Has it Been 30 Years Already? The Metuchen Diocese Celebrates Three Decades

It's been 30 years, and it seems like yesterday.

The Diocese of Metuchen is celebrating its three decades of existance since it was separated and fashioned from the Trenton Diocese in 1981 and blessed by Pope John Paul II. Bishop Gregory Bootkoski will be leading a pilgrimage to the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, D.C. on Saturday, Nov. 19 to celebrate the milestone.

The anniversary marking event begins at noon with confession and prayers, followed by a mass at 2:30 pm with Bishop Bootkoski as the main celebrant. An overnight pilgrimage in Washington is planned by the Diocese, and diocese members are invited to attend.

The cost for transporation and accommodations is $400 per person. The diocese invites anyone interested in attending to call Rosemarie Gazaleh at 732-548-0100, ext. 210, or visit the diocese's website.

The diocese is centered at the St. Francise of Assisi Cathedral in Metuchen. Middlesex, Somerset, Hunterdon, and Warren counties are served by the Metuchen diocese.