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Following is the homily text prepared by Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M., for the Mass celebrated during the Convocation of Parish Pastoral Council, Sept. 27. It was delivered by Father Peter James Alindogan in St. Catharine Church, Holmdel.

Following is the homily text prepared by Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M., for the Mass celebrated during the Convocation of Diocesan and Parish Pastoral Council, Sept. 27. It was delivered by Father Peter James Alindogan in St. Catharine Church, Holmdel.

Sponsored by the New Jersey Catholic Conference and pro-life offices of each New Jersey diocese, the Mass will be celebrated by Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M., who will be joined by other New Jersey bishops and priests. Bishop Kevin J. Sweeney, Bishop of the Diocese of Paterson, will be the homilist.

Sponsored by the New Jersey Catholic Conference and pro-life offices of each New Jersey diocese, the Mass will be celebrated by Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M., who will be joined by other New Jersey bishops and priests. Bishop Kevin J. Sweeney, Bishop of the Diocese of Paterson, will be the homilist.

On September 11, 2025, Governor Murphy signed into law a bill (A4085/S3007) legalizing “natural organic reduction,” commonly known as “human composting.” This process offers an alternative to traditional burial by transforming a human body into nutrient-rich soil over several weeks. The body is placed in a specialized vessel with organic materials such as wood chips and alfalfa. Naturally occurring microbes, supported by carefully controlled conditions of moisture, oxygen, and temperature, decompose the body and plant matter into usable soil. Upon completion, the soil is sifted to remove any non-organic materials; the remaining bones are ground into sand-like particles, and the mixture is cured for use in planting trees, flowers, or conservation efforts. New Jersey is the 14th state to pass such legislation, and it becomes effective in New Jersey July 11, 2026.

On September 11, 2025, Governor Murphy signed into law a bill (A4085/S3007) legalizing “natural organic reduction,” commonly known as “human composting.” This process offers an alternative to traditional burial by transforming a human body into nutrient-rich soil over several weeks. The body is placed in a specialized vessel with organic materials such as wood chips and alfalfa. Naturally occurring microbes, supported by carefully controlled conditions of moisture, oxygen, and temperature, decompose the body and plant matter into usable soil. Upon completion, the soil is sifted to remove any non-organic materials; the remaining bones are ground into sand-like particles, and the mixture is cured for use in planting trees, flowers, or conservation efforts. New Jersey is the 14th state to pass such legislation, and it becomes effective in New Jersey July 11, 2026.

Charlie Kirk was a husband, a father, and a fellow citizen. His death leaves behind a grieving family and a community in mourning. We extend our heartfelt prayers to his wife and children, and to all who are suffering in the wake of this tragedy.

Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M., invites all parishioners, families, and parish communities of the Diocese of Trenton to join him in a Jubilee Pilgrimage of Hope on Saturday, September 13, at the National Shrine of Our Lady of Czestochowa in Doylestown, Pa.

2,977 Americans lost their lives on this day 24 years ago, burning the date “9/11” into our rational memory. As we commemorate the tragic events of that day, we remember the 734 souls of our fellow residents of New Jersey killed in the worst terrorist attack in our country’s history and we continue to pray for them and their loved ones.

2,977 Americans lost their lives on this day 24 years ago, burning the date “9/11” into our rational memory. As we commemorate the tragic events of that day, we remember the 734 souls of our fellow residents of New Jersey killed in the worst terrorist attack in our country’s history and we continue to pray for them and their loved ones.

Throughout my years of priestly ministry, I have sat with countless individuals and families—parishioners, clergy, and others—who have entrusted me with their most personal struggles. I have listened to stories of depression, anxiety, addiction, and a wide range of mental health challenges.

Throughout my years of priestly ministry, I have sat with countless individuals and families—parishioners, clergy, and others—who have entrusted me with their most personal struggles. I have listened to stories of depression, anxiety, addiction, and a wide range of mental health challenges.

All are welcome to attend a Mass to mark the 10th Anniversary of “Laudato Sí’: On Care for Our Common Home” which will be celebrated Sept. 6 in St. Anselm Parish, 1028 Wayside Rd., Tinton Falls.

On Sept. 7, 2025, Our Holy Father Pope Leo XIV will canonize the first saints of his papacy: Blessed Carlo Acutis (1991-2006) and Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati (1901-1925). The Church has eagerly awaited these canonizations, each one representing extraordinary holiness among very ordinary young people who lived during the last 100 years; Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati at their beginning and Blessed Carlo Acutis at their end.

On Sept. 7, 2025, Our Holy Father Pope Leo XIV will canonize the first saints of his papacy: Blessed Carlo Acutis (1991-2006) and Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati (1901-1925). The Church has eagerly awaited these canonizations, each one representing extraordinary holiness among very ordinary young people who lived during the last 100 years; Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati at their beginning and Blessed Carlo Acutis at their end.

The Diocese of Trenton will join with dioceses across the nation to take up a collection for The Catholic University of America in Washington, the only institution of higher education founded and operated by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, at all Masses Sept. 6-7.