Bishop O’Connell welcomes Bishop Checchio, new Bishop of Metuchen

As Bishop of the Diocese of Trenton, I was delighted to learn of the appointment of Most Reverend James F. Checchio as Bishop of Metuchen this morning. A priest of the Diocese of Camden, Bishop Checchio assumes his new role and ministry after ten years of service at the Pontifical North American College, the United States theological seminary in Rome.

Prior to that assignment, Bishop Checchio held numerous administrative positions in the Diocese of Camden: secretary to the Bishop, Vice Chancellor, Director of Communications, Tribunal Official, Moderator of the Curia and Episcopal Vicar for Administration. After his ordination as a priest in 1992, Bishop Checchio ministered in several parishes before pursuing graduate degrees in Business Administration (MBA) and Canon Law (JCD).

Bishop Checchio is extremely well prepared to serve as Diocesan Bishop in Metuchen. He has extraordinary gifts, a wonderful personality, a great sense of humor and a shepherd’s heart. I join my brother bishops of New Jersey in welcoming Bishop Checchio home where he will serve the local Church of Metuchen with the same love and enthusiasm that have always characterized his life and work as a priest. Ad multos annos!

Respectfully in the Lord,
Most Reverend David M. O’Connell, C.M., J.C.D.
Bishop of Trenton