Diocese of Metuchen
P.O. Box 191
Metuchen, NJ  08840
Tel: (732) 562-2454
Fax: (732) 562-1427
synod@diometuchen.org

• Synod Commission
• Members
• Subcommittees
• Meeting Dates
• Topical Commissions
• Synod Secretariat
• Facilitator
• Coordinator of Synod Communications

 

Synod Commission

The Synod Commission (SC) is a group of representatives that include members of the former Synod Preparatory Commission and chairs of the Topical Commissions.  These faithful participants have agreed to oversee the work of the Topical Commissions and synod sessions.  Perhaps even more importantly, they will be undertake research that will lead to making recommendations about the most effective and efficient ways to implement the work of the synod in the years ahead.

William Atwood
Immaculate Conception, Somerville

Rev. Msgr. William Benwell, J.C.L., Chair
Vicar General, Diocese of Metuchen

Deacon Enock Berluche
St. Philip and St. James Parish, Phillipsburg

Lori Brower, J.C.L.
Chancellor, Diocese of Metuchen
St. Bartholomew Parish, East Brunswick

Deacon Samuel J. Costantino
Holy Spirit Parish, Perth Amboy

Sr. Jeanette DeSena, M.P.F.
Administrator, Perth Amboy Catholic School

Rev. John N. Fell, S.T.D.
Pastor, Our Lady of Perpetual Help Parish, Bernardsville

Paz E. Gatchalian
Our Lady of Fatima Parish, Piscataway

Wayne J. Isbitski
Immaculate Conception Parish, Clinton

Sr. Julia Jamink, S.J.H.
Diocese of Metuchen

Fr. Elias R. Lorenzo, O.S.B.
St. Mary's Abbey

Carol Mascola
Parish Catechetical Leader
St. Joseph Parish, Bound Brook

Deacon William B. McGann
Our Lady of Peace, Fords

Sr. Elizabeth O’Hara, R.S.M.
Mount Saint Mary, Watchung

Joseph L. Powell
Commission for African American Catholic Ministry
Our Lady of Fatima Parish, Piscataway

Cecelia P. Regan
St. Thomas the Apostle, Old Bridge

Ivis Rosa
Commission for Hispanic Ministry
La Asunción Parish, Perth Amboy

Jennifer Ruggiero
Director of Pro-Life Activities, Diocese of Metuchen
St. Cecelia Parish, Iselin

Oscar Schnaith, Esq.
The Tribunal, Diocese of Metuchen
Blessed Sacrament Parish, Martinsville

Judy Tabert
St. Thomas the Apostle, Old Bridge

Rev. Randall J. Vashon
Director of the Office of Vocations, Diocese of Metuchen

Anne Marie Winters
St. Bartholomew, East Brunswick

Carol Woodburn
Principal, St. John Vianney School, Colonia

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Committees of the Synod Preparatory Commission

Agenda Planning Committee prepares the agenda for each meeting of the Synod Preparatory Commission.

Implementation Preparatory Committee will generate a proposal for implementing the final synod decrees in a practical and timely way.

Chair: Rev. Randall J. Vashon. Members: Deacon Sam Constantino, Wayne Isbitski, Rev. Robert Medley, Carol Mascola, Joseph L. Powell.

Liturgy & Prayer Committee focuses on the spiritual dimensions of the synod by organizing prayer throughout the synod process, developing liturgies for all synod-related gatherings, and planning retreats for synod delegates.

Synod Sessions Committee plans and creates guidelines for everything that needs to be accomplished during the three synod sessions.

Synod Commission Meeting Dates

2006
	Saturday, Sept. 9	9AM - Noon	SJNC
	Saturday, Nov. 11	9AM - Noon	SJNC
2007
	Saturday, Jan. 13	9AM - Noon	SJNC
	Saturday, Feb. 3	9AM - Noon	SJNC

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Topical Commissions

Topical Commission members have been called on to review Phase I responses and then to create a narrative representing the hopes of participants. This narrative, which includes information about services and programs already offered by our diocese, will be used at Phase II Speak Up sessions to help everyone focus on topic-specific the questions chosen by Bishop Bootkoski.

 

Building Unity Among the People of God (Unity)

Jesus recognized the frailty of the human condition and the challenges we face. He understood that we need each other if we are to overcome life’s obstacles. His final and most heartfelt prayers included an appeal for the unity of his disciples. Unity among the people of God continues to be a significant challenge facing the Church.

Topics include but are not limited to: parish-diocese relations, communications, welcoming and integrating various cultures into parish and diocesan life, outreach to inactive and disenfranchised Catholics, missionary activity, ecumenical and interfaith outreach.

Chair: Anne Marie Winters, St. Bartholomew, East Brunswick. Members: Rose and Bill Caubet, St. Bartholomew, East Brunswick; Father Peter Cebulka, St. Peters and Rutgers Campus Center, New Brunswick; Stephanie Murtha, St. Bartholomew, East Brunswick; Connie Rowan, St. Bartholomew, East Brunswick.

Caring for the People of God (Social Justice)

Jesus taught that the mark of authentic discipleship was loving service, especially to the disadvantaged and marginalized. The Church most clearly mirrors its Founder and Head when it seeks to alleviate suffering and spread justice.

Topics include but are not limited to: outreach to the poor and vulnerable, sanctity of life, immigration, hospital chaplaincy, prison ministry, role of women in the Church, Catholic Charities.

