MASS OF CHRISM • MARCH 29: Bishop O’Connell and priests of the Diocese will gather for the annual Chrism Mass at 7:30 p.m. in St. Robert Bellarmine Co-Cathedral, Freehold.
The Chrism Mass reflects the communion of the priests with their bishop. During this Mass, all of the priests of the Diocese who are gathered publicly renew their commitment to their priestly service. The Mass is also when the Bishop blesses the oils to be used in parishes throughout the coming year. The Bishop blesses the Oil of the Sick, which is used for the Sacrament of Anointing of the Sick, and the Oil of Catechumens, which is used for the Baptism of adult catechumens at the Easter Vigil. He also consecrates the Sacred Chrism, which is used for the Sacraments of Confirmation, Baptism and the ordination of priests and bishops and the consecration of churches. *The faithful are invited to watch the Mass this year via livestream only since, due to pandemic restrictions, attendance will be limited to concelebrating priests who will renew their priestly commitments and collect their blessed and consecrated oils for their parishes.*
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Just like the Holy Women at the Tomb – whose depiction graces the cover of The Monitor Magazine’s April issue – we find ourselves eagerly awaiting the Promise of Easter after a time of darkness and fear. In this newly posted issue, the magazine highlights some of the ways that the Church and her people have adapted and thrived since last Holy Week and Easter at the start of the pandemic crisis. Look for stories on how our parishes have been working hard to connect with more of their community with great results.
We encourage you to spend some time during this Easter season reading over the Easter message of Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M., as well as the Scripture reflections from Father Garry Koch.
The April issue also delivers news updates on efforts to combat COVID-19 through a Church-led vaccination awareness program and gives a birds-eye view of what really is happening at the U.S. southern border with the influx of migrants, many of them unaccompanied minors.
Join us in celebrating the final winning season for Trenton Catholic Academy’s girls basketball team; the 101 years of service and solidarity provided by Mount Carmel Guild in Trenton; 10 years of shepherding young mothers in crisis by Good Counsel Homes in Riverside, and the 105-year-old lifelong Catholic who beat COVID!
We continue to follow some of our many programs and events highlighting the Year of St. Joseph and Year of the Family. Look for those stories and much more in this latest issue, including our Spanish-language section, El Anzuelo.
The print magazine has been mailed to subscribers; if you are not yet a subscriber, click here to learn more! NOTE: Due to ongoing restrictions in our churches, we are providing temporary open access to our digital edition. Just click HERE for a sneak peek of the April issue.
Also, remember to check in throughout the month at TrentonMonitor.com because news happens every day. Have questions? Reach out to us via Monitor-Subscriptions@DioceseofTrenton.org.
On behalf of our publisher, Bishop O’Connell, and our entire team here at The Monitor, I wish you and your loved ones a truly blessed Holy Week and an Easter season full of promise!
