won an Apple MacBook and saw her logo imprinted on the respect life website, t-shirts, ministry newsletters and banners used during the January March for Life.
Elijah Rodriguez, a junior in Christian Brothers Academy, Lincroft, and parishioner in St. Agnes Parish, Atlantic Highlands, was one of 14 community volunteers nationwide to be honored at the annual Make a Difference Day Awards Luncheon April 10 in Washington.
Mackenzie VanDenBogart, a student in Notre Dame High School, Lawrenceville, and parishioner in St. Vincent de Paul Parish, Yardville, won the Miss New Jersey Jr. National Teenager’s Community Service Award April 27 in Ocean City.
Tyler Davis Connellan, a student in St. Rose High School, Belmar, became one of only 22 winners in New Jersey to receive First Lady Mary Pat Christie’s second annual “Spirit of a Hero” scholarship award May 22.
Mater Dei Prep, Middletown, senior Krysten Krulik won the 30th annual DeSales University High School Poetry Festival, earning her a four-year, full tuition scholarship to the Center Valley, Pa., university.
MILESTONES
Anniversaries were observed by a number of priests of the Diocese. Clergy celebrating 50 years of service included: Divine Word Father Victor Butler, Divine Word Residence, Bordentown; Father Rocco Cuomo, St. Leo the Great Parish, Lincroft; Father John G. De Sandre, St. Maximilian Kolbe Parish, Toms River; Divine Word Father Raymond Lennon, Divine Word Residence, Bordentown; Capuchin Franciscan Father Paul Engel, Sacred Heart Parish, Bay Head, and Msgr. Peter J. Zaccardo, Nativity Parish, Fair Haven.
Father Scott Shaffer, St. Joseph Parish, Toms River; Father Daniel F. Swift, St. Benedict Parish, Holmdel, and Father Daniel Gowen, St. Michael Parish, West End, celebrated 25 years as priests.
The religious of the Diocese celebrating 50 years of service to the Church are: Filippini Sister Geraldine Contento, Good Shepherd Sister Virginia Marie Daniels, Sacred Heart Sister Frances de la Chapelle, Filippini Sister Carolyn Houck, Good Shepherd Sister Marie Francis Lomeo, Sister of St. Francis Georgina Marmino, Mercy Sister Diane Matera, Franciscan Sister of St. Francis Edythe Hester Norman, Franciscan Sister Natalie Panas, Franciscan Sister Paula Marie Randow, Good Shepherd Sister Theresa Stanek, and Mercy Sister Carol Wilson.
Men marking 25 years in the permanent diaconate include: John Grussler, Divine Mercy Parish, Trenton; Edward R. Herr, St. Dorothea Parish, Eatontown; John Hoefling, Sacred Heart Parish, Mount Holly; Edward Holowienka, St. John Parish, Lakehurst; John P. Hughes, St. John Neumann Parish, Mount Laurel; Ronald J. Keff, St. John Parish, Lakehurst; Earl H. Lombardo, St. Pius X Parish, Forked River, and retired deacon Joseph R. Patton.
Four priests joined the ranks of their retired brethren: Msgr. R. Vincent Gartland, Msgr. Thomas A. Luebking, Father Charles B. Weiser, and Father Richard J. Gallagher.
Virginia Weitz marked 50 years of service in the diocesan Missions office, and Susan Howley has served for a half-century in the parish office of St. Paul, Princeton.
Congregations around the diocese began joy-filled observations of their parish anniversaries: St. Aloysius, Jackson, 50; Sacred Heart, Trenton, 200; St. Hedwig, Trenton, 110; St. Rose, Belmar, 125; St. Rose of Lima, Freehold, 150, and St. Katharine Drexel Parish, Burlington’s St. Paul Church, 150.
The Francis House of Prayer, Westampton, celebrated 40 years, and the Franciscan Sisters of St. Joseph concluded 100 years of service to the Diocese.
Our Lady, Star of the Sea Chapel, Manasquan, reopened May 25 after being nearly devastated by Superstorm Sandy 578 days before.
Mercy Sister Margo Kavanaugh retired June 18 from her principal position at St. Catharine School, Spring Lake, and Sister of St. Joseph Helen Clifton was honored at her retirement Nov. 23 for her two decades of faithful service to St. Mary Parish, Colts Neck.
IN MEMORIAM
The Diocese mourned the loss of priests and deacons who served at one time in the four counties, including Msgr. William F. Fitzgerald, former vicar general and chancellor, Jan. 13; Conventual Franciscan Father Crispin Fuino, St. Peter Parish, Point Pleasant Beach, Jan. 14; Msgr. Edward D. Strano, St. Clement Parish, Matawan, April 2; Father Matthew Adackapara, St. Pius X Parish, Forked River, June 23; Msgr. Thomas A. Luebking, St. Catharine-St. Margaret Parish, Spring Lake, July 6; Conventual Franciscan Father Eric Fenner, St. Peter Parish, Point Pleasant Beach, Sept. 6; Father Victor J. Mazza, Precious Blood Parish, Sept. 14; Father James A. Thompson, St. John Parish, Lakehurst, Oct. 3; Msgr. Ronald Amandolare, St. Theresa Parish, Little Egg Harbor, Sept. 29; Father Bernardino Esguerra, Epiphany Parish, Brick, Oct. 29, and Father Eugene T. Keenan, military chaplain, Nov. 2.
