In a newly-released message for Epiphany, Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M., reminds his flock that the celebration of Christmas is still underway.  He writes: “For much of contemporary secular society, Christmas is over for another year.  For Catholics and Christians, however, there is ‘still more to come.’  This weekend, Jan. 4-5, the Roman Catholic Church anticipates the Christmas feast of the Epiphany of the Lord…”

“The Catechism of the Catholic Church observes that ‘The Epiphany is the manifestation of Jesus as Messiah of Israel, Son of God and Savior of the world’ and that the magi’s coming to Jerusalem, in order to pay homage to the king of the Jews, shows that they seek in Israel, in the messianic light of the star of David, the one who will be the king of the nations (Catechism, 528).”

The annual National Migration Week will take place this year Jan. 5-11. In a message advancing this special observance, Bishop O’Connell reminds the faithful of the Diocese that “we are all called to help create the conditions that will lead to a better life for everyone.”

The message states:

“The theme for National Migration Week 2020, ‘Promoting a Church and a World for All’ draws attention to the fact that each of our families have a migration story, some recent and others in the distant past. Regardless of where we are and where we came from, we remain part of the human family and are called to live in solidarity with one another.”

The COVER STORY of The Monitor Magazine’s January issue captures Bishop O’Connell’s “Ad Limina” visit with the Holy Father in Rome, and his presentation of the Quinquennial Report for the Diocese of Trenton. Building on the “Ad Limina” reporting as well as a Q&A interview with Bishop O’Connell, the latest magazine issue makes the point that we are one Church, or “One Family in Faith,” from our Holy Father, Pope Francis, and the global Church, through our Bishop, our parishes and our Catholic households.

The new issue has many more inspiring examples of those who strive to live as one Church, one Family in Faith. Look for these highlights: 

• FROM THE BISHOP: A message from Bishop O’Connell on New Year 2020 and resolutions that truly make a difference
• IN FOCUS: A new way of parish planning and collaboration
• IN FOCUS: Spending time with refugee families on the U.S.-Mexico border
• TOP NEWS: Parish and state’s law enforcement community remembers Msgr. Philip A. Lowery
• CELEBRATIONS: Recaps on Advent and Christmas and the diocese-wide celebration of Our Lady of Guadalupe

Don’t miss our special 8-PG CATHOLIC SCHOOLS WEEK section of advertising and information, and EL ANZUELO, our Spanish-language section.

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