Am I Not Here
Diocese of Metuchen
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Join "The Communicators", Gerald "Jerry" Wutkowski and Tara Smith as they share in a weekly podcast journey that highlights the good news within the Church and the Diocese of Metuchen along with meeting the amazing people serving to transform souls and lives.
Available episodes
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Jun 22, 2022
Are We Not Here? #86
Are we not here? Today as we say farewell to Tara Smith, we announce the end of this particular podcast journey of the friends in your head. As Tara and Jerry sit down for one last time, they openly discuss the change in the air for Catholic communications. Tara shares an update on her journey and Jerry gives some hints about what is next for the podcast.
Fear not! We will still be here.
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May 15, 2022
Sharing Our Sacred Story #85
Tara and Jerry sit down with Tony Varas, Director of the Worship Office, as they give thanks to God for his ten years of service to the Church of Metuchen.
Tony shares with us the impact of liturgical life and the sacred journey he has walked dedicated to the people of God in the Church of Metuchen.
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Apr 11, 2022
Stations of the Cross with Bishop Checchio #83
As the Church enters Holy week we welcome the Most Rev. James F. Checchio, Bishop of Metuchen to lead us in a prayerful journey through the stations of the cross with the parish community of St. Cecelia, Iselin.
Music is provided by the Cathedral Vocal Quartet.
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Apr 4, 2022
Songs of Healing and the Journey to Celtic Lent #82 #
On March 19, 2020, as the world began to shut down due to the coronavirus pandemic, Tara and Jerry found Nathan Bishop, a violinist, and Bridget Knodel, a classical and folk harpist in the choir loft of Saint Francis of Assisi Cathedral. In the loft, they recorded the newly composed piece ‘Song of Healing’ by Tim Keyes, and the two-year journey together to Celtic Lent began; their concert was initially scheduled just days before the pandemic shutdown.
Two years later, they joyfully welcome them both to the podcast to speak on their journey, the healing of music, and how it plays a vital role through the lens of evangelization in an ever-changing world.
This podcast episode includes two recorded pieces initially recorded on March 19, 2020, at the Cathedral of Saint Francis of Assisi, Metuchen.
1. Algues, Bernard Andres
2. Song of Healing, Tim Keyes
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Mar 20, 2022
Can you give up your Lenten sacrifice? #81
Can you swap out your Lenten sacrifice if it is not going by your plan?
This week, Tara, Jerry, and Tiffany discuss how their lenten challenge is going and the true intention for this liturgical season.
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Mar 13, 2022
Our 40 Act Impact #80
Tara and Tiffany sit down with Julio Coto, LCSW, Executive Director of Catholic Charities, Diocese of Metuchen to discuss the importance of the works of mercy in our everyday life.
In celebration of the 40th Anniversary of the establishment of the Diocese of Metuchen, we invite you to make a commitment – a commitment to doing 40 works of mercy, a commitment to serving one another with the same love and mercy bestowed on us by the Father, and a commitment to the Lord to witness to His great love in the four beautiful counties of the Diocese of Metuchen.
Find out more at www.diometuchen.org/worksofmercy
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Feb 14, 2022
To Be A Listening Church #79
As the Diocese of Metuchen prepares to enter into a period of listening sessions for the Synod on Synodality, Jerry invites each of us to reflect on the message from Msgr. John Fell, Director of Priest Personnel and the Director of Vocations on the importance of being a 'Listening Church'
Msgr. John Fell's homily was recorded at the Parish of St. Bartholomew in East Brunswick during the diocesan eucharistic forty hours for the Synod on Synodality.
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Feb 7, 2022
Catholic Press Month #78
Tara and Jerry welcome their friend, Joanne Ward, Advisor to The Catholic Spirit, in honor of Catholic Press Month.
Joanne shares her journey through Catholic communications and speaks on the importance of the Catholic press in our community.
St. Francis de Sales, pray for us!
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Jan 27, 2022
9 Days for Life Novena 2022 - Day 9
As the Church in the United States prepares to commemorate the Day of Prayer for the Legal Protection of Unborn Children, the Diocese of Metuchen invites the faithful to join in a prayerful novena for the protection of all life, from conception to natural death, as part of their local participation in the 9 Days for Life Novena.
The 9 Days for Life Novena is prayed annually each January for the protection of human life. Each day’s intention is accompanied by a short reflection and suggested actions to help build a culture of life.
All the faithful of the Diocese of Metuchen are invited to join Jerry Wutkowski, Assistant Director of the Office of Communications and Public Relations and Co-Host of the diocesan podcast ‘Am I Not Here,’ in praying this novena for the protection of the gift of life in our state, nation, and world.
This resource is generously provided by the Committee on Pro-Life Activities of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops and can be found at www.respectlife.org.
Recordings of the novena will be made available daily from January 19 - 27, 2022 at www.diometuchen.org/aminothere.
