SingCon 2025 Gathers in Perth Amboy, NJ.
Over 100 participants assembled to pray and learn more about their faith, their liturgical worship, and their church singing traditions at the intercontinental fifth annual Ukrainian Greco-Catholic Church Singing Conference, better known as SingCon, held in Perth Amboy, New Jersey,…
Assumption Parish Welcomes Cardinal’s Visit
September 19, 2025, was a truly special day for Assumption Parish and School, as we had the great honor of welcoming Cardinal Mykola Bychok of the Ukrainian Catholic Eparchy of Sts. Peter and Paul in Melbourne, Australia. Cardinal Bychok, the youngest cardinal in the universal Church, recently participated in the historic 2025 conclave that elected Pope Leo.
The arrival of His Eminence was marked by deep emotion and heartfelt celebration. Pastor Fr. Ivan Turyk, Principal Mrs. Lisette Shumny, and the students of Assumption Catholic School greeted the Cardinal with traditional gifts of bread and salt, beautiful bouquets of flowers, and a special welcome poem prepared by the children.
The Divine Liturgy that followed was celebrated with reverence, joy, and a profound sense of unity. In his homily, Cardinal Bychok reaffirmed Assumption Catholic School’s enduring commitment to faith and learning. A particularly moving moment occurred when the Cardinal lit a candle—handmade by one of our parishioners—and offered a heartfelt prayer for peace in Ukraine:
“We ask You to send Your holy angels to watch over the land of Ukraine. Let this flame be a symbol of hope, a prayer rising toward heaven, and a reminder that light will always overcome darkness.”
To conclude the Liturgy, the congregation and students joined their voices in singing Ukraine’s spiritual anthem, Bozhe Velykyi Yedynyi (O Great and Only God), filling the church with a powerful spirit of prayer and unity.
After the Liturgy, Cardinal Bychok visited the Sisters Servants of the Lord and the Virgin of Matará, praying with them and offering words of encouragement. He reassured the Sisters of his continued prayers for their vocation and for all consecrated life.
Following his visit with the Sisters, the Cardinal toured the school, met with faculty and staff, and took time to speak personally with many students. He encouraged them to embrace their faith and to recognize the God-given potential within each of them. He also offered a special blessing to the entire school community.
During his visit, the Cardinal shared insights about Australia, the country he currently serves—speaking about its unique wildlife (including spiders!), its weather, and what it’s like to lead a church there.
Additionally, he spoke about his vocation to the priesthood, the process of electing a pope in a conclave, offering students a rare glimpse into the inner workings of the Catholic Church.
This visit marked the first-ever visit of a cardinal to our parish and school—a historic and unforgettable occasion that filled our hearts with joy, hope, and deep gratitude. Cardinal Bychok’s presence was a true blessing, and his message of faith, peace, and purpose will remain in our hearts for years to come.
The First Day of School Is Almost Here – Are You Ready? WE Are!
We are thrilled to welcome everyone back as we begin the 2025–2026 school year at Assumption Catholic School! The energy, excitement, and faith-filled spirit that has filled our halls this week have been nothing short of inspiring.
Wednesday: United in Faith to Begin the Year
This week, our dedicated staff had the honor of participating in the Mass for the Opening of the School Year for Catholic Schools, celebrated by Bishop James F. Checchio of the Diocese of Metuchen. It was a joyful gathering of prayer, thanksgiving, and encouragement for all who guide and inspire our young people in faith and learning.
We were especially moved by the words of Blessed Carlo Acutis, who reminds us:
“All people are born as originals, but many die as photocopies.”
This powerful quote echoed throughout our day, reminding us of the unique and vital role our teachers play in helping students become the originals God created them to be. What a wonderful and meaningful way to kick off the school year!
Thursday: A Terrific Start
Our teachers returned with open hearts and eager minds, ready to dive into the work of the new school year. We began the day with connection-before-content activities—opportunities for both new and returning staff members to build relationships and community. These moments of connection are the foundation of a nurturing learning environment.
Staff also took part in CPR training, equipping themselves with life-saving skills. This is more than a precaution—it’s a reflection of our deep commitment to the health, safety, and well-being of every child entrusted to our care.
As a Catholic school, we are deeply rooted in our mission: to know, to love, and to serve God. Everything we do—whether it’s professional development, classroom preparation, or community-building—flows from this mission and our calling to form disciples of Christ.
We’re almost ready to welcome our students—and we couldn’t be more excited!
Friday: Inspired and Prepared
Today, our team continued their incredible work. Teachers collaborated on curriculum mapping, evaluation strategies, and project planning—and the ideas were flowing! It’s inspiring to witness the passion and creativity our educators bring to the table.
We also reviewed emergency procedures and safety protocols to ensure that we are fully prepared to protect and support our students in any circumstance.
A heartfelt thank you to consultant Lora Gandolfo, who led a powerful session on differentiated instruction and shared practical strategies to keep every student engaged, supported, and growing.
And because a little laughter is always welcome, here’s today’s Catholic school teacher joke:
Teacher: “Can anyone tell me what procrastinate means?”
Student: “Not today, Sister… maybe tomorrow.”
Student: “Not today, Sister… maybe tomorrow.”
We are so grateful to have such an enthusiastic, faith-filled, and dedicated team at ACS. Thank you for being part of the Assumption Catholic School family—the countdown to the first day is on, and we are ready to welcome our students with open arms and joyful hearts!
Let the 2025–2026 school year begin! 
