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.

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

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.

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. 

This week, Tara and Jerry sit down with the newlyweds Dan and Lizaine Chedid of St. Peter the Apostle University and Community Parish who open about the road to marriage during a global pandemic. It is definitely more than what you think. 

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. 

This week, Tara and Jerry sit down with Katie Cerni a local parish communicator to discuss the joys, challenges, and renewal that has taken place over the past few months as parish communicators and bulletin editors enter into their new normal of connecting their communities together. 

Katie Cerni is Bulletin Editor and Webmaster for St. Peter the Apostle University and Community Parish in New Brunswick NJ

Walking with Mom's in Need? Or walking with Dads in need? Anyway we are walking. See how communicators open up the USCCB's new initiative "Walking with Moms in Need" and address the work needed at our local level for both mother and father. 

This week, Tara and Jerry are joined with Jennifer Ruggiero the Secretary of the Secretariat for Family and Pastoral Life and Director of the Office of Human Life & Dignity to help unpack all the good work being done and where we need more action. 

This week, as we celebrate the Solemnity of Corpus Christi, Jerry and Tara break down the policies for the restoration of public masses with a congregation within the Diocese of Metuchen and talk how going back to church is an opportunity to welcome the stranger,

Tara and Jerry talk about a true call of Pentecost in our ever changing world. They highlight the USCCB's Pastoral Letter against racism"Open Wide Our Hearts" and challenge all to join in their prayerful campaign"The Call to Enduring Love." Together the Diocese of Metuchen begins to pray to the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus during the month of June for racial harmony and healing of our nation. 

Am I Not Here?

Jerry Wutkowski and Tara Smith (The Communicators) chat about life of the local Catholic Church of Metuchen amid the coronavirus pandemic. 

They also speak with Br. Ronald Talbot, SC a Brother of the Sacred Heart and Sr. Anna Nguyen, SCC a Sister of Christian Charity and the Delegate for Religious as they share with us the amazing work of their communities and the impact that the coronavirus has had on their charism and mission