MORRISTOWN—The College of Saint Elizabeth (CSE), 2 Convent Rd., will offer a Doctor of Psychology (Psy.D.) in Counseling Psychology program beginning in the fall 2013 semester. The Psy.D. is a practitioner preparation program specializing in training mental health professionals committed to working with disadvantaged populations. The program is part of CSE’s mission to promote and effect social justice and positive community change.

Archbishop John J. Myers (top left photo, center) led a blessing and dedication of the newly constructed Chapel Mausoleum at Maryrest Cemetery, Mahwah, on Oct. 13. Archbishop Myers is pictured anointing the chapel altar, with assistance from Rev. Msgr. Richard F. Groncki (left), archdiocesan pilgrimage coordinator, and Rev. Msgr. Michael A. Andreano, chancellor and secretary to the archbishop.

Underlining the importance of homilies delivered by priests each week at Mass, the U.S. bishops, at their annual fall meeting, Nov. 12-15 in Baltimore, will vote on a formal document that highlights preaching suggestions and guidelines. 

Who would expect a young man who had not completed his education, was kidnapped by pirates, enslaved and forced into years of servitude in a foreign and barbaric land to lead the charge in evangelizing a fiery people living on the edge of the known world?

ORANGE — “God’s grace guided me.”

Deacon Michael Leschinsky, S.D.B., followed the call to mission to young people all the way from Youngstown, OH, to the Archdiocese of Newark. “Deacon Mike,” as he is affectionately known, was in his last year studying education at Bowling Green State University when he felt drawn to religious life. Now in his last semester at Immaculate Conception Seminary, South Orange, he will be ordained a priest in July.

UNION CITY - Finding food this holiday season might be a struggle for some families. With the country still in the midst of economic turmoil and an increasing number of people unemployed, food pantries, now more than ever, are an invaluable resource. However, due to tough financial times, donations to food pantries and soup kitchens are on the decline while the demand is rising.

The Emergency Food and Nutrition Network (EFNN) a unit of Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Newark, coordinates and supports a network of food pantries, donor churches, schools and community groups by providing training, support, client advocacy and emergency food supplies to 75 food banks throughout Bergen, Hudson, Essex and Union counties. Based in East Orange, EFFN oversees the collection and distribution of food while providing services to those who are poor, low income, homeless or facing an emergency or health crisis.

The Feast of All Saints (Nov. 1) and the Feast of All Souls (Nov. 2) have evolved in the life of the Church independently of paganism and Halloween. However, elements of pagan practices were perhaps “baptized” by some cultures or attached themselves to the celebration of All Saints and All Souls.

The exact origins of the celebration of the Feast of All Saints are uncertain, although, after the legalization of Christianity in 313, a common commemoration of saints, especially the martyrs, appeared in various areas throughout the Church. In the East, the city of Edessa celebrated this feast on May 13; the Syrians, on the Friday after Easter; and the city of Antioch, on the first Sunday after Pentecost. Both Saint Ephrem (died 373) and Saint John Chrysostom (died 407) attest to this feast day in their preaching. In the West, a commemoration for all the saints also was celebrated on the first Sunday after Pentecost.

The primary reason for establishing a common feast day was because of the desire to honor the great number of martyrs, especially during the persecution of Emperor Diocletion (284-305). There were not enough days of the year for a feast day for each martyr and many of them died in groups. A common feast day for all saints therefore seemed most appropriate.

NEWARK-The Archdiocese of Newark dutifully expresses its generosity to Peter's Pence, a global, long-standing form of financial support given by the worldwide Catholic community for the pope's ministry in the universal Church.

Catholic Concerns Focus on Access Rights
Whither Catholic healthcare and the urgent call for universal coverage in the age of soaring federal budget deficits, global economic meltdowns and the desperate medical needs of those who are uninsured?

The Catholic Church has been dedicated to the healing and healthcare ministry since the days of Jesus. In the United States, one out of every six patients is treated in a Catholic facility. Catholic healthcare is based on the principle that every person is created in the image and likeness of God and has an inalienable dignity. Catholic teaching states that life-from conception until natural death-is sacred and should be protected.

A Bishop 'Made' in Union City



Last June, when it was announced that Pope Benedict XVI had appointed Msgr. Manuel J. Cruz as an auxiliary bishop, the blessed news spread quickly throughout the Archdiocese of Newark's Hispanic community. As the first Cubanborn priest in the Archdiocese of Newark, Bishop-elect Cruz has dedicated his ministry to the Hispanic community for more than 28 years.

Two Caldwell Students Add their Energy to Movement

CALDWELL-On Jan. 20, two days before thousands gathered at the March for Life in Washington D.C., 800 students from across the country showed their deep commitment to the pro-life movement at the Students for Life of America (SFLA) conference.

MONTCLAIR-There is a "real chance" New Jersey could soon legislatively abolish the death penalty, longtime anti-capital punishment advocate Sister Helen Prejean declared Nov. 8 during a presentation at St. Peter Claver Parish.

How do we, as Catholics, define social justice in the 21st century?

As we approach Labor Day, we only need to read the signs of the times all around us. The past and the present are a prologue to the future. We all affect history for good or for ill. The spirit of justice and peace must begin in our own hearts before it can penetrate the world.

St. Cecilia Parishioners Worry, Wait

KEARNY-Following a devastating magnitude-8 earthquake that struck near Peru's capital city, Lima, on Aug. 15, members of the large Peruvian community here at St. Cecilia Parish are stunned and concerned as they try to connect with family members in their home country.