NEWARK-An archdiocesan priest, who for more than 20 years worked on the front lines of international ecumenical dialogue, provided insights on the global efforts to pursue Christian unity.

Rev. Msgr. John A. Radano, a professor at Seton Hall University (SHU), South Orange, served on the Vatican's Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity from 1984-2008 (see The Catholic Advocate, Feb. 9, 2009). He concluded that despite global tensions 2010 is a moment that marks a "privileged time" for relationships between the great religions of the world as well as an opportunity to accelerate Christian unity efforts.

Despite concerted and well-financed efforts to establish "same-sex marriage" in numerous states in recent years, most Americans know better. They won’t support it. In every state where same-sex marriage has been put to a vote of the people, the people have said "No."

In fact, only a minority of Americans wants to redefine marriage, according to a CBS News/NY Times Poll conducted this past summer and reported on by both organizations. And support is falling, down almost 10 percent this year. Instead, most Americans want to protect marriage as the union of one man and one woman, as husband and wife.

The great truth about marriage is a fact of human nature, recognized from time immemorial by virtually every faith and culture. Throughout human history, marriage between a man and a woman has been a foundational element of the common good-and must remain so.

MONTCLAIR, MAHWAH-This is a story about a low-tech, longdistance form of communication employed by students on two college campuses in the Archdiocese of Newark that is more powerful and user friendly than any cell phone, Blackberry or Internet site.

The bandwidth is unlimited and eternal. The content is spiritual. The format requires outreach and a heartfelt sharing of values. The system is designed to cultivate faithful friendships, develop soulsearching retreats and facilitate a meaningful exchange of religious dialogue and ideas-concepts and connections designed to last well beyond undergraduate years.

Conference Hosts 2,500 Fathers, Sons
WEST ORANGE-In numbers that exceeded expectations, fathers, sons, uncles and brothers from throughout the Archdiocese of Newark and beyond joined in spiritual fellowship at the inaugural Catholic Men's Conference.

Some 2,500 participants filled the Essex County Richard J. Codey Arena on Saturday, March 28 for the two-tier English and Spanish eighthour program. Archbishop John J. Myers, a primary proponent of the conference and Men's Commission, described the event as "a gathering of men seeking a deeper relationship with God and stronger participation in parish life." The conference was co-sponsored by the Newark-based Franciscan Friars of the Renewal.

NEWARK-The inaugural Catholic Men's Conference for the Archdiocese of Newark will be held Saturday, March 28, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., featuring a Mass celebrated by Archbishop John J. Myers, along with keynote presentations by NFL legend Danny Abramowicz and Bishop Manuel A. Cruz.

Organized under the auspices of the archdiocesan Men's Commission in cooperation with the Franciscan Friars of the Renewal, the gathering of spiritual fellowship will be held in the Essex County Richard J. Codey Arena (formerly South Mountain Arena) at 560 Northfield Ave., West Orange.

AREA - Faithful from the Archdiocese of Newark will be among thousands of people from throughout the country who converge on the nation's capital Thursday, Jan. 22 at the 36th annual March for Life rally to protest the U.S. Supreme Court decision legalizing abortion and remind lawmakers that the pro-life movement is more fervent than ever.

Groups from around the archdiocese plan to make the trek to Washington D.C. and brave the frigid temperatures in support of life. Father Joseph Meagher, director of the archdiocesan Respect Life Office, will depart on a bus the night before to attend a youth rally with those involved with campus ministry organizations.

Fr. Meagher, who has attended the March for Life since the early 1980s, believes the rally energizes and unifies the pro-life movement.

NEWARK-Rev. Msgr. John P. Hourihan, pastor emeritus of Saint John Parish who died at the age of 84 on Sept. 10, leaves a legacy of tireless work with the deaf community as well as compassionate outreach to the poor, hungry and homeless.

A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated on Sept. 15 at, Saint John Parish, the oldest parish in New Jersey.

AREA-If you have the faith, compassion and fortitude to do God's work inside the walls of a prison, then please call this phone number: (973) 618-3302. Deacon Gregory Quinn, director of the archdiocesan Office of Prison Ministry, has issued a call for volunteers to priests, deacons, Religious and lay people. The ministry has members ranging in age from 14 to 85 years and needs to expand its ranks to continue its outreach mission.

In a dozen facilities throughout the four counties that comprise the archdiocese there are 12,000 men and women in the prison population; all 12,000 have unique spiritual needs, according to Deacon Quinn. "(Inmates) have an insatiable appetite for learning our devotions, developing a knowledge of our saints and deriving the source of our strength-the Trinity," he declared.

Beloved Pets Touch Heart of Deacon's Faithful Work



NEWARK-Ever since his childhood, Deacon Joseph A. Dwyer Jr., vice chancellor for administration in the Archdiocese of Newark, has had an abiding compassion and respect for all of God's creatures-deep feelings that have inspired his religious life and spiritual work.

Most days, the richly wood-paneled York Room in the historic Birch Mansion of Ramapo College in Mahwah is home to chamber music and jazz performances, lectures by visiting professors and authors, art and seasonal exhibits and other events.

Catherine Attara-Fink and her eighth-grade son Thomas are a unique tandem. Both are involved in the Archdiocese of Newark's Prison Ministry program.

Parishioners of Notre Dame Parish in North Caldwell, they admitted their calling is not for everyone. But for those who reach out to the incarcerated, they said it is a fulfilling experience. The mother and son deal with people of all faiths who are, in Attara-Fink's words, "hungry for spiritual life."

Argentina, Philippines, Poland Serve as Starting Points of Faith Journeys

Reflecting the rich cultural and ethnic diversity of the Archdiocese of Newark, Archbishop John J. Myers will ordain 13 new priests on Saturday, May 26 at 10 a.m. in the Cathedral Basilica of the Sacred Heart in Newark. After leading the nation last year with 17 ordinands (see The Catholic Advocate, May 24, 2006), the Archdiocese of Newark is again among the leaders with this year's class.

"This achievement of the archdiocese is the fruit of much prayer, effort and commitment," Father Brian Plate, the director of vocations for the Archdiocese of Newark, said, citing the Class of 2007. "The perseverance of these men is a tribute to their faith and the formation and faculty of our seminary."