Bishop Oversees Labor Day Mass in New Brunswick

The Most Rev. Paul G. Bootkoski greets worshipers Monday after the Labor Day Mass at Sacred Heart Church in New Brunswick. Bootkoski, the bishop of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Metuchen, presided over Mass in honor of all workers and in thanksgiving for their many contributions to society.

Sacred Heart pastor Msgr. Joseph Kerrigan, who delivered the homily to a packed church, said, "work itself is fundamental to being human and, so, the threat of no work is a threat to humanity." This Catholic social teaching, he told worshippers, is like an "alarm clock" to keep Catholics awake and restless in advocating for all who are in most need of employment and of earning a fair wage. 

Msgr. Kerrigan said the U.S. bishops have identified income inequality as a major injustice that must be countered. The bishops recently issued a Labor Day statement calling for "bold action to create just economy with jobs that provide living wage and calls for increased minimum wage, immigration reform, and an end to wage theft." To read the full statement, visit www.usccb.org.

During the liturgy, the bishop blessed a newly painted mural in the gathering area of the Church which, when completed, will represent the three city parishes - Sacred Heart, St. Joseph and St. Ladislaus - that will unite to become the new Holy Family Parish on Jan. 1, 2014.