Piscataway, N.J., Mar 8, 2016 / 10:59 am
Monsignor James Checchio, who recently stepped down as rector of the North American College, on Tuesday was appointed Bishop of Metuchen, a diocese in north-central New Jersey.
"Touched by a bit of holy fear, I am certainly humbled to become the shepherd of this wonderful diocese and I look forward to striving to fulfill the demanding task of ensuring that the pastoral charity of Jesus Christ continues to be abundant here in Metuchen," Msgr. Checchio said at a March 8 press conference announcing his appointment.
"I promise you my prayers and my commitment to serve to the best of my abilities."
Msgr. Checchio was born in Camden, NJ in 1966, and was a seminarian at the North American College. He was ordained a priest of the Diocese of Camden in 1992, and served in the diocese as a parochial vicar and as secretary to the bishop, vice chancellor, communications director, and moderator of the curia. He holds a doctorate in canon law from the Angelicum, and served on the diocesan tribunal.