The season that begins on Ash Wednesday, once marked by an unmistakably sober tone, has gradually taken on a more inviting character. The Church has never abandoned the penitential heart of Lent, but she now often expresses it in ways that accent the more life-giving and transformative rather than simply things burdensome. Sacrifice remains important – but it is no longer meant to stand alone.

In his 2026 message for the annual World Day of the Sick, our Holy Father Pope Leo XIV invites us to contemplate the Good Samaritan and to rediscover what true compassion really is. He reminds us that the Samaritan “does not remain at a distance, does not look away, does not pass by, but draws near, bends down, and takes upon himself the pain of the wounded man.”

In his 2026 message for the annual World Day of the Sick, our Holy Father Pope Leo XIV invites us to contemplate the Good Samaritan and to rediscover what true compassion really is. He reminds us that the Samaritan “does not remain at a distance, does not look away, does not pass by, but draws near, bends down, and takes upon himself the pain of the wounded man.”

As the Church in the United States joins together to celebrate National Marriage Week, I am grateful, as Bishop of the Diocese of Trenton, for the opportunity to reflect with you on the beauty, dignity, and mission of Christian marriage. This year, beginning with World Marriage Day on February 8 and continuing through February 14, the Catholic community of our nation pauses to honor the vocation that stands at the heart of family life and serves as one of the most powerful witnesses to God’s faithful love in our world.

Since 2000 the ACA has been the principal fundraiser of the Diocese, inviting the faithful to help support the needs of both individual parishes and diocesan ministries, including faith formation, outreach to those facing hardships, ministries to families, youth and young adults, and much more.

The Diocese of Trenton stands in deep solidarity with our Haitian brothers and sisters here – approximately 2,000 – many of whom worship, serve and lead within our own parish communities. Their faith, resilience and cultural richness are a blessing to our local Church.

The Diocese of Trenton stands in deep solidarity with our Haitian brothers and sisters here – approximately 2,000 – many of whom worship, serve and lead within our own parish communities. Their faith, resilience and cultural richness are a blessing to our local Church. In light of the ongoing crisis in Haiti – marked by widespread violence, political instability and life‑threatening conditions – I join my brother U.S. bishops in expressing grave concern for Haitian families in the United States who now face the loss of “Temporary Protected Status (TPS),” as of February 3, 2026 (officially announced in the Federal Register by the Department of Homeland Security on November 26, 2025).

Each year on the Feast of the “Presentation of the Lord (February 2),” the Church is invited to contemplate the beautiful mystery of “consecration.” We gaze upon Christ, offered to the Father in the temple; upon Mary and Joseph, faithful in their obedience; and upon Simeon and Anna, whose long years of prayerful waiting are finally fulfilled. It is fitting, then, that this feast is celebrated throughout the Church as the “World Day of Prayer for Consecrated Life,” often observed in our parishes on the preceding weekend.

Each year on the Feast of the “Presentation of the Lord (February 2),” the Church is invited to contemplate the beautiful mystery of “consecration.” We gaze upon Christ, offered to the Father in the temple; upon Mary and Joseph, faithful in their obedience; and upon Simeon and Anna, whose long years of prayerful waiting are finally fulfilled. It is fitting, then, that this feast is celebrated throughout the Church as the “World Day of Prayer for Consecrated Life,” often observed in our parishes on the preceding weekend.

In the interest of transparency and providing members of the Diocese of Trenton a means of reporting concerns about the misuse of resources, a new financial and ethical misconduct reporting site has been set up by the Diocese of Trenton.

WORLD DAY FOR CONSECRATED LIFE will be celebrated in the Church on Sunday, February 2, 2026, and in parishes over the weekend of January 31 - February 1. Please pray for all those who have made commitments in the consecrated life, and be sure to thank them on their special day. May they continue to be inspired by Jesus Christ and respond generously to God's gift of their vocation.

Following the example of her predecessors, Gov. Mikie Sherrill recently signed a proclamation designating the week of January 25-31, 2026, as Catholic Schools’ Week in New Jersey.

Following the example of her predecessors, Gov. Mikie Sherrill recently signed a proclamation designating the week of January 25-31, 2026, as Catholic Schools’ Week in New Jersey.

I had the privilege of meeting Pope Leo XIV for the first time recently, and I was deeply moved by the warmth, joy and pastoral attentiveness he radiated as he greeted pilgrims gathered in Rome for the conclusion of the Jubilee of Hope. In his presence, one sensed a shepherd who truly believes in the promise of the Church’s future — especially as it is nurtured through Catholic education.

With the theme “Catholic Schools: United in Faith and Community,” this year’s annual Catholic Schools Week will be marked Jan. 25-31, “emphasizing faith formation, service, and strong partnerships with families and parishes” as described by the National Catholic Educators Association.

New Jersey officials have declared a state of emergency for the entire state in anticipation of a major weekend snow and ice storm Saturday evening through Monday afternoon.  Individual parishes will make determinations regarding Sunday and Monday Mass schedules.  Check parish websites.  Parishioners are urged to exercise extreme caution for any driving. Be careful.  The Sunday obligation is dispensed.   Parishioners are encouraged to watch Sunday Mass on TV or online.  Please submit your Sunday collection contributions online or at the following weekend Mass.  Thank you.

This year’s theme, “Catholic Schools — United in Faith and Community,” invites us to reflect on the distinctive gift our schools offer to the Church and to society. Catholic schools are not merely places where students receive an excellent education — though they certainly do that well. They are communities of belonging, where faith is shared, values are lived, and young people are formed to see themselves as beloved sons and daughters of God, called to serve others.