Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M. shares about the impact that his own father has made on his life, in his annual Father’s Day message:

“I have so many memories of my father. We didn’t have a lot of money, but we never knew it. He was a quiet, self-made man who devoured the newspaper from cover to cover every day, and was addicted to TV news. I marveled at his knowledge of the world. He asked a lot of questions. As I think back, I realize that those questions were his way of teaching and sharing his opinions rather than giving lectures or advice…All these thoughts and many more fill my mind and heart as Father’s Day comes around once more.”

To read Bishop’s message in full, click here.

The end of May and beginning of June saw the celebrations of Baccalaureate Masses and commencement ceremonies throughout Burlington, Mercer, Monmouth and Ocean counties as Catholic school students turned their tassels and prepared for the next stage of life.

This year, more than 1,500 graduates received their diplomas from 11 high schools in the Diocese of Trenton. Loved ones and school communities came together to celebrate every success and achievement made by the Class of 2019. This year’s graduates proved to be an inspiration to others, whose relationships reflected the importance of community and service.

The Monitor was on location at these events in order to produce a 40-page, full color keepsake magazine and comprehensive digital media coverage.  The magazine will be sent to all subscribers with the June 13 print edition, and is available for special order by writing to Monitor-Marketing@dioceseoftrenton.org.

View the digital copy of the 2019 Graduation keepsake booklet by clicking below:

Spirits were high despite rainy weather at the eighth annual Bishop John C. Reiss Memorial Golf Outing, held June 10 at Spring Lake Golf Club, Spring Lake Heights. Seventy-eight golfers, including 15 retired priests, competed in the tournament co-sponsored by the diocesan Department of Development and the Harris family.

Approximately $155,000 was raised for the Harris Family Charitable Trust which benefits the aged, infirm and disabled priests of the Diocese of Trenton and the maintenance of Villa Vianney, the priests’ retirement residence in Lawrenceville.