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Jan 26, 2022
9 Days for Life Novena 2022 - Day 8
As the Church in the United States prepares to commemorate the Day of Prayer for the Legal Protection of Unborn Children, the Diocese of Metuchen invites the faithful to join in a prayerful novena for the protection of all life, from conception to natural death, as part of their local participation in the 9 Days for Life Novena.
The 9 Days for Life Novena is prayed annually each January for the protection of human life. Each day’s intention is accompanied by a short reflection and suggested actions to help build a culture of life.
All the faithful of the Diocese of Metuchen are invited to join Jerry Wutkowski, Assistant Director of the Office of Communications and Public Relations and Co-Host of the diocesan podcast ‘Am I Not Here,’ in praying this novena for the protection of the gift of life in our state, nation, and world.
This resource is generously provided by the Committee on Pro-Life Activities of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops and can be found at www.respectlife.org.
Recordings of the novena will be made available daily from January 19 - 27, 2022 at www.diometuchen.org/aminothere.
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Jan 25, 2022
9 Days for Life Novena 2022 - Day 7
As the Church in the United States prepares to commemorate the Day of Prayer for the Legal Protection of Unborn Children, the Diocese of Metuchen invites the faithful to join in a prayerful novena for the protection of all life, from conception to natural death, as part of their local participation in the 9 Days for Life Novena.
The 9 Days for Life Novena is prayed annually each January for the protection of human life. Each day’s intention is accompanied by a short reflection and suggested actions to help build a culture of life.
All the faithful of the Diocese of Metuchen are invited to join Jerry Wutkowski, Assistant Director of the Office of Communications and Public Relations and Co-Host of the diocesan podcast ‘Am I Not Here,’ in praying this novena for the protection of the gift of life in our state, nation, and world.
This resource is generously provided by the Committee on Pro-Life Activities of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops and can be found at www.…
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Jan 25, 2022
Answering the Lord's Call #77
This week Tiffany, Tara, and Jerry open up and reflect on Bishop Checchio's newest pastoral letter, 'Answering the Lord's Call through Prayer, Works of Mercy, and Vocations' on the occasion of the 40th Anniversary of the Diocese of Metuchen.
You can read Bishop Checchio's Pastoral Letter at www.diometuchen.org/our-bishop
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Jan 24, 2022
9 Days for Life Novena 2022 - Day 6
As the Church in the United States prepares to commemorate the Day of Prayer for the Legal Protection of Unborn Children, the Diocese of Metuchen invites the faithful to join in a prayerful novena for the protection of all life, from conception to natural death, as part of their local participation in the 9 Days for Life Novena.
The 9 Days for Life Novena is prayed annually each January for the protection of human life. Each day’s intention is accompanied by a short reflection and suggested actions to help build a culture of life.
All the faithful of the Diocese of Metuchen are invited to join Jerry Wutkowski, Assistant Director of the Office of Communications and Public Relations and Co-Host of the diocesan podcast ‘Am I Not Here,’ in praying this novena for the protection of the gift of life in our state, nation, and world.
This resource is generously provided by the Committee on Pro-Life Activities of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops and can be found at www.…
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Jan 23, 2022
9 Days for Life Novena 2022 - Day 5
As the Church in the United States prepares to commemorate the Day of Prayer for the Legal Protection of Unborn Children, the Diocese of Metuchen invites the faithful to join in a prayerful novena for the protection of all life, from conception to natural death, as part of their local participation in the 9 Days for Life Novena.
The 9 Days for Life Novena is prayed annually each January for the protection of human life. Each day’s intention is accompanied by a short reflection and suggested actions to help build a culture of life.
All the faithful of the Diocese of Metuchen are invited to join Jerry Wutkowski, Assistant Director of the Office of Communications and Public Relations and Co-Host of the diocesan podcast ‘Am I Not Here,’ in praying this novena for the protection of the gift of life in our state, nation, and world.
This resource is generously provided by the Committee on Pro-Life Activities of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops and can be found at www.…
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Jan 22, 2022
9 Days for Life Novena - Day 4
As the Church in the United States prepares to commemorate the Day of Prayer for the Legal Protection of Unborn Children, the Diocese of Metuchen invites the faithful to join in a prayerful novena for the protection of all life, from conception to natural death, as part of their local participation in the 9 Days for Life Novena.
The 9 Days for Life Novena is prayed annually each January for the protection of human life. Each day’s intention is accompanied by a short reflection and suggested actions to help build a culture of life.
All the faithful of the Diocese of Metuchen are invited to join Jerry Wutkowski, Assistant Director of the Office of Communications and Public Relations and Co-Host of the diocesan podcast ‘Am I Not Here,’ in praying this novena for the protection of the gift of life in our state, nation, and world.
