Catholic Charities presented awards on Nov. 3 to two staff members, a parish and a family for their longtime dedication and efforts “toiling tirelessly and joyfully” to assist its agencies in giving much-needed help and hope to the poor and marginalized at the 2018 Caritas Gala at the Birchwood Manor in Whippany.

Being a witness to the world as an example of God’s love was a prominent theme at the annual Diocesan celebration marking couples’ Silver and Gold wedding anniversaries held at the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist here Nov. 4. Coordinated by the Diocesan Office of Family Life, Bishop Serratelli was the main celebrant of the Silver and Gold Mass with many priests from around the Diocese concelebrating the Mass that marked the 31st Sunday in Ordinary Time. Joined by generations of family to celebrate this joyous occasion, which included children and grandchildren filling the cathedral, 109 couples celebrating their 25th, 50th, 60th, 62nd, 65th and 70th anniversaries, renewed their wedding vows before the Bishop.

“What are you fighting for?” is the catch phrase used by the University of Notre Dame in its public service announcements that air on NBC-TV during home games of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish football team. Each one highlights the efforts of the Notre Dame community in making the world a better place. And that catch phrase, “What are you fighting for?” most certainly portrays the efforts by students at the University of Notre Dame to block pornography sites on the university’s Wi-Fi networks

It’s a question that could get a bishop in trouble with his flock: What is your favorite church in the Diocese? And yet Bishop Serratelli did not hesitate to give this firm answer to that question, when a young man asked him early last week: the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist, Paterson — the “crown jewel” of the Paterson Diocese. That was among the many questions that the Bishop fielded about his life, including his priestly ministry, from inquisitive young men who attended the latest “Pizza Night with the Bishop” vocations awareness event on Oct. 23 at DePaul Catholic High School in Wayne.

Bishop Serratelli made a pastoral visit on Saturday, Oct. 27 to St. Cecilia Parish in Rockaway where he served as main celebrant of the vigil Mass for the 30th Sunday in Ordinary Time.

St. Matthew the Apostle Parish in Dover had the occasion this month to look backwards — celebrating its 30-year history of faith, fellowship and social justice outreach with a picnic on Oct. 14 — while also looking forward to a new era — welcoming Father Brian Quinn, its new pastor, who was installed by Bishop Serratelli at a Mass on Oct. 28.

The hashtag #DoverStrong describes the city of Dover’s resilience following a massive fire that left the corner of West Blackwell Street and North Warren Street in ruins. The seven-alarm fire Oct. 22 ravaged five buildings in the downtown business district. Seven businesses were destroyed as were many apartments, sparking an immediate outpouring of community support in the Morris County city.

A quarter of a century ago on July 1, 1993, Nazareth Village opened its doors for the first time to welcome retired priests of the Paterson Diocese. At this unique retirement residence, priests are able to live out the golden years of their lives independently. At that same time, it allows them to be in fraternity with their brother priests. More than 50 priests have made their home at Nazareth Village since its opening. Currently, 10 retired priests are living there.