The Diocese of Trenton will join its counterparts across the United States in recognizing National Vocations Awareness Week, Nov. 3-9.

This week-long celebration is “dedicated to promote vocations to the priesthood, diaconate and consecrated life though prayer and education, and to renew our prayers and support for those who are considering one of these particular vocations,” according to the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops’ website.

Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M., has shared a message for this annual week, reminding us that following the path to pursuing priesthood leads to a destination of “incomparable joy.”

A vocation to the priesthood – not unlike other vocational states in life – requires much of the person called.  Sacrifice is writ large in the “job description” of the priest, for sure.  But, then, so is prayer and study and preaching the Word of God and handing on Church teaching and administering the Sacraments and offering counsel and being available to serve God’s people in their most basic needs 24/7.  No doubt, one gives up a lot to follow this vocation to the altar.  The path, however, and the destination to which it leads give an incomparable joy and sense of fulfillment that cannot quite be put into words.

To read the Bishop’s message for National Vocations Awareness Week in full, click here.

Additionally, the Monitor Magazine’s November issue dedicated its In Focus package to Vocations to help bring awareness to this national week. Visit TrentonMonitor.com/in-focus to read the articles and stories featured in this month’s package.

To learn more about National Vocations Awareness Week from the USCCB.org, click here.

The diocesan Department of Catholic Cemeteries invites faithful across the Diocese to remember their deceased loved ones during two Masses being offered Nov. 2, All Souls Day.

“There is incredible comfort in knowing that, on this side of glory, we can still care for our loved ones like we did here on earth, through prayer,” said Maria Guzman-Paczkowski, office manager of Jesus, Bread of Life Catholic Cemetery, Mount Laurel. “A prayer for a loved one who has gone home is no ordinary prayer. It is love made sacred.”

Msgr. James H. Dubell, former diocesan director of cemeteries and a retired priest of the Diocese, will celebrate a 10 a.m. Mass in St. Mary’s Cemetery and Mausoleum, 1200 Cedar Lane, Bldg. A, Hamilton. For more information, call 609-394-2017.

Father Michael Dunn, parochial vicar in the parishes of St. John Neumann, Mount Laurel, and St. Isaac Jogues, Marlton, will celebrate a 1 p.m. Mass in Jesus, Bread of Life Catholic Cemetery, 3055 Fostertown Road, Mount Laurel. For more information, call 856-317-6400.

The Diocesan Chancery in Lawrenceville will be closed, Nov. 1 in observance of the Solemnity of All Souls. The Chancery will return to regular business hours on Monday, Nov. 4 at 9 a.m.