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A message from Bishop O'Connell· The Monitor Magazine· Annual Catholic Appeal· Blue Mass· CSW recap
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February 13, 2025
A MESSAGE FROM BISHOP DAVID M. O’CONNELL, C.M.
On February 11, our Holy Father Pope Francis took the unusual step to issue a public, open letter to the Catholic Bishops of the United States regarding what he called a “major crisis that is taking place in the United States with the initiation of a program of mass deportations.”
Addressing us as “Pastors of the People of God who walk together” in our country, Pope Francis expressed his deeply felt concern to the American Bishops that the current U.S. Administration’s approach to illegal immigration constitutes a serious affront to the “infinite dignity” of all people, especially immigrants, and “places them in a state of particular vulnerability and defenselessness.”
The Holy Father’s support of immigrants and refugees is not something that has only arisen in the face of recent executive orders. It has been one of the hallmarks of his entire pontificate. His first travels as Pope were to Lampedusa, an island off the coast of Italy, to draw attention to the suffering of migrants on the Mediterranean coast. Throughout the years since that 2013 trip, the plight of migrants and refugees has been a prominent and consistent subject of his many homilies, addresses and writings. His February 11, 2025 “Letter to the Bishops of the United States of America” is only the latest expression of his concern.
Read the full message HERE.
IN THE NEW ISSUE OF THE MONITOR MAGAZINE, readers get a close look at some of the many ways that the Church passes on the faith to young people.
Expanded IN FOCUS coverage reports on Catholic Schools Week 2025, and follows Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M., as he visited six schools in six days from Jan. 26 through 31. It was a colorful and fun week, but the crazy hats and ice cream socials were only part of the story. The academic excellence, acts of Christian service and time spent at Mass in prayer and worship were all on full display throughout the week.
Don’t miss our feature on families who have made a tradition of Catholic school attendance, as well as a 10-page showcase in which each of our schools shared their best stories.
On the heels of CSW came the day-long Diocesan Youth Conference Feb. 1, drawing nearly 900 young people and their advisors coming from all corners of our four counties. The Monitor was on location throughout the day, providing coverage of the faith sharing, community-building, service projects and fun that make this such an extraordinary diocesan event each year.
See more HERE.
EACH YEAR THE ANNUAL CATHOLIC APPEAL aims to support parishes and vital ministries in the Diocese of Trenton, assuring that the local Church is alive and thriving.
This year’s theme, “Fan the Flame of Hope,” draws upon the 2025 Jubilee Year of Hope proclaimed by Pope Francis, which Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M., emphasized in the ACA video that will be shown in parishes Feb. 15-16.
Seeking to raise $6 million, the 2025 ACA’s mission “invites the faithful to embrace Pope Francis’ call to become ‘pilgrims of hope,’ journeying together in faith,” said Christine Prete, Department of Development director. “By supporting the Annual Catholic Appeal, we enable our Diocese, parishes and Catholic institutions to share the Gospel, serve the poor and vulnerable, nurture vocations and provide spiritual and academic formation.
Each year, parishes are given an ACA fundraising goal by the Diocese, as well as financial incentives when that goal and other criteria are met. Some of those incentives have been enhanced or newly introduced for 2025.
Learn more HERE.
AS BISHOP O’CONNELL INTRODUCED THE VARIOUS WAYS in which ACA funds impact ministries of the Diocese in the video showing in parishes, representatives of those ministries detailed the specific ways in which the generosity of ACA donors allowed them to give back to their parishes and communities.
A single mother of two children, Irene, is a care receiver of assistance from Trenton’s Mount Carmel Guild, which receives part of its funding from the ACA. “The additional help and support I receive from Mount Carmel Guild has been a lifeline for my family,” she said, “ensuring my children have food on the table and never go without.”
Learn more HERE.
Watch the ACA video below.
PEOPLE OF ALL FAITHS throughout Central New Jersey are invited to pray for law enforcement personnel who work to keep their communities safe during the Jubilee Blue Mass April 1 in St. Robert Bellarmine Co-Cathedral, 61 Georgia Rd., Freehold, beginning at 10:30 a.m.
Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M., will be principal celebrant and homilist and will be joined at the altar with priests from across Burlington, Mercer, Monmouth and Ocean Counties. Bagpipers, fife and drum corps members and color guard processions will once again be part of the day’s tribute. This is the 23rd year that the Diocese has hosted this event.
Read more HERE.
ICE CREAM SOCIALS AND CRAZY HAT DAYS; science exhibits and sporting events; honoring first responders and worshiping God . . .With its color, excitement and commitment, Catholic Schools Week 2025 succeeded in highlighting the Church’s mission of passing on the faith.
See the special CSW section HERE.
View highlights of the week below.
