Bishop James F. Checchio of the Diocese of Metuchen will ordain three men, all natives of the Diocese of Metuchen who are preparing for eventual service in the priesthood, as deacons during a Mass of the Rite of Ordination.
The Ordination will take place Saturday, May 19 at 11 a.m. at the Cathedral of St. Francis of Assisi, 548 Main St., Metuchen. Two of those men, Matthew Marinelli and Michael Tabernero, are seminarians at Saint Vincent Seminary. For those unable to be present in person, the Ordination will also be livestreamed at: https://www.stfranciscathedral.org.
Matthew Marinelli, 27, is a graduate of Phillipsburg High School. He graduated from Seton Hall University in South Orange, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in philosophical theology. Upon his ordination as a deacon, he will serve at Most Holy Name of Jesus Parish in Perth Amboy, while in his final year of seminary in preparation for priesthood ordination.
He said some of his favorite moments as a seminarian have been being with and ministering to the people of God at his various parish assignments.
“Their support and encouragement have been a huge part of my vocational journey and has granted me numerous beautiful experiences on my path to the Priesthood.”
Michael Tabernero, 25, is a graduate of Hillsborough High School. His home parish is St. Joseph in Hillsborough. He graduated from Seton Hall University in South Orange, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in Catholic theology and philosophy. Upon his ordination as a deacon, he will serve at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Parish in Bernardsville, while in his final year of seminary in preparation for priesthood ordination.
He said that the nighttime prayers taught to him by his parents played a big role in his initial discernment. “It was in those nightly prayers that the seeds of my vocation took root.”
Reflecting on the highlights of his time in seminary, Tabernero mentioned that the process of formation, growing in prayer, cultivating a life of virtue and becoming more comfortable with people in pastoral settings has strengthened his vocation.
