The Diocese of Metuchen has recently celebrated its 40th foundation anniversary with a Eucharistic Mass.

Catholic schools joined the Diocese in marking its four decades of service to the faithful. 

On Friday, Nov. 19, the celebration reportedly took place at the Cathedral of St. Francis of Assisi.

40 Years of Building the Kingdom

As per its website, the Diocese has been building the Kingdom of God in Central New Jersey. Nov. 19, 1981 was the first date of the church’s foundation. 

Bishop James Checchio, Diocese of Metuchen head, reportedly spearheaded the celebration. Before the event, the bishop encouraged Catholics to join in the celebration.

Catholic families and individuals, as well as schools, responded to the invitation of the bishop.

Catholic Schools' Participation In Anniversary

The Diocese revealed that students of St. Helena School celebrated differently. The Edison, New Jersey-based church conducted a "Living Rosary."

Living Rosary is a method of praying the rosary that uses people to represent the rosary beads.

"The students participated in a Living Rosary," the Diocese of Metuchen said. "The first four decades were offered for the Diocese's 40 years of existence."

Meanwhile, St. Helena School students dedicated the last decade to the church's vocations. The school reportedly strives to urge individuals to hear God's calling and serve the church.

Furthermore, the school's grade 8 students put a red rose in a vase every time a Hail Mary is recited. The vases were filled with roses which were eventually placed in the statue of the Blessed Mother.

Moreover, parents, students, and officials of Assumption Catholic School also took part in the event. The school is located at 380 Meredith St. in Perth Amboy, New Jersey.

The school faculty and staff, under the leadership of its principal, attended the Mass.

Father Ivan of the Assumption Catholic School also gave Bishop Checchio a Diptych.

The gift contains the images of Jesus Christ and the Blessed Mother of God. Father Ivan reportedly gifted the Diptych to commemorate the anniversary.

The school stated that it is proud to be one of the Diocese of Metuchen's 23 teaching institutions. It also bared that it appreciates its affiliation with these schools.

Meanwhile, the School of Saint Elizabeth was represented by three families on occasion. The school in Bernardsville, New Jersey, reiterated that over 30 schools attended the event.

Additionally, St. Thomas Aquinas High School students and teachers were also present. School principal Harry Ziegler and teacher Fran Perullo guided the students in the celebration.

The St. Thomas Aquinas High School added that it is "proud to be part of the Diocese's mission."

About Diocese of Metuchen

According to its website, the Diocese of Metuchen aims to evangelize the Gospel teachings. The faith community also strives to teach God's truth and spread love to everyone, the website said.

The Diocese reportedly serves the Catholics in the counties of Somerset and Hunterdon. Aside from that, it also oversees parishes in Middlesex and Warren counties.

It also administers nearly 30 educational institutions and around 90 parishes in New Jersey.

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