News - May 2023 RSS Feed

This coming Sunday, the Church throughout the world celebrates the Solemnity of the Most Holy Trinity, the central mystery of our Catholic Faith, that honors God as Father-Creator, Son-Redeemer and Holy Spirit, Sanctifier.  We speak of God as a communion of persons: one God in three distinct persons. It is a central mystery of our faith because it deals with the mystery of God himself in whom we place our faith. God as Trinity is the source of all other mysteries of faith and it gives light to them, the Catechism reminds us. 

This coming Sunday, the Church throughout the world celebrates the Solemnity of the Most Holy Trinity, the central mystery of our Catholic Faith, that honors God as Father-Creator, Son-Redeemer and Holy Spirit, Sanctifier. We speak of God as a communion of persons: one God in three distinct persons. It is a central mystery of our faith because it deals with the mystery of God himself in whom we place our faith. God as Trinity is the source of all other mysteries of faith and it gives light to them, the Catechism reminds us.

Memorial Day is the national holiday that is widely regarded as the “unofficial beginning of summer.” Originally known as “Decoration Day,” the holiday dates back to a commemoration of U.S. military personnel who lost their lives in the Civil War.

Memorial Day is the national holiday that is widely regarded as the “unofficial beginning of summer.” Originally known as “Decoration Day,” the holiday dates back to a commemoration of U.S. military personnel who lost their lives in the Civil War.

SHARING A CALL FROM POPE FRANCIS REGARDING THE SYNOD ON SYNODALITY, Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M., issued a letter May 24 inviting the faithful throughout the Diocese of Trenton to take part in a special day of prayer for the Synod on the Feast of the Visitation, May 31. He especially encouraged all those whose parishes are named in honor of the Blessed Virgin Mary under any of her titles, to pray for this special intention. The Bishop’s message follows

“After they prayed, the place where they were meeting was shaken.  And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the Word of God boldly” (Acts of the Apostles 4:31).

BISHOP DAVID M. O’CONNELL, C.M., WILL ORDAIN 12 new deacons this Saturday (10 permanent deacons and 2 transitional deacons). Please consider sharing these two articles written by The Monitor about the men who will be ordained May 20 at 10 a.m. Read more about the men who will be ordained transitional deacons HERE and permanent deacons HERE.

Although the liturgical celebration of the Solemnity of the Ascension has been officially transferred to the Seventh Sunday of Easter in the Dioceses of New Jersey – this year, May 21 – I can’t help but reflect about its meaning 40 days after Easter. 

Although the liturgical celebration of the Solemnity of the Ascension has been officially transferred to the Seventh Sunday of Easter in the Dioceses of New Jersey – this year, May 21 – I can’t help but reflect about its meaning 40 days after Easter. 

Mother’s Day Weekend is a wonderful opportunity for us to celebrate the unconditional love of the women who, with the grace of God, first brought us to life. Whether they are living or have gone home to be with the Lord, mothers still have a profound influence on their children – and a profound responsibility for them.

Mother’s Day Weekend is a wonderful opportunity for us to celebrate the unconditional love of the women who, with the grace of God, first brought us to life. Whether they are living or have gone home to be with the Lord, mothers still have a profound influence on their children – and a profound responsibility for them.

I was one of the millions who woke up in the early hours of Saturday morning to watch the historic coronation of King Charles III and Queen Camilla. Although I proudly acknowledge my Irish ancestry, I was eager to witness this moment in history and I didn’t regret it.

 Most Catholics have learned and recited this prayer from their earliest days. It is a beautiful prayer that affirms the nature of our relationship with the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of God and Mother of the Church. It saddens me greatly when I visit with young school children – and even some adults –and they don’t know that prayer or, worse, don’t seem to understand “why” Catholics say it. 

 Hail Mary, full of Grace, the Lord is with thee. Blessed art thou among women and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners now and at the hour of our death. Amen.

BISHOP DAVID M. O’CONNELL, C.M., HAS ANNOUNCED the following clergy assignments, effective July 1, 2023, except where otherwise indicated.