Columns 2023

I am not sure if there is a “rule” or “standard” that establishes something as an “annual tradition,” but as I move towards the completion of my third year as bishop and as I have done some things for the third consecutive year, I get the sense that some things could become an “annual tradition.” At this time last year, I wrote a column about “Opening Day” of the Baseball Season and the “hope that springs eternal.”

Today we celebrate and give thanks for the preaching of the Gospel as we celebrate the great “Apostle to the Irish,” St. Patrick. So many of us here today give thanks for the way in which that Good News of the Gospel has been passed down through generations of the Irish people. We also recognize the ways in which the Irish people and missionaries have shared the Good News in many places throughout the world, all the way to Morristown, here in our beloved Diocese of Paterson, as well as in our great State of New Jersey and throughout these United States.

This past Saturday, March 4, I was blessed to celebrate Mass at our Diocesan Catechetical Conference. You can see and learn more about the Conference from the pictures and article in this week’s Beacon on page 4 and on our social media. In the years before 2020, the annual Catechetical Conference was always well attended. We had a “virtual conference” in 2021 and a “hybrid” conference in 2022, with limited attendance in person and a larger attendance virtually. Therefore, this was my first time, as bishop, to be able to celebrate Mass at the Conference. I would have been happy to celebrate Mass for our catechists and catechetical leaders at any location, but this year I had the privilege of presiding at Mass on the grounds of St. Elizabeth University, Convent Station. Our Diocese received the additional blessing of being hosted by the University staff and the Sisters of Charity of St. Elizabeth.

It is always a blessing to hear and share the “Good News” of the Gospel. It is also a great privilege to be able to share good news about “The Good News.” With the renewal of the Church that began at the Second Vatican Council, we have re-captured an important part of the Church’s life and growth from the very beginning.