In person and online, Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M., journeyed with his Diocese’s people during Holy Week, posing a question at the start of the Sacred Triduum that would remind the faithful just how much Christ sacrificed in the name of love.
From Palm Sunday to the Easter Vigil, Trenton’s shepherd visited five parishes in the Diocese, celebrating Mass, presiding over liturgy and administering the Sacraments to some of the Church’s newest members – all of which was livestreamed on diocesan media outlets.
Throughout the 98 parishes of the Diocese, more of the faithful were able to return to in-person Masses for Holy Week and Easter, a significant change from last year’s season when Masses could only be live streamed due to COVID concerns. Together with those who connected via livestream, hundreds of thousands of the faithful were able to participate in the Church’s commemoration of the Passion, Death and Resurrection of Jesus.
Diocesan media were on location for many of these faith-filled moments and have produced a collection of video, news reports and photo galleries from a cross-section of our local faith communities: CLICK HERE.
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Father Frederick W. Jackiewicz, who would have marked his 50th anniversary of priestly ordination in May, died March 30, at age 76.
Funeral services are scheduled for April 7 with visitation from 9 to 11 a.m. in St. Mary of Ostrabrama Church, 30 Jackson St., South River, followed by an 11 a.m. Mass of Christian Burial.
Father Jackiewicz was born in 1944 in Kampala, Uganda. He and his family relocated to the United States in 1956 and settled first in Sayreville and then South River. He graduated from St. Mary High School, South Amboy, and St. Mary College, Orchard Lake, Mich. He prepared for the priesthood in SS. Cyril and Methodius Seminary, Orchard Lake, where he earned a master of divinity degree. He also held a master’s degree in education from the University of Detroit.
Father Jackiewicz was ordained to the priesthood May 29, 1971 by Bishop George W. Ahr in St. Mary of the Assumption Cathedral, Trenton. As a parochial vicar he served in St. Hedwig Parish, Trenton; St. Joseph Parish (now part of Jesus the Good Shepherd Parish), Beverly, and St. Joan of Arc Parish, Marlton. He also was parish administrator in both St. Hedwig and St. Joseph Parishes. In 1987, Father Jackiewicz was appointed pastor of St. Jerome Parish (now part of Our Lady of Hope Parish), West Long Branch, and in 1996 was given the added responsibility to serve as Catholic chaplain in Monmouth University, West Long Branch. Father Jackiewicz retired from active ministry after sustaining severe injuries he suffered from an accident. He would have celebrated the 50th anniversary of his priestly ordination this May.
Due to COVID-19 restrictions, a maximum of 100 visitors will be permitted in church at once and masks must be worn at all times.
For more information click here.
