Opportunities for prayer and action as we begin a new year
As the Catholic Church enters into the season of Ordinary Time, Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M., shares upcoming opportunities for prayer and action. He writes:
With the Christmas season behind us, the month of January is a busy time both liturgically and pastorally as it presents unique opportunities for prayer within the Catholic Church and the Diocese of Trenton.
The website aleteia.org notes that the January liturgical calendar of saints commemorates several heroes of our faith whose lives offer examples for our imitation, veneration and intercession during this month, some already passed and some still to be celebrated: St. Elizabeth Ann Seton, founder of the American Catholic school system (January 4); St. John Neumann, Bishop of Philadelphia (January 5); St. Andre Bessette, Canadian priest and miracle worker (January 6); St. Anthony of Egypt, monk and Desert Father (January 17); St. Agnes of Rome, virgin and martyr (January 21); St. Paul the Apostle (January 25); St. Thomas Aquinas, Doctor of the Church (January 28); St. John Bosco, priest and educator (January 31).
In addition, the current month highlights notable occasions worthy of our prayerful attention.
Keep reading Bishop O’Connell’s reflection HERE.
Taking stock of ‘The Year That Was’, preparing for 2022
The Monitor Magazine’s January issue encourages readers to take stock of the YEAR THAT WAS, as we gear up for the long and very busy year ahead. The latest IN FOCUS section looks back at just some of the major developments in a year about which there is much to say. Look for a reflection from Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M., about key developments impacting the Diocese; reports on major global and national happenings, and meaningful commentary that places 2021 in a spiritual context as we transition into all that awaits us in 2022.
We hope you will check out the ideas presented in, “New year, new focus on parish life,” which suggests that many of us might try to build greater connections with our parish in the new year.
Before you put last year behind you, we hope that you will take a few moments to enjoy beautiful images from some of our parish Christmas celebrations. (If you don’t find your parish featured, check out our galleries on TrentonMonitor.com or let us know about your parish by emailing us at Monitor-News@DioceseofTrenton.org.)
Visit TrentonMonitor.com for all your Catholic news for the Diocese of Trenton.
ONLINE DYC SCHEDULED FOR JAN. 29
The virtual event themed “Fulfilled” is planned for Jan. 29, and is open to all teens in eighth through 12th grades.
Originally planned as an in-person experience, the decision was made to move to an online format in response to rising COVID cases in the Diocese. DYC will stream live on YouTube from 11 a.m. – 12 p.m. The event is free, but participants must pre-register to receive the link. Registration can be completed at dioceseoftrenton.org/dyc-register.
For updates, visit dotyouth.org, or contact Angelica Gomez at agomez@dioceseoftrenton.org or 609-403-7182.
