But the stories that are told in this issue of The Monitor Magazine emphasize that despite these trying times, there is always reason for joy and gratitude. Even when things seem hopeless, we are reminded of Jesus’ words: “With God, all things are possible.”

That is what may come to mind when our readers meet the Diocese’s newest priest, Father Stephen Sansevere, and learn of the journey he has taken to reach this milestone.  The former Jersey City cop, deacon, husband of nearly 40 years and now widower, put his faith in God and took the extraordinary step – at 66 – to become a priest.  His Ordination, and that of the six new deacons ordained in June, are truly a cause of great celebration for the entire Diocese in a time when joy seems to be in short supply.

Like Father Sansevere, the priests we recognize in our special “Lives of Faith” section all have their own unique stories that have formed them as priests and guided their ministries.  We invite our readers to get to know the men who are honored in this issue as they mark their retirements or their milestone anniversaries.  They have been true blessings to the people of this Diocese.

As we have announced, this is a scaled down version of our special edition for “Lives of Faith,” which we have published every summer.  This year, “Lives of Faith” is part of the regular July issue and we have had to limit our focus to the major anniversaries of 25 and 50 years as well as those who are retiring.  While profiles could not be included on each of our priests and deacons marking notable anniversaries this year, we congratulate them and ask for God to bless these men as they seek to serve his will. 

For those who are wondering about the religious jubilarians not included here, we will be featuring them in the magazine’s October issue.  We hope our readers will be sure to look for that.