The special events that the Diocese traditionally hosts each fall to celebrate anniversary couples had to be canceled due to COVID-19 restrictions. But couples marking milestone anniversaries will still be affirmed throughout October when the diocesan Department of Evangelization and Family Life will share special resources on its Facebook and webpages, each geared toward first,[…]
On this day when we remember the archangels, Bishop O’Connell asks us to pray with him the prayer to Saint Michael Archangel. Let us pray: Saint Michael Archangel, defend us in battle; Be our refuge against perversity And the devil’s stalks. Reprise God, we ask for supplicants; And you, Prince of the heavenly militia, throws[…]
‘I have come that they may have life and have it to the full’ ‘I have come that they may have life and have it to the full’ (John 10:10) I am convinced, after almost 65 years on this earth, that all of the problems impacting us in this world of ours derive from a single[…]
Bishop O’Connell announces death of retired Newark Archbishop John J. Myers • Shares Pope’s message for World Day of Migrants, Refugees • Look back at Pope Francis visit It was with sadness that I learned early this morning of the passing of Most Revered John J. Myers, Metropolitan Archbishop emeritus of the ecclesiastical province of[…]
A message from Bishop on palliative care As Bishop of the Diocese of Trenton, I write to share very important information and instruction in the matter of euthanasia, assisted suicide and end of life care, published September 22, 2020 by the Congregation of the Doctrine of the Faith and summarized below by the Vatican News[…]
A message from Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M. Baptized Catholic citizens of the United States of America have a “dual citizenship,” one within the nation and one within the Catholic Church. Although distinct, they exist jointly in each baptized American Catholic citizen. The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops reminds American Catholics that, as citizens of[…]
In a memo to the Catholic Bishops of the United States on June 22, 2020, chairman of the USCCB Committee on Divine Worship, the Most Reverend Leonard P. Blair of Hartford, addressed the issue of using cotton swabs or cotton balls with Holy Chrism in Confirmation. His statement follows: You will recall that on June 8,[…]
COVID 19 is still a virulent contagious virus communicated between people. Everyone should remain conscious and alert that risks to either contract or spread the disease remain possible at any gathering of people, indoors or outdoors. The risk is considered by public health experts to be especially significant indoors at prolonged, sedentary gatherings where coughing,[…]
“As we remember, in awesome silence, those who died in the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001 in New York, Washington and Shanksville, those who gave their lives trying to save them, and their beloved families, co-workers and friends, let us together join in the prayer of Pope Benedict XVI when visiting Ground Zero in[…]
September 9 is the feast of Jesuit priest and missionary St. Peter Claver (1581-1654) who traveled to Colombia where he ministered to slaves trafficked there from West Africa. He is the patron saint of interracial justice. Along with Dioceses throughout our nation responding to the call of U.S. Bishops, please join me in prayer today[…]