• Contact Us

  • 
    Denise Contino
    Executive Director: Office of Pastoral Life and Mission
    609-403-7179
    dcontinodioceseoftrenton.org
  • 
    Lilian Juan
    Bilingual Administrative Assistant, Department of Pastoral Planning
    609-403-7158
    ljuandioceseoftrenton.org

• 
  Date: Saturday September 26, 2026
  Location: St. Veronica Church. 4219 Route 9 North
  Howell, NJ 07731 
  Topic: Listening that leads to Mission 
  
  You're invited to join us for the Annual Parish Pastoral Council Convocation for a day of prayer, learning, and fellowship. 
  Whether your Parish Pastoral Council is well established or just beginning to take shape, this convocation is designed to support and strengthen the team.
  
  Registration: $25 per person, or $100 for a group of 5 from the same parish
  
  Register Here
  
  Schedule:  
  
  

  9:30 am	Welcome, announcements, opening prayer
  10:00 am	Morning session
  11:00 am	Mass; Main Celebrant – Bishop O’Connell
  12:00 pm	Lunch
  1:00 pm	Afternoon session
  3:30 pm	End of the day

  
  
  

  Have you ever invested time and energy into planning a parish event, only to find that few people participated? Or has your council struggled to identify meaningful priorities or determine the next steps for your parish community? Effective pastoral planning 
  begins by listening, to one another, to those we serve, and to the Holy Spirit. 
  Through prayer, Conversations in the Spirit, and collaborative dialogue, participants will explore how attentive listening fosters understanding, uncovers shared priorities, and leads to practical strategies for parish life. You will leave with ideas, resources, and action steps that you can bring back to your parish council or ministry.
  
  
  Jim Merhaut is the Founder and Director of Coaching to Connect, a training and coaching service focused on non-profit leadership development. Jim is a professional executive and life coach and holds a certification credential from the International Coach Federation. He is also a leadership consultant & trainer, writer, retreat leader and is internationally known for his coaching, speaking, and expertise in lifelong faith formation. He holds a Master of Science degree in Religious Education from Duquesne University in Pittsburgh. He is an author, co-author, and contributor to ten books and dozens of other publications. Jim has nearly 40 years of Church ministry experience serving in churches, diocesan offices and for national ministry organizations such as the Center for Ministry Development, Lifelong Faith Associates, LEAD, Vibrant Faith, and the National Community of Catechetical Leaders (NCCL). Jim offers keynotes, retreats and workshops specializing in ministry leadership, lifelong faith formation and adult spiritual formation. Jim’s passions are music, gardening, and DIY projects
  
  If you have any questions contact Denise Contino at [email protected] or 
  (609) 403-7179