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Hundreds reach milestones in Rite of Election, 24 Hours for the Lord, Catholic Press Month
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February 23, 2018The Church of Trenton is seeing growth and renewal following the Rite of Election, held Feb. 18 in St. Robert Bellarmine Co-Cathedral in Freehold. Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M. , welcomed 185 adults and youth to the rite, and acknowledged them as members of “the elect.” For their part, they declared to the Bishop that they will continue their formation so that they may receive the Sacraments of Initiation – Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist – for the first time at the Easter Vigil.
Candidates -- baptized persons who seek full membership in the Church -- also participated in special ceremonies in their local parishes during February. The Call to Continuing Conversion affirmed 460 such individuals around the Diocese as they enter into the final weeks of preparation before receiving the rest of their Sacraments.The Diocese’s Department of Multimedia Production has posted a video of the Rite of Election, and photo galleries can be found at TrentonMonitor.com.
Bishop O’Connell announced Feb. 20 that the Diocese will take part in 24 Hours with the Lord, an initiative of Lenten prayer and devotion called for by Pope Francis. Ten parishes in the Diocese have committed to keep their churches open 24 hours March 9 and 10.
During this time, the faithful will have the opportunity to pray before Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament, reserved in the tabernacle or exposed in the monstrance. Confessions will also be made available during this period.
This program, said Pope Francis, “invites the entire Church community to celebrate the Sacrament of Reconciliation in the context of Eucharistic Adoration.” The theme guiding this year’s reflection is “With you is forgiveness” (Psalm 130:4). Extending the sentiments of the Holy Father, Bishop O’Connell encourages the faithful of the Diocese "to take advantage of this time of special grace and penance.”
Check here for a list of participating parishes and times.
February is Catholic Press Month and The Monitor invites the faithful to learn more about the diocesan newspaper. A promotional ad for this special month includes the statement: “It has never been more important to have a strong and healthy Catholic press.” Every Catholic family is encouraged to support The Monitor by subscribing today; packages start as low as $15 per year.