Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M., will celebrate a Sunday Mass with College Students April 7 at 11:30 a.m. in the Spiritual Center at The College of New Jersey, Ewing. College-age students from all institutions of higher learning are invited to take part in this opportunity to spend time with their bishop and to connect with others from each county of the Diocese who share their faith values.
After the Mass, all are welcome to attend lunch in the Decker Hall Lounge, followed by fellowship and conversation.
This inaugural event is sponsored by the Department of Youth and Young Adult Ministries. For more information, go to www.dioceseoftrenton.org/youngadultministry or contact Jerry Wutkowski, Ministry Assistant, at gwutko@dioceseoftrenton.org.
The lay faithful, religious, deacons and priests of the Diocese of Trenton are invited to gather with Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M. for the Chrism Mass, April 15 at 7:30 p.m. in St. Robert Bellarmine Co-Cathedral, Freehold.
The annual event, traditionally held during Holy Week in dioceses throughout the world, brings members of the diocesan family together around Bishop O’Connell and their priests, for one of the most solemn and sacred events of the year.
During the Chrism Mass, Bishop O’Connell blesses three separate oils that will be used in parishes throughout the coming year: the Oil of the Sick, which brings comfort to the ill; the Oil of Catechumens, which is used in the preparation of catechumens for their Baptism; and Sacred Chrism, which is used to anoint the newly baptized, seal candidates for Confirmation, anoint the hands of priests and the heads of bishops at their ordination as well as in the rites of anointing during the dedication of churches and altars. The Chrism Mass also serves as a special day in the life of the priests as they formally recommit themselves to their priestly ministry and service in the Diocese of Trenton.
The St. Robert Bellarmine Co-Cathedral is located at 61 Georgia Road, Freehold.
St. Catherine of Alexandria is the next featured installment in Bishop O’Connell’s #YoungSaints Series. In his latest essay, Bishop O’Connell focuses on the life and martyrdom of the young saint, writing:
If St. Catherine of Alexandria were alive today, she would no doubt be a member of her high school debating team! It was St. Catherine’s great wisdom, knowledge and debating skills that converted many to Christianity, but also led to her martyrdom.
St. Catherine was born in the second century A.D. to a wealthy family in Alexandria, Egypt. She studied science, philosophy and medicine, and was admired for her knowledge and her beauty.
St. Catherine is a model for today’s youth, proving that wisdom, intelligence, knowledge and perseverance are gifts with which even the youngest of Christ’s followers are endowed. St. Catherine used those gifts to stand up for her faith in God and love of Christ, and to bring others to Christ so they could know the joy she knew in being loved by God.
Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M. (2019, March 25). ‘Holy Helper’ St. Catherine of Alexandria known for powerful persuasion.
