Month: May 2021

Bishop O’Connell hospitalized

Diocesan officials advised yesterday that Bishop David M. O’Connell C.M., has been hospitalized with multiple blood clots.Prayers are requested for a full and speedy recovery. 

Priest Ordination set for June 5 • Discernment BBQ

Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M., will ordain Rev. Mr. RJoy Ballacillo to the diocesan priesthood June 5, beginning at 10 a.m., in St. Mary of the Assumption Cathedral, Trenton.  A native of the Philippines, Rev. Mr. Ballacillo was inspired by his older brothers who were pursuing the priesthood and a family that supported him. He[…]

Diocese announces changes in COVID protocols • Letter thanks parents, Catholic school educators, issues instructions for fall • Clergy Appointment

On May 26, the Diocese of Trenton announced a set of protocol changes as the faithful are encouraged to return to in-church Masses. The revisions follow: REVISIONS OF CURRENT COVID PROTOCOLS The Bishops of New Jersey have ended the dispensation from the obligation to attend Mass on Sundays and Holy Days of Obligation effective June 5-6,[…]

Marie Terese Tobin, mother of Cardinal Tobin, dies

Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M., shared the sad news that Marie Terese (Kerwin) Tobin, the mother of Cardinal Joseph W. Tobin, C.Ss.R., of Newark, passed away May 23.  Bishop O’Connell asks the faithful of the Diocese of Trenton to remember Mrs. Tobin and the Cardinal’s family in their prayers.  To view Mrs. Tobin’s obituary and[…]

Bishop O’Connell celebrates mass for the Feast of St. Rita

For 114 consecutive years, thousands of faithful have traveled to South Philadelphia over the course of nine days, from May 13 and May 21, to participate in the various novena services leading up to the Feast of St. Rita of Cascia.  This year, Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M., was among the faithful who made a[…]


ANNOUNCEMENT OF THE NEW JERSEY BISHOPS

Reinstating the General Obligation to Attend Mass At this time, due to the observance of public safety protocols and the increase in the availability of vaccines, we have begun a return to some sense of normalcy in various sectors of our society. Therefore, we the Catholic Bishops of New Jersey, are lifting the dispensation of[…]

Bishop ordains eight new deacons • Appointment announced

Hundreds of loved ones and well-wishers celebrated the Ordination of eight new deacons for the Diocese of Trenton May 15.  The Mass and Ordination Rite were led by Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M., in St. Mary of the Assumption Cathedral in Trenton and were livestreamed on diocesan media. In his homily, Bishop O’Connell focused on[…]


Bishop responds to Pope’s establishment of ‘lay ministry of catechist’ • Faithful asked to support Catholic communications

As Bishop of the Diocese of Trenton, I welcome the apostolic letter issued today “motu proprio” (“on his own initiative”) by His Holiness Pope Francis, “Antiquum Ministerium” (Ancient Ministry), officially establishing the “lay ministry of Catechist” in the Church. Tracing the existence of the broadest participation of the entire Church – bishops, priests, deacons, consecrated religious and baptized lay[…]