Archdiocese of Newark death notices: October 2021
We remember and pray for our dearly departed clergy and men and women religious whose Mass of Christian Burials was held in September.
Sister Bertrand Austin, O.P.
A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated Sept. 14, 2021, at St. Aloysius Church in Caldwell, N.J. for Sister Bertrand Austin, O.P., who died on Sept. 9, 2021.
Celebrating her 70th jubilee this year, Sister Bertrand earned her bachelor’s degree in social studies and English from Caldwell University and a master’s degree in education from Catholic University of America. She taught for sixteen years at Our Lady of the Lake in Verona before becoming the school’s principal. Sister Bertrand also taught at St. Aloysius School and Caldwell University, both in Caldwell. Sister Bertrand served on the congregation’s Leadership Team from 1969 to 1979 before joining the development office at the Project Link Education Center in Newark. She then ministered as superior at St. Catherine of Siena Convent and Healthcare Center and as novice director and common novitiate representative for the congregation. Before becoming an assistant to the treasurer for the Sisters of Saint Francis of Peace in Haverstraw, N.Y., Sister Bertrand was assistant principal at Saint Dominic Academy in Jersey City. In her last ministry before retiring, she volunteered as a business office assistant at Lacordaire Academy in Upper Montclair.
Reverend Neil J. Collins
A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated Sept. 16, 2021, at St. Michael’s Church in Jersey City, N.J. for Reverend Neil J. Collins, who died on Sept. 12, 2021.
Father Neil was a retired parochial vicar at St. Anthony of Padua Church, Newark/Belleville, N.J.
Sister Barbara Garland, S.C.
A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated Sept. 16, 2021, at Holy Family Cemetery, in Convent Station, N.J. for Sister Barbara Garland, S.C., who died on Sept. 5, 2021.
Sister Barbara was a gifted teacher in three high schools in New Jersey, Saint Mary’s in Jersey City, Immaculate Conception in Montclair, and Saint Vincent’s Academy in Newark. She served as an associate director of Catholic Social Services for the Diocese of Camden, N.J., and as vicar for personnel for the Diocese of Syracuse, N.Y. She became a significant leader for NACPA (National Association for Church Personnel Administrators) and advocated for just wages and policies for all who ministered in the Church. Sister Barbara’s guidance and counseling skills enriched many lives.
She became the first executive director for the Conrad Hilton Fund for Sisters in Los Angeles, Calif., and established the policies and processes for women religious congregations to apply for funding for many varied ministries throughout the world. Returning to New Jersey from California, her ministry continued at the College of Saint Elizabeth as assistant to the president, director of planning, and director of planning and mission effectiveness. She was also an integral part of the International Renew Team for several years.
Reverend Charles F. Theobald
A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated Sept. 22, 2021, at St. Catherine of Siena Church, in Cedar Grove, N.J. for Reverend Charles F. Theobald, who died on Sept. 16, 2021.
Father Charles was a retired pastor of St. Francis de Sales Church, Lodi, N.J.
Featured image: A statue of Jesus at the Chapel Mausoleum of the Resurrection, at Saint Gertrude Cemetery and Chapel Mausoleum of the Resurrection in Colonia, N.J. (Courtesy of Catholic Cemeteries of the Archdiocese of Newark)
