Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M., issued a brief summer message to his flock June 21:
“As summer begins, I offer my best wishes to all the clergy, religious and faithful of the Diocese. May the summer season be a time of well-deserved relaxation, enjoyable times with family and friends and more opportunities for growing closer to the Lord Jesus. Don’t forget to get to Mass and Holy Communion throughout the summer months. Life is always happier and better when we include the Lord Jesus in our plans. God bless you all!”
The newly-appointed pastors and administrators in the Diocese of Trenton met in Spring Lake for a three-day orientation June 19-21. Moderated annually by Msgr. Thomas Mullelly, vicar for clergy, the purpose of the orientation is to acquaint the participants with the responsibilities they will assume and the kinds of expectations and experiences they will encounter in their new roles of pastoral leadership in the parishes of the Diocese. The men are scheduled to take their new posts July 1.
Some 150 men of all ages spent a day focused on God and nature as they participated in the Diocese’s first Mass on Top of the Mountain day-long hike and retreat. The June 15 event found the men hiking North Jersey’s Dunnfield Creek Natural Area to the summit, much of the time in silent contemplation. For some who brought their sons, it was a special way to celebrate Father’s Day.
Josue Arriola, director of the diocesan Department of Evangelization and Family Life, said the day was about “prayer, evangelization and creating bonds.” One goal of the day was strengthening men’s faith groups and recruiting new members, he said.
