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The Rev. Steven Bolton, C.O., ordained to the priesthood on June 29, has received the priestly faculties of the Diocese of Metuchen and has been given the following pastoral assignments by Bishop Checchio: Parochial Vicar, Church of the Holy Trinity , Bridgewater; and Vice Rector, Shrine Chapel of the Blessed Sacrament, Raritan. Like all the Oratorian priests, Fr. Steven will be assisting all the apostolates entrusted to the Oratory.

At our monthly Holy Hour on September 20, Br. Steven Bolton, C.O. was formally accepted as a triennial member of the Congregation of the Oratory, marking the conclusion of his novitiate. Then, he was also accepted by Fr. Jeff on behalf of the Congregation as a candidate for Holy Orders, the first formal step on the path to eventual priestly ordination. Please join us in congratulating Br. Steven and praying for him as he continues his preparation for ordained ministry.

On Saturday, August 22, Bishop Checchio ordianed five men to the priesthood, including Rev. John Fredy Triana Beltran, C.O.. The ordination took place at the National Shrine of the Blue Army of Our Lady of Fatima, in Asbury, NJ. Fr. John Fredy then celebrated his Mass of Thanksgiving at Holy Trinity in Bridgewater on Sunday, August 23. He has been assigned to continue as Vice Rector of the Shrine Chapel of the Blessed Sacrament, Raritan.

Bishop Checchio has appointed Fr. Kevin Kelly, C.O., as Administrator of the Church of St. Joseph, Raritan, effective September 1. Fr. Kevin, a visual artist and musician who is a founding member of the Raritan Oratory, was ordained in 2006. Since 2019, Fr. Kevin has served as Parochial Vicar at St. Joseph's while establishing a Spanish Mass community in Raritan.

The Raritan Congregation of the Oratory of St. Philip Neri held its triennial elections on Friday, May 1, 2020, with the following results: PROVOST: Very Rev. Jeffrey M. Calia, C.O. DEPUTY/VICAR: Rev. Peter R. Cebulka, C.O. DEPUTY/SECRETARY: Rev. Thomas A. Odorizzi, C.O. The new Provost, Fr. Jeff Calia, C.O., has been a member of the Oratory since 2004. Ordained in 2010, he currently serves as Pastor of the Church of the Holy Trinity, Bridgewater, and Administrator of St. Joseph Church, Raritan. For Fr. Jeff's full bio, click the heading or photo.