News - August 2026 RSS Feed

THE BEGINNING OF A NEW SCHOOL YEAR ALWAYS BRINGS with it a wonderful mixture of anticipation and excitement. It’s hard to believe the time is already here again! Classrooms are prepared, schedules are finalized, books and supplies are gathered, and teachers and administrators welcome students back through the doors of our Catholic schools. There is something hopeful about beginning again.

The beginning of a new school year always brings with it a wonderful mixture of anticipation and excitement. It’s hard to believe the time is already here again! Classrooms are prepared, schedules are finalized, books and supplies are gathered, and teachers and administrators welcome students back through the doors of our Catholic schools. There is something hopeful about beginning again.

BISHOP DAVID M. O’CONNELL, C.M., ANNOUNCED AUG. 28 that Father James A. Conover, a priest of the Diocese for 48 years and pastor emeritus of St. Rose of Lima Parish, Freehold, had died that morning. Father Conover was 77.

Ongoing wars in Ukraine and the Middle East; earthquakes in multiple South American nations; famine in Sudan and Gaza; wildfires in vast European and U.S. regions and catastrophic disasters flooding entire villages in Nepal and Tibet. The heartbreaking news from just the last few months offers a painful reminder of the critical concerns that compelled Pope Francis to launch a worldwide initiative in 2015 to care for creation.

ONGOING WARS IN UKRAINE AND THE MIDDLE EAST; earthquakes in multiple South American nations; famine in Sudan and Gaza; wildfires in vast European and U.S. regions and catastrophic disasters flooding entire villages in Nepal and Tibet. The heartbreaking news from just the last few months offers a painful reminder of the critical concerns that compelled Pope Francis to launch a worldwide initiative in 2015 to care for creation.

ON AUG. 20, 2026, NEW JERSEY GOVERNOR MIKIE SHERRILL signed S2260/A2218 into law. According to its sponsors and the Governor's office, the legislation is intended to strengthen New Jersey's protections for individuals seeking, providing, or assisting with reproductive health care services. Among other provisions, it expands existing “shield law” protections, establishes new criminal offenses and civil remedies for certain interference with reproductive health care services, strengthens privacy protections, and provides additional protections against certain legal actions originating in other states

On Aug. 20, 2026, New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill signed S2260/A2218 into law. According to its sponsors and the Governor's office, the legislation is intended to strengthen New Jersey's protections for individuals seeking, providing, or assisting with reproductive health care services. Among other provisions, it expands existing “shield law” protections, establishes new criminal offenses and civil remedies for certain interference with reproductive health care services, strengthens privacy protections, and provides additional protections against certain legal actions originating in other states

Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M., will serve as principal celebrant and homilist for the Mass set for Sept. 11 at 7 p.m. in St. Mary, Mother of God Church, Middletown. Priests and deacons from across Burlington, Mercer, Monmouth and Ocean Counties will also participate in the Mass.

CATHOLICS AND PEOPLE OF GOOD WILL FROM ACROSS THE STATE will gather in prayer and public witness for the unborn during a day of events Oct. 8 in Trenton at a pivotal time for the pro-life movement.

Open to young adults ages 21 and older, the event will feature Catholic trivia, witness stories and opportunities for questions and discussion.

THE CHANCERY OFFICES IN LAWRENCEVILLE will be closed Friday, August 14, in honor of the Feast of the Assumption of the Blessed Mother, which is Saturday, August 15. Regular office hours will resume Monday, August 17.

​ Bishop O'Connell encourages the clergy and faithful of the Diocese of Trenton to financially support the people affected by the devastating earthquake in Columbia with donations made through Catholic Relief Services along with our continuing prayers.

THE SOLEMNITY OF THE ASSUMPTION OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY into heaven falls on Saturday August 15 this year and, although this year it is NOT a day of obligation, it remains a pre-eminent Marian feast that should be honored and remembered as a holy day. In the Diocese of Trenton, Mary Queen of the Assumption is our diocesan patroness and the name of our Cathedral. Please, permit me to share some reflections about this solemn feast with you.

The Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary into heaven falls on Saturday August 15 this year and, although this year it is NOT a day of obligation, it remains a pre-eminent Marian feast that should be honored and remembered as a holy day. In the Diocese of Trenton, Mary Queen of the Assumption is our diocesan patroness and the name of our Cathedral. Please, permit me to share some reflections about this solemn feast with you.

Hosted by the diocesan Department of Vocations, the retreat will be led by Father Alan Bridges, parochial vicar of St. Joseph Parish, Toms River, and will include Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, reflections, Mass and a Eucharistic procession. Breakfast and lunch will be served.

On our cover, young Catholics from across the Diocese show what it means to be “Mission Driven.” Some 125 teens took time away from their typical summer activities to participate in MISSION: Jersey, serving people in need at sites in Brick, Freehold and Trenton. From tending community gardens and stocking food pantries to preparing lunches and helping create colorful hospital gowns for young patients, these teens put the Gospel into action in meaningful ways.

The Bishop stated, “As of this writing, we are aware that the earthquake has taken dozens of lives and impacted thousands of people who are injured, displaced and terrified. We are especially concerned about the families and other loved ones of some of our Colombian-born priests serving here in the Diocese.

Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M., has called for prayers after receiving the news about the earthquake to hit Colombia and Ecuador early Aug. 10. The Bishop stated, “As of this writing, we are aware that the earthquake has taken dozens of lives and impacted thousands of people who are injured, displaced and terrified