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The long-overdue and historic overturning of the landmark 1973 “Roe v. Wade” decision of the United States Supreme Court by the same body (different justices) in last year’s “Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization” represents the end of one tragic era and the beginning of another.

ALL ARE INVITED TO ATTEND the 9 a.m. Mass Oct. 1 in St. Dominic Church, 250 Old Squan Rd., Brick, where the Diocese of Trenton will welcome Antonia Salzano, mother of Blessed Carlo Acutis. On that occasion, Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M., will dedicate the Shrine to Blessed Carlo Acutis whom he named “Diocesan Patron of Youth, Especially Those in Catholic Schools and Religious Education Programs” in St. Dominic Church.

In a letter sent Sept. 20, 2023 to all priests of the Diocese, Bishop David M O’Connell, C.M., called for prayer among the faithful to usher in the Synod of Bishops set to begin in October. Bishop O’Connell wrote: “The First Session of the Synod of Bishops 2021-2024 begins Oct. 4 and continues until Oct. 29, 2023 with the theme ‘For a Synodal Church: Communion, Participation, Mission.’ Our Holy Father Pope Francis has said, ‘Without prayer there will be no Synod.’”

Bishop O’Connell wrote: “The First Session of the Synod of Bishops 2021-2024 begins Oct. 4 and continues until Oct. 29, 2023 with the theme ‘For a Synodal Church: Communion, Participation, Mission.’ Our Holy Father Pope Francis has said, ‘Without prayer there will be no Synod.’”

THE CATHOLIC CHURCH IN THE UNITED STATES WILL OBSERVE NATIONAL MIGRATION WEEK from September 18-24. Each year, this week-long celebration culminates with the World Day of Migrants and Refugees, established by the Holy See over 100 years ago and commemorated by Catholics across the globe. Throughout this week, the faithful and others of good will are encouraged to reflect on the challenges facing migrants, refugees, and others impacted by the complex phenomenon of forced displacement, the ways these newcomers enrich welcoming communities, and how we are each called to respond to them as members of the same human family.   

WASHINGTON – The Catholic Church in the United States will observe National Migration Week from September 18-24. Each year, this week-long celebration culminates with the World Day of Migrants and Refugees, established by the Holy See over 100 years ago and commemorated by Catholics across the globe. Throughout this week, the faithful and others of good will are encouraged to reflect on the challenges facing migrants, refugees, and others impacted by the complex phenomenon of forced displacement, the ways these newcomers enrich welcoming communities, and how we are each called to respond to them as members of the same human family. 

More than 100 priests serving in the Diocese of Trenton gathered Sept. 12 for the opening of the Priest Convocation – three days set aside annually to spend in prayer and fellowship with one another and Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M.

THE DEADLY TERRORIST ATTACKS ON THE UNITED STATES ON SEPTEMBER 11, 2001 are as fresh in the minds and memories of those alive at the time as though they happened yesterday. Simply referred to as “9/11,” the events of that horrific day deeply affected not only our nation but also the entire free world.

The deadly terrorist attacks on the United States on September 11, 2001 are as fresh in the minds and memories of those alive at the time as though they happened yesterday. Simply referred to as “9/11,” the events of that horrific day deeply affected not only our nation but also the entire free world.

Church collections in dioceses and parishes have long been the butt of good-natured humor and jokes among the Catholic clergy and faithful. I don’t know too many bishops or priests who actually enjoy asking parishioners for their hard-earned money. The generosity of the faithful – and the clergy as well – however, has been and remains a principal source of support for dioceses and parishes and an investment in their ministries, activities and abilities to reach out to those in need. That has been true throughout the history of the Catholic Church since the very beginning.

Each year, organizations that work to promote public health and well-being observe September as National Suicide Prevention Month. Bishop O’Connell’s essay on this topic follows: I read with alarm and deep concern the recent report of the Centers for Disease Control that the number of suicides in the United States reached an all-time high last year. 

Our Holy Father Pope Francis has announced that he will publish an apostolic exhortation on the environment on Oct. 4, the memorial feast of St. Francis of Assisi, as a follow up to his landmark encyclical on Care for Creation, Laudato Si’ (May 24, 2015).

BISHOP DAVID M. O’CONNELL, C.M., HAS SHARED THIS MESSAGE for World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation. Our Holy Father Pope Francis has announced that he will publish an apostolic exhortation on the environment on Oct. 4 of this year, the memorial feast of St. Francis of Assisi, as a follow up to his landmark encyclical on care for creation, Laudato Si (May 24, 2015).

Three words loom large around this time every year: BACK TO SCHOOL!  It seems like just yesterday the radio was blasting the 1972 classic “Schools Out for Summer” by Alice Cooper to the delight of kids (and teachers!) everywhere!  That didn’t last long. 

I was looking in the cupboard for a cereal bowl the other morning and found a large mug with the words “choose happy” written on the side. I was more interested in my oatmeal than the inscription at first but as I sat down for breakfast, I read the words on the mug and started thinking about the advice imparted there. “Choose happy.” Who would imagine finding “wisdom” on a coffee mug so early in the morning?

CATHOLIC CHARITIES HAWAI’I IN THE HONOLULU DIOCESE has appealed for donations to help the agency meet the housing, food and other needs of what could be thousands of victims from wildfires raging on the island of Maui that wiped out an entire town and drove people to seek refuge in the ocean.