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The word “vocation” means a “call” and it presumes someone calling and someone called. As Catholics, of course, we identify “the caller” as God himself. In our faith, we believe that God has a plan for each of us and that God calls us, invites us to consider that plan and, hopefully, accept it. Different from merely a job, a “vocation” is all-encompassing, requiring a free and willing response and total commitment to the One who calls and to what is asked of us in that call.

The word “vocation” means a “call” and it presumes someone calling and someone called. As Catholics, of course, we identify “the caller” as God himself. In our faith, we believe that God has a plan for each of us and that God calls us, invites us to consider that plan and, hopefully, accept it. Different from merely a job, a “vocation” is all-encompassing, requiring a free and willing response and total commitment to the One who calls and to what is asked of us in that call.

As the Church enters the month of November, she invites us to pause, reflect, and lift our hearts toward eternity. This sacred time begins with the Feast of All Saints on November 1 — a radiant celebration of those who have gone before us in faith and now dwell in the light of God’s presence.

As the Church enters the month of November, she invites us to pause, reflect, and lift our hearts toward eternity. This sacred time begins with the Feast of All Saints on November 1 — a radiant celebration of those who have gone before us in faith and now dwell in the light of God’s presence.

As the Holy Year continues, the Church will celebrate the “Jubilee of the World of Education” in Rome on October 27-November 1 this year. The Jubilee will include several special events: the 60th anniversary celebration of the publication of the Second Vatican Council’s “Declaration on Christian Education (Gravissimum Educationis)” promulgated by Pope St. Paul VI on October 28,1965; the release of a yet to be named commemorative document by our Holy Father Pope Leo XIV regarding Catholic education on that anniversary; and the declaration of St. John Newman as a “Doctor of the Church (November 1, 2025)” and, along with St. Thomas Aquinas, as a “co-patron” of Catholic education.

As the Holy Year continues, the Church will celebrate the “Jubilee of the World of Education” in Rome on October 27-November 1 this year. The Jubilee will include several special events: the 60th anniversary celebration of the publication of the Second Vatican Council’s “Declaration on Christian Education (Gravissimum Educationis)” promulgated by Pope St. Paul VI on October 28,1965; the release of a yet to be named commemorative document by our Holy Father Pope Leo XIV regarding Catholic education on that anniversary; and the declaration of St. John Newman as a “Doctor of the Church (November 1, 2025)” and, along with St. Thomas Aquinas, as a “co-patron” of Catholic education.

At a recent meeting of the New Jersey Catholic Conference, the issue of the Church’s teaching on assisted suicide was brought up by one of the state’s bishops. While many are familiar with this teaching, it is worthwhile to review, especially as we wind down Respect Life Month.

At a recent meeting of the New Jersey Catholic Conference, the issue of the Church’s teaching on assisted suicide was brought up by one of the state’s bishops. While many are familiar with this teaching, it is worthwhile to review, especially as we wind down Respect Life Month.

This year’s theme, “Missionaries of Hope Among the Peoples,” resonates deeply, echoing the vision of Pope Leo XIV, whose own missionary journey in Peru exemplified the hope and renewal the Church brings to the most isolated communities. As he said, the Pontifical Mission Societies are “the primary means for awakening missionary responsibility among all the baptized.” His example calls us to renew our commitment to the mission of the Church–both near and far.

Please note: the Sensory Friendly Mass scheduled for Sunday, October 12, 2025, has been canceled due to the New Jersey state of emergency issued for weather.

The Franciscan Friars and faithful of St. Peter Parish, Point Pleasant Beach, gathered Oct. 10, 2025 for a Mass of Christian Burial for Father Paul (Stephen) Varga, OFM Conv. A Franciscan Friar of the Our Lady of the Angels Province who had last served in St. Peter Parish, Point Pleasant Beach, Father Varga died Oct. 7, 2025 in Brick Township.

Five months into the first year of his pontificate, our Holy Father Pope Leo XIV has released the first official document of his papacy entitled Dilexi te (“I have loved you”), drawn from the Book of Revelation, 3:9. Addressed to all Christians, Pope Leo’s initial apostolic exhortation places the poor at the heart of the Church’s mission, urging believers to see the poor not simply as recipients of charity but also and more significantly as the motivation and rationale for the Church herself.

Five months into the first year of his pontificate, our Holy Father Pope Leo XIV has released the first official document of his papacy entitled Dilexi te (“I have loved you”), drawn from the Book of Revelation, 3:9. Addressed to all Christians, Pope Leo’s initial apostolic exhortation places the poor at the heart of the Church’s mission, urging believers to see the poor not simply as recipients of charity but also and more significantly as the motivation and rationale for the Church herself.

Ten years ago, I lost my left leg due to a bone infection and sepsis brought on by diabetes. The circumstances were sudden, the recovery long and the adjustment ongoing. It became a disability that changed my life – but not my calling. Through God’s grace, I have continued to travel throughout the Diocese and fulfill my responsibilities as its bishop. I am deeply grateful for the help I receive as I make my way around the four counties and beyond with what I now call a “limp of grace.”

Ten years ago, I lost my left leg due to a bone infection and sepsis brought on by diabetes. The circumstances were sudden, the recovery long and the adjustment ongoing. It became a disability that changed my life – but not my calling. Through God’s grace, I have continued to travel throughout the Diocese and fulfill my responsibilities as its bishop. I am deeply grateful for the help I receive as I make my way around the four counties and beyond with what I now call a “limp of grace.”