Most Rev. James Francis Checchio, J.C.D. ’84

The Most Rev. James F. Checchio was named the Bishop of the Diocese of Metuchen by Pope Francis on March 8, 2016. He was ordained and installed as the fifth Bishop of Metuchen on May 3, 2016.

Born in Camden and raised in Collingswood, he is the third of James and Helen Checchio’s four children. His siblings, Maryann Kehoe ’80 , Linda McCarron ’82, and David ’88, all of whom attended St. John’s elementary school and are Paul VI alumni, are married, live in the Diocese of Camden and between them have five children and one grandchild.

Bishop Checchio earned a bachelor’s degree in philosophy from the University of Scranton, Pennsylvania. He studied at North American College, Rome, and was ordained a priest of the Diocese of Camden on June 20, 1992, at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, Camden. He holds a master’s degree in business administration from LaSalle University, Philadelphia, and a doctorate of canon law and bachelor of sacred theology degrees from the University of Saint Thomas Aquinas, Rome.

 

Bishop Checchio served as rector of the Pontifical North American College in Rome from January 2006 to January 2016, after serving as vice rector there for two and a half years.

 

Before that, he held various roles in the Diocese of Camden. Bishop Checchio served as secretary to Bishop James T. McHugh, vice chancellor, director of communications, moderator of the curia, and episcopal vicar for administration of the diocese. He also served on the Tribunal and as a member of the College of Consultors, Presbyteral Council, Investment Committee, and Diocesan Finance Council. In addition, he served as parochial vicar at St. Agnes Parish, Blackwood, and assisted at St. Jude Parish, Blackwood. He was also summer parochial vicar at St. Peter Parish, Merchantville, and St. Peter Celestine Parish, Cherry Hill.

 

Bishop Checchio was appointed a Chaplain to His Holiness by Pope John Paul II in 2000 and was granted the title of monsignor. He was appointed a Prelate of Honor by Pope Benedict XVI in 2011, a papal honor bestowed on diocesan priests.

 

According to Bishop Checchio, “As a student at Paul VI High School, I occasionally thought about the priesthood, but ultimately decided not to pursue a vocation. Instead, I wanted a career in the legal or political field, where I hoped I might be able to help others. I enrolled in the University of Delaware, where I found I had more time on my own to discern and really think about my future, listening to the Lord too. I met with the chaplain at the university, and by the end of the year, I decided to give the priesthood a try.”

 

It was then he attended St. Pius X Seminary in Dalton, PA, and studied at the University of Scranton. Later, he was sent by the Bishop of Camden to the Pontifical North American College, Vatican City State for major seminary.

 

He continued, “There are many people in my life who inspired me to join the priesthood, including my parents, who provided a strong faith foundation; my grandmother, a woman of faith; diocesan clergy, particularly my parish priests; the Sisters of Mercy, who staffed St. John Elementary School, Collingswood; and the Sisters Filippini, who taught at Paul VI High School. Among the most influential was my aunt, Sr. Patricia Anne, OP. She gave her life to God in service of others and the Church and showed us that happiness comes from that service. From a young age, I was witness to her example of prayer and friendship with Christ, both of which certainly influenced my life and played a big part in my call to the priesthood.”

 

Bishop Checchio went on to add, “At Paul VI, there were many good examples of faith and many good teachers. They were kind people who sacrificed much to teach us, and I cherish their many kindnesses to me over the years. Even some of the ‘tough’ ones, those who maybe I did not appreciate at the time, are actually people I am very grateful to now.”

 

When asked what advice he would give to Paul VI students today, Bishop Checchio said, “Develop a friendship with Christ, and give of yourself wholeheartedly to what is asked of you. Give what you can give, and that is enough. You don’t have to be something you are not. Be the best you can be, imploring the Lord’s help along the way, whatever your task is.”

 

Bishop Checchio concluded, “From the time of my ordination to the priesthood, my ministry has always been to serve the people, to go on a walk to God with them, to journey with them the best I can. My view of the role of bishop is informed by St. Augustine’s statement that the episcopal office is ultimately an office of love, and the bishop’s primary job is to give certainty that the pastoral charity of Jesus Christ is never lacking in the church. I ask for your continued support and prayers that I may be an effective shepherd and servant for the people of Metuchen. Please know of my continued prayer that God’s grace and peace will fill the hearts of you and your families.”