Co-Chair: Jennifer Ruggiero, St. Cecelia Parish, Iselin; Judy Tabert, St. Thomas the Apostle, Old Bridge. Members: Judy Cusumano, Catholic Charities; Maria Hemerick, St. Thomas the Apostle, Old Bridge; Jarteau Israel, Catholic Charities; Father Joe Kerrigan, Sacred Heart, New Brunswick; Larry Nagle, St. Bernadette, Parlin; Judy Psota, St. James, Woodbridge; Father Sean Winters, Holy Spirit, Perth Amboy.

Ministering to the People of God (Clerical and Consecrated Life)

While all of us are called to work in the Lord’s vineyard, some are called to serve either through ordination to the diaconate or priesthood, or through consecration to God in religious life. These ministries give rise to unique concerns and needs.

Topics include but are not limited to: vocation awareness, the Bishop’s relationship with his clergy, clergy distribution and assignment, priestly and diaconal life and ministry, clergy formation and continuing education, ministry to priests, deacons, and religious.

Chair: Father Elias R. Lorenzo, O.S.B., St. Mary’s Abbey. Members: Monsignor Stephen A. Bielen, Maria Regina Residence, Somerset; Sister Mary Cleary, RSM, St. Joseph, North Plainfield; Deacon Thomas F. Dominiecki, St. Mary of Ostrabrama, South River; Ruth O’Brien, Our Lady of the Mount, Warren; Carlos Rodriguez, La Asuncion, Perth Amboy; Father John C. Siceloff, Our Lady of the Mount, Warren; Kathleen Siegert, St. James, Basking Ridge.

Sanctifying the People of God (Worship and Spirituality)

Celebrating the Eucharist, which is “the source and summit of the whole of Christian life” (Lumen gentium 11), has its foundation in the command of Jesus, “Do this in memory of me.” We express our belief through sacred liturgy (lex orandi, lex credendi…what we pray is what we believe) and for that reason, sacred liturgy is paramount in the life of Catholic Christians.

Topics include but are not limited to: music and environment in worship, formation of liturgical ministers, preaching, Mass scheduling, opportunities for individual and parochial spiritual growth.

Chair: William Atwood, Immaculate Conception, Somerville. Members: Tim Keyes, St. Charles Borromeo, Skillman; Dan Mahoney, Sacred Heart, South Plainfield; Carol Mascola, St. Joseph, Bound Brook; Sue Mantarro, Guardian Angels, Edison; Father Robert Lynam, St. Augustine of Canterbury, Kendall Park.

Serving the People of God (Parish Life)

The ministry and services we offer through our parishes provide a powerful witness to our faith, beliefs, and values as Catholic Christians. Parish-based ministries are an opportunity to give thanks to God for his goodness to us.

Topics include but are not limited to: hospitality and welcome, youth groups, young adult programming, assistance to couples and families, bereavement ministries, needs of the divorced and remarried, healthcare ministries, needs of the aging, protecting our children, outreach to the disabled, outreach to unchurched or inactive, stewardship, parish leadership formation, lay ministry formation.

Chair: Cecelia P. Regan, St. Thomas the Apostle, Old Bridge. Members: Alice Hugh Brown, St. Thomas the Apostle, Old Bridge; Delores Nann, Our Lady of Perpetual Help, Bernardsville; Sara Sharlow, St. Francis Cathedral, Metuchen; Father Thomas Walsh, St. Thomas the Apostle, Old Bridge; Marilyn Wickel, St. John Neumann, Califon.

Teaching the People of God (Education)

In Jesus, our divine teacher, we find a reverence for learning and commitment to education that the Church has sustained throughout the ages. We are called to pass on through education what we have received in faith and through careful study.

Topics include but are not limited to: Catholic schools, religious formation for youth, sacramental preparation, campus ministry, adult faith formation (e.g., RCIA), continuing faith formation for Catholic adults.

Chair: Deacon William B. McGann, Our Lady of Peace, Fords. Members: Colleen Coppola, Saint Anthony of Padua, Port Reading; Father John C. Gloss, St. Francis Cathedral, Metuchen; Ruth Mazzarella, Our Lady of Peace, Fords; David Nissenbaum, Our Lady of Peace, Fords; Sister Margaret Mary O'Connell, S.S.J., St. John Vianney, Colonia; Barbara Stevens, Our Lady of Mount Virgin, Middlesex; Sister Mary Charles Wienckoski, St. Helena, Edison.

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Synod Secretariat

The Synod Secretariat is a group of diocesan officials who provide administrative, organizational, and logistical support for the entire synod process. The following members of the Synod Secretariat generously offer their counsel, guidance, and skills to the SPC and subcommittees of the SPC.

Rev. Msgr. Michael J. Alliegro
Executive Director, Department of Worship and Liturgical Formation, Diocese of Metuchen
Pastor, St. Bartholomew Parish, East Brunswick

Clare Giangreco
Assistant Director, Office of Development, Diocese of Metuchen
St. Bartholomew Parish, East Brunswick

Carol M. MacDermott
Vice-Chancellor, Diocese of Metuchen
Our Lady of Peace Parish, Fords

Rev. Robert W. Medley
Vice-Chancellor, Diocese of Metuchen
Pastor, Queenship of Mary Parish, Plainsboro

Joanne Ward
Director, Office of Communications and Public Relations, Diocese of Metuchen
St. Frances Cabrini Parish, Piscataway

FACILITATOR
Peg Garvey-Mitchell, M.S.W.
Most Holy Redeemer Parish, Matawan

COORDINATOR OF SYNOD COMMUNICATIONS
Meredith Gould, Ph.D.
St. Charles Borromeo Parish, Skillman
synodcomm@verizon.net