This resource is generously provided by the Committee on Pro-Life Activities of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops and can be found at www.…
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Jan 21, 2022
9 Days for Life Novena 2022 - Day 3
As the Church in the United States prepares to commemorate the Day of Prayer for the Legal Protection of Unborn Children, the Diocese of Metuchen invites the faithful to join in a prayerful novena for the protection of all life, from conception to natural death, as part of their local participation in the 9 Days for Life Novena.
The 9 Days for Life Novena is prayed annually each January for the protection of human life. Each day’s intention is accompanied by a short reflection and suggested actions to help build a culture of life.
All the faithful of the Diocese of Metuchen are invited to join Jerry Wutkowski, Assistant Director of the Office of Communications and Public Relations and Co-Host of the diocesan podcast ‘Am I Not Here,’ in praying this novena for the protection of the gift of life in our state, nation, and world.
This resource is generously provided by the Committee on Pro-Life Activities of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops and can be foun…
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Jan 20, 2022
9 Days for Life Novena 2022 - Day 2
As the Church in the United States prepares to commemorate the Day of Prayer for the Legal Protection of Unborn Children, the Diocese of Metuchen invites the faithful to join in a prayerful novena for the protection of all life, from conception to natural death, as part of their local participation in the 9 Days for Life Novena.
The 9 Days for Life Novena is prayed annually each January for the protection of human life. Each day’s intention is accompanied by a short reflection and suggested actions to help build a culture of life.
All the faithful of the Diocese of Metuchen are invited to join Jerry Wutkowski, Assistant Director of the Office of Communications and Public Relations and Co-Host of the diocesan podcast ‘Am I Not Here,’ in praying this novena for the protection of the gift of life in our state, nation, and world.
This resource is generously provided by the Committee on Pro-Life Activities of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops and can be found at www.…
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Jan 19, 2022
9 Days for Life Novena 2022 - Day 1
As the Church in the United States prepares to commemorate the Day of Prayer for the Legal Protection of Unborn Children, the Diocese of Metuchen invites the faithful to join in a prayerful novena for the protection of all life, from conception to natural death, as part of their local participation in the 9 Days for Life Novena.
The 9 Days for Life Novena is prayed annually each January for the protection of human life. Each day’s intention is accompanied by a short reflection and suggested actions to help build a culture of life.
All the faithful of the Diocese of Metuchen are invited to join Jerry Wutkowski, Assistant Director of the Office of Communications and Public Relations and Co-Host of the diocesan podcast ‘Am I Not Here,’ in praying this novena for the protection of the gift of life in our state, nation, and world.
This resource is generously provided by the Committee on Pro-Life Activities of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops and can be found at www.…
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Jan 16, 2022
#Feeling2022
Tara and Jerry celebrate the New Year 2022 with their new co-host and communicator, Tiffany Workman. After over ten years of experience in radio, television, and film. Tiffany shares more about her journey and how she transitioned from being a radio producer and on-air personality for 94.5 WPST to serving our local church.
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Dec 20, 2021
Am I Not Talking Catholic in 2021? #75
In our second annual crossover podcast, Tara and Jerry sit down with their friends and co-hosts of the Diocese of Camden's official podcast 'Talking Catholic.'
Together Mike Walsh, Director of Communications for the Diocese of Camden, and Jennifer Mauro, Managing Editor of the Catholic Star Herald reflect on the year as a catholic communicator in our local church.
Each week the Talking Catholic hosts interview Catholic leaders about what brought them to where they are now and how they are bringing the faith to their communities.
Listen to Talking Catholic: https://talking.catholicstarherald.org/
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Dec 13, 2021
Season of Renewal 2.0
This week Tara and Jerry honor the patroness of the podcast, Our Lady of Guadalupe, with a time of prayer, reflection, and renewal.
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Dec 6, 2021
Advent Nuggets #73
As the Christmas Season looms over our heads this week, Jerry invites you to reflect with him as he shares his 'Advent Nuggets' on the importance of focusing on the purpose of the Advent Season.
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Nov 22, 2021
Eucharistic Revival #72
As the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) concludes their Fall General Assembly, Tara and Jerry discuss the big plans for the Bishop's upcoming national eucharistic revival and give their picks on other topics that did not get that much coverage.
All information about the USCCB Fall General Assembly can be found at https://www.usccb.org/general-assembly-november-2021
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Nov 14, 2021
You have a Vocation! #71
As the Church concludes National Vocation Awareness Week, Tara and Jerry discuss the importance of proper discernment while reflecting on their discernment journeys and sharing how encouragement may lead to a transformation within the Church.
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Oct 31, 2021
Taking Care of All Souls #70
As the Church marks the celebration and commemoration of the Solemnity of All Saints Day and All the Faithful Departed (All Souls Day), Jerry and Tara sit down with Mary Ellen Gerrity, diocesan director of the Office of Cemeteries. Mary Ellen shares insights on what happens daily in the care of our departed loved ones, stories of the pandemic, and her overall goal to place the family first in God's care as her ministry.
