Outside my office window at the chancery, two flags rise and fall together in the same breeze—the “Stars and Stripes” of the United States of America and the yellow-and-white banner of the Holy See. Their colors catch the morning light in different ways, yet they move in a shared rhythm, reminding me that the story of this nation and the history of the Church --- although the Church is far more ancient --- have long unfolded side by side.
Support the Lasallian Mission and the core ideas of the Brothers of the Christian Schools, including the role of the District of Eastern North America’s ministries.
THE MONTH OF JUNE IS TRADITIONALLY DEDICATED to the Sacred Heart. On June 11, 2026, as part of the celebration of the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, the U.S. bishops will consecrate the United States of America to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. Catholic faith communities around the country are encouraged to join the bishops in celebrating the consecration of our nation to the Sacred Heart through their own prayer and acts of devotion.
The month of June is traditionally dedicated to the Sacred Heart. On June 11, 2026, as part of the celebration of the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, the U.S. bishops will consecrate the United States of America to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. Catholic faith communities around the country are encouraged to join the bishops in celebrating the consecration of our nation to the Sacred Heart through their own prayer and acts of devotion.
MRS. DENISE CONTINO, DIRECTOR OF CATECHESIS, has been appointed as Executive Director of Pastoral Life and Mission of the Diocese of Trenton, effective July 1, 2026.
Editor’s note: In light of Pope Leo XIV’s new encyclical on artificial intelligence, we are re-posting a pastoral reflection on the topic written by Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M., from last December.
Editor’s note: In light of Pope Leo XIV’s new encyclical on artificial intelligence, we are re-posting a pastoral reflection on the topic written by Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M., from last December.
Papal encyclicals have long served as a privileged means by which the Successor of Peter offers guidance to the Church and the world. Addressed primarily to bishops but intended for all the faithful, they illuminate moral, theological and social questions that require thoughtful discernment. While not typically issued as infallible ex cathedra (from the chair) teachings, encyclicals carry significant doctrinal authority as expressions of the pope’s ordinary Magisterium and often set the pastoral priorities of a pontificate.
Papal encyclicals have long served as a privileged means by which the Successor of Peter offers guidance to the Church and the world. Addressed primarily to bishops but intended for all the faithful, they illuminate moral, theological and social questions that require thoughtful discernment. While not typically issued as infallible ex cathedra (from the chair) teachings, encyclicals carry significant doctrinal authority as expressions of the pope’s ordinary Magisterium and often set the pastoral priorities of a pontificate.
MEMORIAL DAY IS OBSERVED THROUGHOUT THE UNITED STATES on the last Monday in May. This national holiday is widely considered the beginning of summer, a few weeks shy of the actual calendar date. Many families celebrate by displaying the flag, attending parades and carnivals, opening swimming pools, having backyard barbecues and, for many, taking a day off from work or school. Another custom regularly followed is the traditional visit to cemeteries where members of the military who gave their lives for our country are buried.
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). As we come to the close of the Easter Season and celebrate the great Solemnity of Pentecost – the “birthday of the Church” – we rejoice in the fulfillment of Christ’s promise to remain with us always through the gift of the Holy Spirit.
Memorial Day is observed throughout the United States on the last Monday in May. This national holiday is widely considered the beginning of summer, a few weeks shy of the actual calendar date. Many families celebrate by displaying the flag, attending parades and carnivals, opening swimming pools, having backyard barbecues and, for many, taking a day off from work or school. Another custom regularly followed is the traditional visit to cemeteries where members of the military who gave their lives for our country are buried.
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). As we come to the close of the Easter Season and celebrate the great Solemnity of Pentecost – the “birthday of the Church” – we rejoice in the fulfillment of Christ’s promise to remain with us always through the gift of the Holy Spirit.
“Security funding helps schools strengthen entrances, improve communication systems, coordinate with law enforcement, and prepare responsibly for emergencies,” said Milecki. “At its core, this is about ensuring that every child can learn in a safe environment grounded in faith, stability, and community.”
St. John Neumann Church in Mount Laurel, NJ is seeking experienced part-time (15-25 hours)
Parish Finance Administrator. The Finance Administrator will ensure fiscal responsibility of the daily parish finances and keep accurate up-to-date records. The role oversees all management of human resource information, bank reconciliation, payroll, accounts receivable/payable, administrative functions, budget preparation, tax filings, diocesan reporting and special filings, and help with fundraising events. A strong sense of attention to detail and the ability to work as a team player are two important qualities for this role.
TRENTON -- Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M., will ordain two new deacons for service in the Diocese of Trenton during a Mass May 16 at 10 a.m. in St. Mary of the Assumption Cathedral. Nicholas Alescio of Fair Haven and Benedict Bien Quiambao, born and raised in the Philippines, will serve the next year as transitional deacons and are expected to be ordained priests next spring.
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During National Police Week, the Diocese of Trenton joins communities across our nation in honoring the women and men who serve in law enforcement and remembering especially those who have given their lives in the line of duty. Their work often places them in difficult and dangerous situations, requiring courage, sacrifice and a deep commitment to the common good.
Since 2022, the dioceses of New Jersey have celebrated the Solemnity of the Ascension of the Lord on the Seventh Sunday of Easter, rather than on the traditional Thursday, 40 days after Easter. While some dioceses in the United States — including Philadelphia, Boston, New York, Hartford and Omaha — continue to observe Ascension Thursday, the Bishops of New Jersey, after consultation with pastors, discerned that celebrating the Ascension on Sunday allows far more of the faithful to participate in this important feast.
During National Police Week, the Diocese of Trenton joins communities across our nation in honoring the women and men who serve in law enforcement and remembering especially those who have given their lives in the line of duty. Their work often places them in difficult and dangerous situations, requiring courage, sacrifice and a deep commitment to the common good.