ACKNOWLEDGING THAT THE BATTLE TO SUPPORT LIFE in this post-Roe era continues, the Diocese of Trenton will present the second “Standing Together for Life” Mass, luncheon and seminar Jan. 19 at the Co-Cathedral of St. Robert Bellarmine, 61 Georgia Rd, Freehold.
Sponsored by the diocesan Department of Evangelization and Family Life/Respect Life Ministry, the event will begin with a Mass for Life with Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M., at 11 a.m. in the church, followed by a luncheon and seminar from 12:15-4 p.m. in Dentici Hall.
“We are holding the Standing Together for Life events for the second year in a row to provide an opportunity for Catholics in the Diocese of Trenton who want to do something in support of building a culture of life but are not traveling to the national March for Life in Washington D.C.,” explained Terry Ginther, chancellor and executive director of the Office of Pastoral Life and Mission. “For 50 years the focus was at the national level. However, the Dobbs decision (2022) overturning Roe vs. Wade changed the focus to highlight the importance of the reality ‘on the ground’ in each state.
“Last year’s conference really emphasized that the work of building a culture of life will take all of us; everyone has to do their part, and we need to find ways to work together,” Ginther continued. “This year, the focus is on the how. How can we pursue all four pillars in the U.S. bishops’ plan: prayer, education, outreach and advocacy? How can we work together? It will be practical in nature.”
For more information and to register for the talk and luncheon visit HERE.EIGHTH THROUGH 12TH GRADERS are invited to attend the annual Diocesan Youth Conference, themed “On Purpose,” which will be held Feb. 3 in Red Bank Catholic High School, 112 Broad St., Red Bank.
The day-long event will begin at 10 a.m. and conclude with a 4 p.m. Mass celebrated by Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M. Sponsored by the diocesan Department of Youth and Young Adult Ministries, the conference is an opportunity for all teens to connect with other young Catholics beyond their parish or school, and to encounter Jesus through dynamic presentations, music, workshops and much more.
For registration information click HERE.WE HAVE NEVER BEEN SO HAPPY TO REPORT THAT THIS BRAND NEW ISSUE OF THE MONITOR MAGAZINE IS ALREADY OUTDATED!
Just hours before finishing the January issue and sending it off to the printer, the word came in that Bishop David O’Connell had suffered a heart attack in Rome and was recovering in the hospital from an emergency procedure to open a blocked artery. We weren’t quite to the point where we had to say “STOP THE PRESSES!” But we were close!
In publishing the Bishop’s health news, we fully expected that the information would change not long after subscribers got their copy in the mail or via email. We were very intentional about referring readers to TrentonMonitor.com where they would be able to get the latest details. But we could not have predicted the swift and significant progress that our Bishop made, to the point of being already released from the hospital and scheduled to return home to New Jersey by this weekend. All wonderful news!