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[…]
In-car Masses gearing up, diocesan Requiem Mass announced The date of the Solemnity of the Ascension of the Lord has been moved this year from May 21 to May 24 in the five (arch)dioceses across New Jersey. Traditionally celebrated on the Sixth Thursday of Easter, the Solemnity had been transferred in many other provinces to[…]
In a new statement issued May 15, Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M., announced his approval of a set of directives that give permission for outdoor “in car” Masses according to good pastoral judgement of parish pastors. The announcement follows N.J. Gov. Phil Murphy’s Executive Order 142 stipulating that car gatherings for a number of purposes,[…]
Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M., shared the following message May 14 to all members of the diocesan community: Today, the Bishops of NJ and I learned that the House Democrats released The Heroes Act, H.R. 6800, the fourth phase of economic stimulus relief or CARES 4. H.R.6800 includes several provisions that would protect, and even[…]
Since the number of coronavirus infections began to skyrocket in the United States, the responsibility of caring for the seriously ill, protecting the public’s health and well-being, and providing supplies for people sheltering at home has fallen to a legion of brave and selfless men and women. Health care workers, first responders and an untold[…]
A message from Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M., for Mother’s Day I can still hear her voice, so sweet and gentle. Her face is always in my mind’s eye as I remember her bright eyes and happy smile. There was never a doubt how much she loved her family. We were her life, my brothers and I, and[…]
Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M., issued instructions for the reopening of churches in the Diocese of Trenton for private prayer only, following all public health guidelines. The reopening may happen as early as May 13, the Feast of Our Lady of Fatima, or once pastors determine they can safely do so. In a statement released[…]
