Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M. shares his Thanksgiving message to the faithful in the Diocese of Trenton, reminding us that on a day which is typically filled with “faith, family and food,” we must also give thanks to our loving Creator:
Regardless of any particular religion but certainly in our Catholic and Judaeo-Christian faith, joyfully giving thanks to our loving Creator for all God’s awesome blessings is an ancient and honorable practice, affirmed in sacred scripture, worth everything for which this special holiday is celebrated each year. The pilgrims and early colonists recognized that. Our first President George Washington did as well, proclaiming its first national observance as “a day of public prayer and thanksgiving to be observed by grateful hearts acknowledging the many and signal favors of Almighty God (November 26, 1789).”
Students will have the opportunity to reflect on how their hope in Christ’s promise of salvation connects with everyday life – and the issues everyday life brings.
With the theme “Christ Our Hope – In Every Season of Life,” the Diocese’s annual Respect Life Poster, Essay and Photo-Meme Contest is currently accepting entries. Participation is open to children in kindergarten through eighth grades who are enrolled in Catholic grammar schools, parish religious education programs, junior youth programs and home-schooled students. Students in the Diocese enrolled in Catholic grammar schools, parish religious education and youth programs, as well as home-schooled K-8 students are eligible to compete by submitting an original poster, essay or “photo meme” that pertains to Respect Life issues and reflects the chosen theme. Children can enter one of six categories by age and media: Grades K-2 – posters; grades 3-5 – posters; grades 3-5 – essay; grades 6-8 – posters; grades 6-8 – essay; grades 6-8 – photo meme. A photo meme is a photo with a caption, often circulated on social media.
For more information on the contest, including the prizes and submission guidelines, click here.
The Chancery offices in Lawrenceville will be closed Nov. 28 and 29 in observance of the Thanksgiving Holiday. Regular business hours will resume on Monday, Dec. 2 a 9 a.m.