Information about the diocesan cemeteries may be found at www.diometuchen.org/cemeteries
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Oct 24, 2021
Our Multilingual Mission #69
Adhering to the request from Bishop James F. Checchio for prayers for the Synod on Synodality and in honor of World Mission Sunday, Tara and Jerry dedicate their time this week to pray the rosary for the synod, our local church, and for an outpouring of the Holy Spirit on our missionary work.
Tara and Jerry are joined by their friends, Sr. Anna Nguyen, SCC, Sr. Dong Hong Marie Zhang, CSSF, Br. Steven Bolton, CO and Luz Escobar of the diocesan Office of Hispanic Evangelization to pray a multilingual rosary in English, Vietnamese, Mandarin Chinese, Latin, and Spanish highlighting a snippet of the diverse church in our own backyard.
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Oct 17, 2021
Our Synodal Journey Begins! #68
As the Church throughout the world officially opens the diocesan phase of the 16th Ordinary General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops For a Synodal Church: Communion, Participation, and Mission, Tara and Jerry give an update on what is taking place in the Diocese of Metuchen how we can prepare to respond to the spirit, who is already moving in our local Church.
More information is available at www.diometuchen.org/synod2023
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Oct 10, 2021
Crossing the Bridge #67
In honor of Hispanic Heritage month, Tara and Jerry welcome Luz Escobar and Allan Caballero of the diocesan Office of Hispanic Evangelization and Pastoral Ministry to discuss the importance of building a bridge between cultures and crossing the bridge together in faith.
Hispanic Heritage Month is celebrated nationally from September 15 - October 15 annually. You can find more information about Hispanic ministry within the Diocese of Metuchen can be found at www.diometuchen.org/hispanicministry
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Sep 26, 2021
The Blue Mass #66
At 10:30 AM on September 29th – the Feast of Ss. Michael, Gabriel, and Raphael, Archangels – Bishop James F. Checchio will celebrate the 19th Annual Blue Mass at the Cathedral of St. Francis of Assisi in Metuchen. Gathered together with local, county, state, and federal law enforcement officials, we will honor and pray for those law enforcement officials of all faiths who live and work in the Diocese of Metuchen.
Tara and Jerry sit down with David Irizarry, Chief of Police, Metuchen Borough Police, to discuss this year's mass.
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Sep 19, 2021
Say the Word! #65
Say the Word! As we celebrate Catechetical Sunday, Tara and Jerry welcome John Kobiernicki, Parish Catechetical Leader (PCL) at St. Mary's Parish in South Amboy, NJ to discuss the life and journey of the PCL.
The ministry of the Word is a fundamental element of evangelization through all its stages because it involves the proclamation of Jesus Christ, the eternal Word of God
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Sep 12, 2021
Wind and Rain, Bless the Lord! #64
After historic floods devastated our parish communities over a week ago due to the remanents of Hurricane Ida, Tara and Jerry dedicated their time this week to reflect on the importance of surrender and the call to support our brothers and sisters in the most need right in our backyard.
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Sep 5, 2021
Twenty Years Later #63
Before joining the diocese to serve as the diocesan director for the Office of the Diaconate in 2016, Deacon Stephen Kern worked in the World Trade Center as an attorney for the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey. He was on the sixty-second floor of the North Tower of the World Trade Center on September 11, 2001.
Twenty years later, Deacon Kern shares with us his story of survival and mission for service since that fateful day.
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Aug 29, 2021
A New Ministry Year #62
This week Jerry sits down with Bob Ferretti, Youth Minister at St. Joseph Parish in Millstone, NJ.
Their discussion highlights the ongoing fruits of Synod on Young People, the Faith, and Discernment and how to respond to a changing world in youth ministry amidst a pandemic.
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Aug 22, 2021
Mary Our Queen #61
After what seems to be a challenging week, Tara and Jerry sit down to discuss the patronal feast day of the Diocese of Metuchen, the feast of the Queenship of Mary. Listen as they reflect on the preparation for the fortieth anniversary of the establishment of the Diocese of Metuchen and the mission of the Church in Central New Jersey.
BONUS: Jerry and Tara find prophetic words of the founder of the Diocese of Metuchen, St. John Paul II, on the importance of looking to the Blessed Mother for intercession.
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Aug 15, 2021
Well Done Good and Faithful Servant. #60
"His master said to him, ‘Well done, my good and faithful servant. Since you were faithful in small matters, I will give you great responsibilities. Come, share your master’s joy." -Matthew 25:23
After 20+ years serving in the Diocese of Metuchen, Tara and Jerry dedicate their week to Thomas DeLessio, Director of Music of the Cathedral of Saint Francis of Assisi, and Coordinator of Liturgical Music for the Diocese of Metuchen.
As Thom marks the end of his journey with us, he reflects on the joys of the journey of a musician with great faith. Come September, Thom will be moving with his family to Florida to embrace the next steps on the journey.
