Bishop, Diocesan officials review parish registers, records; All Souls Day Masses planned

Each year, the pastors and administrators of parishes throughout the Diocese of Trenton are required to present parish sacramental books, registers and records for review and signature by diocesan officials to fulfill canonical requirements.  

At the signings, which are held separately for Burlington, Mercer, Monmouth and Ocean Counties, the sacramental registers are reviewed and signed by the Bishop or his delegate – the vicar general or county vicar – to ensure information is properly recorded and well maintained.  The Bishop or his delegate also approves the election of pastors as secretary-treasurer and the election of parish lay trustees.  

In the photo at right, Bishop David M. O‘Connell, C.M., Vicar General Msgr. Thomas Gervasio and Vicar for Mercer County Michael J. Walsh sign record books Oct. 23 in Morris Hall, Lawrenceville.  Pictured with them from top of photo are Father Gerard Lynch, O.SS.T., pastor of St. Ann Parish, Lawrenceville (partially visible); Father Dennis Apoldite, pastor of Sacred Heart Parish, Trenton; Father Thomas Morris, O.SS.T., pastor of Incarnation-St. James Parish,  Ewing, and Father Gene DaGuplo, pastor of St. Raphael-Holy Angels Parish, Hamilton.
  The diocesan Department of Catholic Cemeteries will offer two All Souls Day Masses in remembrance of all deceased relatives and friends, both beginning at 10 a.m. Nov. 2. All are welcome to attend either Mass.

Msgr. James H. Dubell, former diocesan director of cemeteries and retired pastor of St.  Mary of the Lakes Parish, Medford, will celebrate Mass in St. Mary’s Cemetery and Mausoleum, 1200 Cedar Lane, Building A, Hamilton. Attendees are asked to enter the grounds on South Olden Avenue and exit on Cedar Lane. For more information, call Erin Gallway at 609-394-2017.

Father Jorge Bedoya, parochial vicar in St. Joan of Arc Parish, Marlton, will celebrate Mass in Jesus, Bread of Life Catholic Cemetery, 3055 Fostertown Road, Mount Laurel. The cemetery is located 1/4 mile east of Ark Road. For more information, call Deacon Ed Heffernan at 856-317-6400.