World Day for Consecrated Life, Catechetical Conference, Radio Show & Super Bowl

World Day for Consecrated Life, established in 1997 by Pope John Paul II, is Feb. 2 -- the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord – and will be observed at Masses throughout the United States Feb. 3 and 4.

In a message marking the day dedicated to prayer for men and women in consecrated life, Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M., described his own journey of becoming a Vincentian priest as “the greatest blessing of my early life.”  The Bishop quoted the religious monk Thomas Merton, who wrote in his book “No Man Is an Island,” Vocation does not come from a voice ‘out there’ calling me to be something I am not. It comes from a voice ‘in here’ calling me to be the person I was born to be, to fulfill the original selfhood given me at birth by God.”
You can read the full text of the Bishop’s message here, and listen to a podcast here.  More on World Day for Consecrated Life is available here.
 

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More than 100 members of the Diocese’s catechetical community are taking part in a day-long conference Feb. 3 in St. Robert Bellarmine Co-Cathedral in Freehold.  The theme for the day is “Structure for Success – Tips that Replace ‘Survive’ with ‘Thrive.’”

Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M., is celebrating Mass and will dedicate his homily on the topic of “good catechesis” in the context of Scripture.  The day’s featured speaker is Immaculate Heart of Mary Sister Patricia McCormack, an internationally-known formation and education consultant and director of IHM Office of Formative Support for Parents and Teachers in Philadelphia.

For more on this conference, visit TrentonMonitor.com.  New registrations are being accepted at the door.  Check in with TrentonMonitor.com for full coverage, beginning Feb. 4.
 

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The latest installment of Bishop O’Connell’s monthly radio show, The Shepherd’s Voice, taped today, covering a wrap-up of Catholic Schools Week; World Day for Consecrated Life;  starting Lent off on the right foot; a progress report on Faith in Our Future and the two fundraising campaigns – Faith to Move Mountains and the Annual Catholic Appeal – as well as the upcoming Diocesan Youth Conference on Feb. 10.

The hour-long program, produced by Domestic Church Media and featuring co-host and station owner Jim Manfredonia, airs on WFJS 1260 AM, WFJS 89.3 FM, WGYM 1580 AM and WSMJ 91.9 FM. The program will air at 4 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 3; 10 a.m. Sunday, Feb. 4; and 8 a.m. Monday, Feb. 5. 

It can also be watched on  domesticchurchmedia.org and Domestic Church Media’s Facebook and  YouTube pages. Archived shows are available  here. 
 

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As a Philly native, and now bishop of the adjoining Diocese, Bishop O’Connell is cheering for the Philadelphia Eagles in Super Bowl 52.  The Bishop is reported to have said on Friday:  “Put me in coach ... I can be in Minneapolis tonight!”  And he is believed to have been behind the rousing singing of “Fly Eagles Fly” in the halls of the Chancery all week.  “Gotta love them Birds.” 

The Bishop will be watching his “Iggles” with priest friends on Sunday.  His priest secretary Father Mike Wallack asked the Bishop to make sure he had plenty of wings and guacamole.  Go Eagles!
 
Go to TrentonMonitor.com Monday for a post-game report on how the Catholic community in the Trenton Diocese rallied around their Super Bowl team!