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Aug 8, 2021
Catholic Life is Public Life #59
This week Tara and Jerry welcome their good friend Jennifer Ruggiero back to discuss how developing responses to and understanding our local public policy can be an opportunity to light hearts on fire for evangelization.
Jennifer serves as the Secretary of the Secretariat for Family and Pastoral Life, Director of the Office of Human Life & Dignity, the Chairperson of the Diocese of Metuchen's Public Policy Committee, and a part of the statewide task force on addiction.
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Aug 1, 2021
Olympic Faith #58
What do Grace McCallum, Sydney McLaughlin, and Hidilyn Diaz have in common? Besides being Olympic champions, they show us how sports and the Olympic movement can be an opportunity for evangelization.
This week, join Tara and Jerry as they discuss their top five evangelical moments thus far of the #Tokyo2020 Olympic Games.
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Jul 26, 2021
World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly #57
This week Tara and Jerry sit down with their in-house grandmother, Angela Marshall of St. James, Woodbridge, as the Church marks the first World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly.
Angela shares how the little things she does with her grandchildren spark curiosity for the faith and a relationship with Jesus. Feeling called to share in family life and the pro-life movement, Angela also serves as the Program Coordinator for the Office of Human Life and Dignity for the Diocese of Metuchen.
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Jul 18, 2021
What is Natural Family Planning? #56
This week Jerry sits down with our own diocesan natural family planning instructors, Dan and Megan Carducci, as they share insights and information about the process of Natural Family Planning (NFP). As they give a brief overview of the process and the course, they also dispel many misconceptions associated with NFP and the Church's view.
Find out more about Natural Family Planning in the Diocese of Metuchen at diometuchen.org/natural-family-planning
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Jul 11, 2021
Be Living Stones #55
"like living stones, let yourselves be built into a spiritual house...” - 1 Peter 2:5
This week Tara and Jerry sit down with Enza Cerami, Founder of Living Stones. The mission of Living Stones is to proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ from teens to young adults and inspire them to live out the call of chastity
Find out more at: https://www.livingstoneschastity.org/about
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Jun 27, 2021
Where are YOU going? #54
This week, Tara and Jerry open up about the week that was, highlighting the celebration of Ordinations to the Priesthood and Transitional Diaconate, 'Quo Vadis' Days, and what really took place at the United States Conference of Catholic Bishop's June General Assembly Meeting.
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Link mentioned in this episode:
Information about the discussion around the eucharist at the USCCB Meeting can be found at https://www.usccb.org/meaning-eucharist-life-church
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Jun 20, 2021
This is Family Life! #53
This week Tara and Jerry join around the table with Allan Caballero and Cristina D'Averso Collins to talk about the Lighting Hearts on Fire Pastoral Movement's 'The Joy of Love and Family' Conference Series.
More information about the conference series is available at www.lightingheartsonfire.org/joylovefamily
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Jun 13, 2021
A Joyful Life #52
This week Tara and Jerry share the table with our own Seminarian Ronal Vega-Pastrana as he enlightens us once again the life of a seminarian and his hopes as he takes one of the final steps towards the priesthood. Ronal will be ordained By Bishop Checchio to the transitional diaconate on June 19th at the National Blue Army Shrine of Our Lady of Fatima in Asbury, NJ.
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Four men are scheduled to be ordained to the priesthood and one to the transitional diaconate – all for the diocese June 19, 11 a.m., at the National Blue Army Shrine, Washington, N.J.
The event will be livestreamed. Access to the livestream and updates about the ordinations can be found at the diocese’s website: https://diometuchen.org/
The men who are scheduled to be ordained by Bishop James F. Checchio are: Rev. Mr. Jun Joseph Querubin Alquiros, Rev. Mr. Ariel Robles Bautista Jr., Rev. Mr. Timothy M. Eck II, and Rev. Mr. Gregory J. Zannetti.
Seminarian Ronal Vega-Postrana is scheduled to be ordained to the tr…
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Jun 6, 2021
Just Say Yes! #51
This week Tara and Jerrys sit down with Rev. Timothy Christy, VG the Vicar General and Vicar for Evangelization and Communications for the Diocese of Metuchen.
Rev. Timothy Christy shares through his own experience how the spirit continued to move him to say yes to new adventures and work in evangelization.
Learn more about the role of the Vicar General at https://diometuchen.org/vicar-general
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May 30, 2021
It's Time! #50
In light of the announcement of the New Jersey Bishops Reinstating the General Obligation to Attend Mass, Tara and Jerry sit down to discuss what this all means, as well as diving into some spiritual encouragement, to get back to mass on Sunday.
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Read the Full Statement from the NJ Catholic Conference at https://njcatholic.org/news/httpnjcatholicorgnews-8
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May 23, 2021
Can you Evangelize? #49
Do you think you can evangelize? Did you know you do not have to be an expert to evangelize in your own home?