Departed deacons of the Diocese included: David Harris, Jr., St. Mary Parish, Bordentown, Jan. 14; Timothy Moore, Our Lady of Sorrows-St. Anthony Parish, Hamilton, April 3; George M. Carlin, St. Katharine Drexel Parish, Burlington, May 10; Joseph J. Kupin, St. Paul Parish, Princeton, June 6; Joseph C. Billbrough, Corpus Christi Parish, Willingboro, July 25; Philip J. Mylod, Our Lady of Perpetual Help Parish, Normandy Beach, Aug. 5; Frank Sherpensky, St. Ann Parish, Browns Mills, Aug. 16, and Raymond Roderique, Corpus Christi Parish, Willingboro, Nov. 30
BLESSINGS, DEDICATIONS
Parishioners in St. Gabriel Parish, Marlboro, gathered Feb. 9 to witness the re-dedication of their recently renovated church by Bishop O’Connell.
The parishes of Our Lady of Perpetual Help, Highlands, and St. Agnes, Atlantic Highlands, were merged July 1, and saw the installation of Father William Lago as its new pastor.
Four Asbury Park parish communities – Our Lady of Mount Carmel, Holy Spirit, St. Peter Claver and Our Lady of Providence – were united as the new Mother of Mercy Parish June 29 with Father Miguel Virella as its pastor.
Mercer County CYO board members, friends and benefactors gathered to witness the opening of the indoor facility at the Yardville Day Camp location. The Monsignor Leonard R. Toomey Annex is named for the long-time priest and youth organization’s founder.
Bishop O’Connell and diocesan representatives were on hand to witness the October dedication of a newly renovated hall and plaza at Catholic University of America, Washington. The Bishop is a graduate of CUA and served as the university’s 14th president from 1998-2010.
OUR SCHOOLS
Catholic schools of the Diocese celebrated milestone years of educational excellence: St. Peter School, Point Pleasant Beach, 90 years, and St. Charles Borromeo School, Cinnaminson, 50 years.
The Diocese celebrated the 40th anniversary of Catholic Schools Week Jan. 26-Feb. 1 with the theme “Innovation, Inspiration, Discipleship.” By the end of the week, the Bishop had visited four Catholic elementary schools and Georgian Court University, Lakewood, celebrating Masses, touring more than 100 classrooms, spending time with students, and co-hosting a morning school-run television show.
Our Lady of Mount Carmel School, Asbury Park, was judged one of the 15 best STEM curriculum projects in the nation and was awarded a five-year, $300K per year grant under the auspices of the N.J. 21st century Community Learning Centers, the only Catholic school in N.J. to have been recognized.
Mater Dei Prep formed its inaugural board of governors in May to better advance planning and execution of their marketing, finances and alumni relations, as well as continue the Middletown school’s success. Steven Sciarappa, principal, was promoted to director of campus schools with the responsibility for advancement and admissions for both St. Mary School and Mater Dei Prep. Former Mater Dei vice principal, Craig Palmer, became the school’s principal.
Our Lady of Perpetual Help, Maple Shade, and teacher Sherri Hunkins were voted “Best of South Jersey” school and teacher by Courier Post newspaper readers.
The school newspaper of Red Bank Catholic High School, The Signpost, and its editor-in-chief, Michaela Fleming, took top national honors from the American Scholastic Press Association.
The Diocese of Trenton welcomed two new school principals for the 2014-2015 school year: Dr. Marilyn L. Castellano, St. Catharine School, Spring Lake, and Ann W. Cwirko, St. Raphael School, Hamilton.
St. Gregory the Great School, Hamilton Square, was named one of the nation’s Blue Ribbon Schools of Excellence for 2014. It was one of 337 schools to earn the award nationwide, only 50 of which were private schools; the school and its principal, Dr. Jason Briggs, received the designation from U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan in a live broadcast announcement Sept. 30.
Grammar and high school students learned more about spreading the faith as missionaries during the Mission Reach-Out programs held Oct. 16 in Holy Cross Academy, Delran, and Oct. 23 in St. Jerome School, West Long Branch. Men and women missionaries explained how their ministry can be effective both in foreign lands and at home with their families of faith.
Bishop O’Connell became the first prelate to celebrate Mass in Stuart Country Day School of the Sacred Heart, Princeton, Nov. 4.
