Synod: Diocese celebrates past, looks to future
By Chris Donahue
Staff Writer
The diocese took a historic step in its relatively young life when 240 delegates to its first synod joined Bishop Paul G. Bootkoski, principal celebrant and homilist, in the Solemn Eucharist Inaugurating the Silver Jubilee Year in St. Francis of Assisi Cathedral, Metuchen, Nov. 19.
The synod is timed to coincide with the 25th anniversary of the diocese, which was created Nov. 19, 1981, by Pope John Paul II.
Bishop Bootkoski convoked the synod to affirm where the diocese has been faithful to its mission as a Christian community as well as to identify areas where it can better communicate the gospel to Catholics, both active and inactive, who live within its geographical boundaries.
In his homily, Bishop Bootkoski presented a brief but comprehensive history of the Church, describing how it evolved through the leadership and courage of popes and saints, although sometimes at the exclusion of the laity.
The legalization of Christianity led to its enculturation in the Roman Empire; but celebrating the Liturgy in Latin, the bishop noted, made “spectators” out of too many of the faithful. Changes, such as those approved during Vatican II from 1962-65, returned the Liturgy to the vernacular and opened the door for more lay participation.
“We all have different roles, but we’re to work in harmony with each other to make the Kingdom of God present in each and every age,” the bishop said. “Together we can make Jesus Christ real by what we preach, by what we teach and how we live…
“This is such a magnificent, historic moment for our Church, our diocese,” he continued. “We are all responsible to establish his kingdom, not with weapons, but as a family of sisters and brothers armed with the love of God, love of family. May that always be our message and may you bring it far and wide to our four counties (Middlesex, Somerset, Hunterdon and Warren) so all people can experience the beauty and presence of the loving God, Jesus Christ.”
After the homily, Lori Brower, diocesan chancellor, prepared the delegates to receive their commission. The bishop thanked them for answering the call to serve.
Delegates were asked if they were willing to assume responsibilities that will include attending all synod sessions, providing input and ideas at the sessions, and voting on issues brought to the synod by the bishop.
Brower then asked the delegates to come forward and affirm their Profession of Faith by signing a register.
With this solemn task completed, the bishop announced the synod officially open. Spontaneous applause echoed loudly throughout the cathedral.
Music ministry was provided by the Diocesan Jubilee Choir under the direction of Thomas A. DeLessio, diocesan director of music; organist William Atwood; cantors Daria Dragan and Rosemarie Gazaleh, timpanist Al Jorgenson, and Crescendo Brass.
Commenting after the Mass, Msgr. William Benwell, chairman of the Synod Commission, said that he was personally inspired by the delegates’ procession into the cathedral to a “magnificent rendition” of Fanfare for the Common Man and their signing of the register.
“There was our diocese in microcosm: men and women, clergy and laity, young and old, white and black, the Americas and Europe and Asia, all being told that they, that we are the Church. Already the synod is doing important things,” Msgr. Benwell said.
Deacon Samuel J. Damiano, a delegate from Our Lady of Lourdes, Whitehouse Station, said he’s looking forward to participating in the synod sessions next year.
“I’ll bring my views based on where I am in my own faith journey and also as a family person, a deacon and a businessman as well,” Deacon Damiano said.
“I feel strongly that we should reach out more to the business community for help,” he added. “It would be nice to have a pool of skills from the corporate community available as a resource for the bishop to call on for advice, fund-raising, financial planning.”
Teodula Vazquez, a delegate from St. Mary Parish, Perth Amboy, said she is excited about her role in the synod.
“After this (Mass), the best thing I can say is onward! I’m optimistic about the future of the Church. And 25 years is very young,” Vazquez said.
Erin Jones, a delegate from Sacred Heart Parish, New Brunswick, said she would like to see more outreach programs for youth and adult faith formation.
Dennis Renna, who will serve as a facilitator for the Speak Up Session in Our Lady of Lourdes Parish, Whitehouse Station, Jan. 17, said he’s “excited, very confident about my role in the synod and in our ability to pull this together.”
Preparations are underway to hold Speak Up . . . We’re Listening Sessions in nearly every parish throughout the diocese during January and February. Information gathered at these sessions will be used to generate topics that will be discussed in even more detail by laity in the spring. Synod sessions will be held Oct. 7, Oct. 21 and Dec. 2, 2006.
*The attached/referenced article was originally published in The Catholic Spirit, the official newspaper of the Diocese of Metuchen, and is protected under U.S. and international copyright law