This week Tara and Jerry sit down with Allan Wright, Principal of Koinonia Academy in Plainfield, NJ. As a local resident of the diocese, Allan has taught, traveled, and spent much of his life proclaiming the gospel. He joins around the table to share some practical ways that may just light new hearts on fire.
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May 16, 2021
You are a Communicator #48
This week, Tara and Jerry discuss the work of evangelization through the life of a communicator as they celebrate the 2021 World Communications Day.
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Read the message from Pope Francis for the 2021 World Communications Day at www.diometuchen.org/communications
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May 9, 2021
Our Brother #47
As we honor the gift of our Religious Brothers within the diocese, Tara and Jerry sit down with Br. Patrick Reilly, BH of the Brotherhood of Hope to discuss the life of a brother and how this particular call supports the mission of building the kingdom right in our own backyard.
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The Brotherhood of Hope is a community of Catholic Brothers who live together, pray together and serve together, under the inspiration of our founding charism that Jesus Christ is All-Sufficient.
More information on the brotherhood could be found at https://brotherhoodofhope.org/
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May 2, 2021
Reconciled to God #46
This week, Tara and Jerry, honor the fifth anniversary of the ordination and installation of the Most Rev. James F. Checchio as the Fifth Bishop of Metuchen. Journey with them as they share their favorite moments and how Bishop Checchio has brought renewal and new life to each of us.
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The Most Rev. James F. Checchio was named the Bishop of the Diocese of Metuchen by Pope Francis on March 8, 2016. He was ordained and installed as the Fifth Bishop of Metuchen on
May 3, 2016.
More information can be found at www.diometuchen.org/our-bishop
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Apr 25, 2021
The Mom Squad #45
This week Tara and Jerry sit down with Lindsay Schlegel, Mother, Author, and fellow Podcast Host to discuss the reality of family life in the Year of the Family.
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Lindsay is the author of Don't Forget to Say Thank You: And Other Parenting Lessons That Brought Me Closer to God and the host of the weekly podcast, Quote Me with Lindsay Schlegel.
More information about Lindsay can be found at https://lindsayschlegel.com
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Apr 18, 2021
Feed My Lambs #44
In lieu of our weekly conversation, we invite you to reflect on Bishop Checchio's Homily from the Holy Hour for Vocations at St. Peter the Apostle Community and University Parish in New Brunswick, NJ
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Apr 11, 2021
Our Life-Giving Wounds #43
This week Tara and Jerry sit down with Dr. Daniel and Bethany Meola, co-founders and co-directors of Life-Giving Wounds Ministry.
Their mission is to help young adults and adults with divorced and separated parents give voice to their pain and find deep spiritual healing. They do this by providing unique means for Christ to transform their life-draining wounds into life-giving resources of faith, hope, love, and joy for themselves, their relationships, and the Church.
Life-Giving Wounds will be providing a Virtual Retreat in the Diocese of Metuchen over the course of three Saturdays (April 17, April 24, May 1)
Registration: https://diometuchen.org/adult-children-of-divorce
More information can be found at www.lifegivingwounds.org.
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Mar 28, 2021
Pastor in a Pandemic #42
Ever wonder what it is like to be a pastor during Holy Week? How about life as a Pastor in a pandemic? On this Palm Sunday, Tara and Jerry sit down with Fr. Abraham Orapankal, Pastor of St. Matthias Parish, Somerset to discuss the lessons of the year and how implementing communications tools have become the gifts in sharing the Gospel Message.
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Mar 21, 2021
Care with Compassion #41
This week Tara and Jerry sit down with Sr. Angela Given, a sister of the Little Servant Sisters of the Immaculate Conception who serves at the St. Joseph Senior Home in Woodbridge, NJ.
Sr. Angela shares the view from her eyes of what happened during the coronavirus pandemic's height, along with the many miracles that followed.
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Mar 14, 2021
A Story to Tell #40
The stories to tell! This week Tara and Jerry sit down with Thomas Smith, Director of the Office of Stewardship and Development, to discuss the year that has become a year of gratitude.
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We invite you to join us on our mission to Light a Fire in the Heart of the Church, a mission that can only be accomplished with your help and your support. Please consider making a donation today to this year’s Bishop’s Annual Appeal to help us continue our mission.
To Donate visit: www.diometuchen.org/baa
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Mar 7, 2021
Still With Purpose #39
Tara and Jerry sit down with their favorite unofficial co-host Jennifer Ruggiero as they discuss the upcoming celebrations honoring our elderly within our diocese.
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Feb 28, 2021
Prayer and Remembrance #38
As the nation marks the milestone of over 500,000 related deaths, Tara and Jerry dedicated their time this week to pray. They offer the rosary for all the faithful departed, for those hurting within our diocesan family, and for healing in our land. Join them for a moment of prayer and reflection.
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How do you pray the rosary?