Following a two-year effort to sustain viability, and after the Diocese committed to over $600,000 in assistance and an additional $1.6 million from diocesan funds to help defray expenses, the decision was made to close two elementary schools in the Diocese. In letters to their communities sent in late November, Father Michael Sullivan, pastor of St. Mary of the Lake Parish, Lakewood, which sponsors Holy Family School, and Father Edward Blanchett, pastor of St. Denis Parish and School, each cited financial difficulties resulting from declining enrollment as the primary reasons for the closure of their schools in June, 2015. St. Paul School, Burlington, has been tasked with raising $250,000 by January in order to keep its doors open. A School Sustainability Commission study in 2012 identified that these and other schools were “at risk” due to changing demographics, steadily declining enrollments and resulting increased financial burdens on parishes. Bishop O’Connell and the Commission had fulfilled a pledge to not close any schools for two years, and had made strategic recommendations for a third year of the Catholic primary schools remaining open.
SPORTS
St. John Vianney High School’s baseball team clinched the NJSIAA championship, its first since 1981, on the day of the Holmdel school’s senior class graduation, June 7.
Mater Dei Prep, Middletown, saw the inaugural season of its girls ice hockey team. The varsity-level group is the only all-girls team in the Diocese and the Shore Conference.
The Christian Brothers Academy, Lincroft, track team won its fifth straight NJSIAA Meet of Champions cross country championship Nov. 22 in Holmdel County Park. The event was the Colts’ 20th victory overall. That same day, the Red Bank Catholic girls’ cross country team celebrated its school’s NJSIAA record ninth Meet of Champions victory.
YOUTH AND YOUNG ADULTS
The five-event “Theology on Tap” series began in May. Intended for young adults wishing to mix Scriptural discussions with diocesan priests in a convivial, brewpub setting, the events were sponsored by the diocesan Department of Youth, Marriage and Family Life.
High school students from across the Diocese gathered Jan. 11 for Kujenga + PLUS, a multi-cultural retreat and leadership exercise held Jan. 11 in St. Robert Bellarmine Parish, Freehold. Activities included guest speakers, group activities, faith sharing, prayer and self reflection.
An international ministry called Juventutem was formed in St. John Parish, Allentown. The group, guided by pastor Father Brian Woodrow, resolves to prayer, Eucharistic Adoration, Confession and attendance at Mass celebrated according to the Roman Missal of 1962.
The clarion call to be strong in faith and unwavering despite societal pressures rang out clearly at the first N.J. Catholic Young Adult Conference held Jan. 25 in Piscataway. Nearly 300 from around the state gathered to hear speakers, participate in workshops, and pray together at Mass during the “Courageous: do not conform to the standards of this age” conference. The event was co-sponsored by the Diocese of Trenton along with the Archdiocese of Newark and the Dioceses of Camden and Metuchen.
“Connected,” the annual Diocesan Youth Celebration, was held March 30 in Donovan Catholic, Toms River. More than 300 teens gathered for faith formation, music, presentations, skits and workshops. The celebration also awarded 27 young people of the Diocese with the Timothy Award, recognizing them as examples of love, faith and service.
The annual splasH event was held in Precious Blood Parish, Monmouth Beach, and Mother of Mercy Parish, Asbury Park Aug. 5-6. The event saw 80 teens from 13 parishes for prayer, recreation and service to the Ocean County parish.
PASTORAL AND DIOCESAN ASSIGNMENTS
Msgr. James Innocenzi, adjutant judicial vicar, was appointed to acting judicial vicar, continuing as pastor of St. George Parish, Titusville.
JoAnn Tier was appointed to Moderator, Office of Catholic Education, and continuing as Superintendent of Schools.
Immaculate Heart of Mary Sister Mary Agnes Ryan was appointed to Director, Department of Catechesis and Evangelization.
Josue Arriola was appointed to Director of the Department of Youth, Marriage and Family Life.
Father Jeffrey E. Lee was appointed to Director of Pilgrimages, continuing as pastor, St. Mary Parish, Colts Neck.
Father Dennis A. Apoldite was appointed to Director of Vocation Recruitment and House of Discernment, continuing as pastor, Sacred Heart Parish, Trenton, and administrator, Divine Mercy Parish, Trenton.
Msgr. Thomas J. Mullelly was appointed to Director of Seminarians, in addition to Vicar for Clergy and Consecrated Life.
Clergy were appointed to assistant director positions for Vocations in all four counties of the Diocese: Father Daniel E. Kirk for Monmouth County, continuing as parochial vicar, St. Benedict Parish, Holmdel; Father Christopher Picollo for Burlington County, continuing as parochial vicar, St. Charles Borromeo Parish, Cinnaminson; Father Thomas Vala for Mercer County, continuing as parochial vicar, St. Gregory the Great Parish, Hamilton Square, and Father Garry Koch for Ocean County, continuing as parochial vicar, St. Joseph Parish, Toms River.
Father Erin Brown was appointed Assistant Director of Vocations for College Campus Ministries, and temporary administrator, St. Jerome Parish, West Long Branch, and St. Mary Parish, Deal.
Father John C. Garrett, chaplain to Notre Dame High School, Lawrenceville, and Trenton Catholic Academy, Hamilton, was appointed as director of the Catholic Campaign for Human Development.
Father Edward Jawidzik, currently parochial vicar, St. Robert Bellarmine Parish, Freehold, was also appointed as Director of Catholic Relief Services.