(Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M., preached this homily Aug. 14 in St. Mary Church, Colts Neck, where he celebrated the Vigil Mass for the Solemnity of Our Lady of the Assumption. Following the Mass, Bishop O’Connell blessed the parish’s new outdoor prayer garden and newly restored Marian Grotto.)

At critical moments in our life, we find ourselves asking the question, “What does it all mean?”  And when we find an answer, psychologists tell us, we have arrived at maturity.  Finding an answer, however, is no easy task.  It does not simply come with age or the passing of years.  It does not simply happen nor do we simply stumble upon it.  Discovering “Meaning” or purpose in life takes work, takes effort, takes reflection and for those who believe in God, takes prayer.

Today the Catholic Church throughout the whole world celebrates a special feast day that reminds us how special Mary, Jesus’ Mother, is to all of us.

The Gospel from St. Matthew today is often considered the scriptural basis for the principle of separation of Church and State: render to Caesar what is his and to God what is God’s. that principle is derived from the image stamped on a coin.

Bishop O’Connell’s homily for 2014 Catholic Schools Mass

It’s a fairly common question when you first become a leader these days whether in the Church as bishop or pastor or lay minister or in some other business or professional organization: what is your vision for the group you are leading?

This evening begins the annual celebration of Pentecost, the birthday of the Catholic Church, when we recall the Holy Spirit’s descended upon the Apostles in the Upper Room. Well, here in this great room, we can say the Holy Spirit has arrived a bit early in Ocean Grove.

The most important and the most humbling title for the bishop is “successor of the apostles.”  And certainly one of the most important and most humbling responsibilities for the bishop is to ordain new priests.  And so we gather in our Cathedral, Mother Church of the Diocese, bishops, priests, deacons, seminarians, consecrated religious, members of the faithful to pray for these six men and to witness their ordination as priests of the Diocese of Trenton on this glorious day.

Bishop O'Connell's homily for 2014 Catholic Schools Mass

Homily from 2014 Blue Mass

The name that we focus upon today in this “Rite of Election” is that of Christian, Catholic Christian.  The name Christian means “follower of Christ.”  It carries with it a depth of meaning and purpose and identity.