Visit https://www.usccb.org/how-to-pray-the-rosary
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Feb 21, 2021
Our Lenten Challenge #37
This week, Tara and Jerry discuss the importance of the Lenten challenge. Are you ready?
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Feb 14, 2021
Lasting Love #36
This week, Tara and Jerry celebrate World Marriage Day 2021 as they welcome Marty and Dotty Slyman, who are celebrating 62 Years of Wedded Bliss!
Dotty and Marty Slyman are parishioners of St. Matthias Parish in Somerset, NJ. They have served as Pre-Cana Leaders for over 15 years, preparing countless couples for the sacrament of matrimony.
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Feb 7, 2021
The Joy of Consecrated Life #35
This week Tara and Jerry sit down with Sr. Anna Nguyen, SCC, Delegate for Religious as she shares the joys of those who share in consecrated life within the Diocese of Metuchen.
On the weekend of February 5-6, 2021 the Church celebrates World Day of Prayer for Consecrated Life.
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Jan 30, 2021
Our Purpose Our Schools #34
This week Tara and Jerry kick off the celebration of Catholic Schools Week 2021 as they welcome Ellen F. Ayoub, Secretary for Education, and Barbara Stevens, Assistant Superintendent for the Diocese of Metuchen as they discuss our purpose of catholic education within our schools.
Find out more at www.diometuchen.org/csw
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Jan 24, 2021
Hot Coals and Creative Courage #33
This week Tara and Jerry welcome back Megan Vantslot, diocesan director of youth and young adult evangelization as she share with all of us her vision for the young people within the diocese.
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Jan 17, 2021
Pro-Vita #32
This week Tara sits down welcomes back Jennifer Ruggerio, Director of the Office of Human Life and Dignity and Frances Johnson, one of this year's recipients of the diocesan Pro-Vita awards.
This year's Pro-Vita Winners are Frances Johnson and Frank McCann.
Frances Johnson is the Director of the Pregnancy Aid and Information Center in Raritan and Frank McCann is the Treasurer of New Jersey Right to Life. Both Frances and Frank are members of St. Matthias Parish in Somerset.
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Jan 10, 2021
Twenty Twenty WON #31
This week Tara and Jerry welcome in the new year with a review of holy habits to engage a real renewal for our Christian life and make 2021 a real year to be Twenty Twenty WON.
Read the full list at: https://www.ncregister.com/features/holy-habits-20-new-year-s-resolutions
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Dec 27, 2020
Am I Talking Catholic? #30
In a special crossover podcast, this week Tara and Jerry sit down with their friends Mike Walsh and Mary McCusker of the Diocese of Camden's Podcast 'Talking Catholic' as they dive into the life of a diocesan communicator.
Each week the Talking Catholic hosts interview Catholic leaders about what brought them to where they are now and how they are bringing the faith to their communities.
Listen to Talking Catholic: https://talking.catholicstarherald.org/
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Dec 20, 2020
Light of the World #29
This week Tara and Jerry sit down to discuss the Diocese of Metuchen's Christmas Initiative 'Light of the World' Keeping Christmas Alive and how the Year of St. Joseph brings us full circle this holy season.
Join us this Christmas at www.lightingheartsonfire.org/lightoftheworld
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Dec 13, 2020
Nostra Aetate #28
This week Tara and Jerry sit down with Rev. Guy Selvester, diocesan director of the Office of Ecumenical & Interfaith Affairs to shed light on the Second Vatican Council's document 'Nostra Aetate' as the Church marks the 55th Anniversary of its declaration on the relation of the Church to non-christian religions.
Rev. Guy Selvester also serves as Pastor at St. Joseph Church in Washington, NJ.
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Dec 6, 2020
Lighting Hearts of Renewal #27
This week, Tara and Jerry honor the podcast's patroness, Our Lady of Guadalupe, and reflect on how we need renewal during these unique times.
The Diocese of Metuchen enters a Season of Renewal celebrating the first anniversary of the diocesan consecration to Jesus through Our Lady of Guadalupe. Find out more at www.lightingheartsonfire.org
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Nov 22, 2020
Dear Young People! #26
This week Tara and Jerry sit down with Megan Vantslot, who was recently appointed the new diocesan director of Youth and Young Adult Evangelization and ministry.
Megan Vantlost is a parishioner at Immaculate Conception Parish in Annandale.
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Nov 14, 2020
Singing with Saint Cecilia #25
In honor of our pastoral musicians and the upcoming feast of St. Cecilia, Jerry and Tara sit down with Tony Varas, diocesan director of the Office of Worship, and Thom DeLessio the diocesan coordinator for Liturgical Music to discuss the joys and challenges of our pastoral musicians.
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Nov 7, 2020
Beyond the Election #24
#AmINotHere This week Tara and Jerry sit down to unpack the events of the recent week and reflect on how as Catholics we are called to live faithful citizenship beyond the election.
