Guest Commentary

Growing up in northeast New Jersey, I surrendered to the fact that I was the only “German-looking” person in my family.

Before I was born, my mom was an executive administrative assistant to one of the vice presidents of the Boy Scouts of America. Part of the perk of that position was the ability to go on vacation during the summer to one of the Boy Scout camps located in New Jersey. The camp would close for three weeks, allowing the organization’s staff to enjoy some rest and relaxation.

I grew up in a somewhat rural area of northeast New Jersey. Down the block from my parents’ home was a watershed called Butler Reservoir with hundreds of acres of forest area surrounding this body of water.

Several years ago during my annual retreat, I was prompted by the Holy Spirit to spend some time gazing upon grape vines in a local vineyard.

Many, many years ago, when I was in middle school, I spent hours at my parents’ Godson’s house. You see, he lived on a 10-acre property with a small lake and a large, wooded area.

Many years ago, during a Holy Thursday liturgy, the celebrant shared the following story with all his congregants: “When I was a seminarian in Columbia, South America, I was assigned to the Cathedral to serve during the Triduum that year.

Every now and then, I come to compose an article and find myself at a loss as to where I should begin. When an opening story doesn’t come to me at first, I always know that it is time to let the article sit for a bit. The Holy Spirit never fails me!

Several years ago, the Diocese’ Archives Department had a program that taught middle-school students all about the Diocese.

I once heard a 70-year-old explain the original Star Trek series to a teenager. She described the series as modern morality plays.

I once heard a 70-year-old explain the original Star Trek series to a teenager. She described the series as modern morality plays.