A reflection from Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M., on the start of summer It’s summertime again, although the look and feel of it is quite different this year. Most of us have been working at home or home schooling so, despite the change of seasons, it seems just “more of the same.” But it is[…]
A reflection on Father’s Day from Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M. Like “Mother’s Day” in the United States, “Father’s Day” celebrations began here in the early 20th century. Their true origins, however, are rooted in Catholic religious devotions to St. Joseph in the Middle Ages. For the most part, the national observance of “Father’s Day”[…]
A message from Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M., on the Solemnity of the Sacred Heart of Jesus Devotion to the “Sacred Heart of Jesus” can be traced back to the twelfth and thirteenth centuries in the Catholic Church. Inspired by over 500 years of tradition, this devotion became part of the Church’s liturgy in 1670,[…]
Clergy news and latest issue of The Monitor Magazine now available Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M., will ordain six new deacons for ministry in the Diocese June 20 in a livestreamed Mass beginning at 10 a.m. Seminarian Rjoy Ballacillo is among the deacon candidates. Following his Ordination, he will complete his final year of priestly[…]
A message from Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M., on the Solemnity of the Body and Blood of Christ In June 2011, our Holy Father Pope Benedict XVI reminded us that the feast we celebrate today in Catholic Churches throughout the United States – the Solemnity of the Body and Blood of Christ often referred to[…]
Media reports have indicated significant spikes in coronavirus cases in 21 states that have re-opened or relaxed restrictions. To avoid any confusion as the Diocese approaches the first weekend of public in-church Masses, Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M., reminds the faithful of the established directives: 1. COVID-19 is still extremely contagious, especially indoors or in[…]
A message from Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M., on the death of George Floyd and the ensuing protests and unrest in its wake, and Jesus’ call to love one another, June 1, 2020. All of us in our Diocese, in our nation, indeed, throughout the world looked with horror at the video depicting the May[…]
Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M., shares a reflection on the Solemnity of PentecostMay 31, 2020 The Sacred Scriptures remind us that “the love of God has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit dwelling with us (Romans 5: 5).” The Easter Season – one unlike any other in our memory comes to an end as[…]
In this excerpt from the live-stream of the Solemnity of Pentecost Mass on Sunday May 31, Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M. announced the limited restoration of the weekend Masses in the Diocese of Trenton. Bishop O’Connell’s full directives follow. Diocese of Trenton Liturgical-Pastoral Directives in a Time of Pandemic Limited Public Celebration of the Mass[…]
Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M., shares a reflection about the Feast of the Ascension of the Lord: Although the liturgical celebration of the Solemnity of the Ascension has been transferred to this coming Sunday in the Dioceses of New Jersey this year, I can’t help but reflect about its meaning today, Thursday, 40 days after[…]