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Oct 31, 2020
The Active Life #23
This week Tara and Jerry sit down with Sr. Anna Palka, SJH of the Sisters of Jesus Our Hope, and Rev. Mauricio Tabera-Vasquez, the diocesan Vocations Recruiter and Chaplain to the Catholic Center at Rutgers University as they share their journey towards a fruitful vocation as we celebrate this National Vocations Awareness Week.
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Oct 24, 2020
Knowing Jesus #22
This week Tara and Jerry sit down with Sara Sharlow of the Office of RCIA to speak about the transformative stories of this year's RCIA candidates and catechumens.
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Oct 16, 2020
Church Everything Month #21
This week, Tara and Jerry open up the latest encyclical from Pope Francis "Fratelli Tutti" and how we can use it as the guide to what seems to be a very busy season for all of us!
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Oct 10, 2020
We are Champions #20
#AmINotHere This week Tara and Jerry sit down with Julio Coto of Catholic Charities and Thomas Smith of the Office of Stewardship and Development to share and discuss the miracles taking place over the last six months.
In need? Contact Catholic Charities by visiting ccdom.org
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Oct 3, 2020
Are You Pro-Life? #19
After a week off, Tara and Jerry sit down again with Jennifer Ruggiero, Director of the Office of Human Life & Dignity to discuss Respect Life Month and the upcoming 2020 Choices Matter Critical Life Issues Conference Series.
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Sep 20, 2020
The Domestic Church #18
This week, Tara and Jerry celebrate Catechetical Sunday as they sit down with Carol Mascola, diocesan director of the Office of Discipleship Formation for Children to discuss how the domestic church takes center stage for our own catechesis
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Sep 13, 2020
Hispanic Heritage #17
This week, Tara and Jerry sit down with Allan Caballero, diocesan director of the Office of Hispanic Evangelization and Pastoral Ministry to discuss the gift of the Hispanic Community to our local Church and upcoming celebration of National Hispanic Heritage Month and the Hispanic Heritage Mass at the Cathedral of Saint Francis of Assisi.
National Hispanic Heritage Month is a period from 15 September to 15 October in the United States for recognizing the contributions and influence of Hispanic Americans to the history, culture, and achievements of the United States.
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Sep 6, 2020
Our Lady's Blue Army #16
This week, Tara and Jerry sit down with David & Dorothy Carollo of the World Apostolate of Fatima USA and of the National Blue Army Shrine of Our Lady of Fatima in Washington NJ.
The discussion includes reaction to the recent diocesan ordinations celebrated on the shrine grounds, the journey of David and Dorothy from Chicago to the Blue Army, and the reaction to the release of the Fatima Movie.
More information can be found at www.bluearmy.com
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Aug 30, 2020
Can You Civilize It? #15
This week, Tara and Jerry discuss the United States Conference of Catholic Bishop's "Civilize Campaign" and challenge each of us to take the pledge to civility in our church and in our discussions on faithful citizenship.
Civilize It is about making room in your heart for those with whom you disagree. We are called to recognize that each one of us is a beloved child of God and to respond in love to that reality. Civilize It is a non-partisan call to focus on the dignity of all people, even when we disagree, and to put faith in action by bearing witness to a better way forward.
More Information or to take the pledge: https://www.wearesaltandlight.org/civilize-it
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Aug 23, 2020
Family Time! #14
This week, Tara and Jerry sit down with Cristina D'Averso-Collins, diocesan director of the Office of Family Life to talk all things family life!
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Aug 16, 2020
The Best Good for You! #13
This week Tara and Jerry sit down with the Ordinandi as the prepare for their ordination to the priesthood on Saturday, August 22, 2020 at the National Blue Army Shrine in Asbury NJ
Guests include: Deacon David Keyes, Deacon Thomas Lanza, , & Deacon Gilbert Starcher and a special surprise from Deacon Gustavo Rodriguez-Perez
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Aug 8, 2020
Back to School #12
This week, Tara and Jerry sit down with Ellen Ayoub to discuss the diocesan schools plans of reopening for in person and remote learning for the new academic year during an ever changing period of time.
Ellen Ayoub is the secretary for education in the Office of Schools for the Diocese of Metuchen.
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Aug 2, 2020
Equal Sacrifice Not Equal Giving #11
This week, Tara and Jerry sit down with Thomas J. Smith, diocesan director of the Office of Stewardship and Development to discuss the spirituality of giving and its mission for the Church during a global pandemic.
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Jul 18, 2020
Diaconate Ordinandi #9
This week, Tara and Jerry sit down with the Diaconate Ordinandi, Timothy Eck and Jay Alquiros as they share their vocational journey and share their hopes for their mission as they prepare for their ordination to the transitional diaconate.
Timothy Eck, Jay Alquiros will be ordained to the transitional diaconate along with Greg Zannetti and Ariel Bautista Jr. on July 25, 2020 by Bishop James F. Checchio at the Cathedral of St. Francis of Assisi, Metuchen.
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