Bishop O'Connell celebrates Advent with faithful of Trenton Diocese

Since Advent began Dec. 3, Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M., has been busy visiting the faithful across the Diocese of Trenton and snapping photos along the way. The following are some highlights of his visits:

• On Dec. 3, Bishop O’Connell visited residents of Morris Hall, Lawrenceville, for the annual Christmas tree blessing and lighting.
• Bishop O’Connell paid a special Christmas visit to his brother priests Dec. 5 at Villa Vianney, the retirement home for priests of the Diocese in Lawrenceville. The evening included Mass followed by a Christmas dinner with the retired priests and other residents of the Villa.
• The Bishop hosted dinner Dec. 9 for 13 young men from across the Diocese to talk about and encourage vocations to the priesthood. The initiative was the brainchild of Father Jason Parzynski, chaplain and teacher in Notre Dame High School, Lawrenceville, and former priest-secretary to the Bishop.
• Bishop O’Connell made a pastoral visit Dec. 10 to St. Mary Parish, Colts Neck, where he celebrated Mass and joined parishioners for their annual Advent/Christmas pancake breakfast at the invitation of Father Jeffrey Lee, pastor.
• Both Bishop O’Connell and St. Nicholas paid a special visit Dec. 10 to St. Rose Parish, Belmar, where they met with Msgr. Edward Arnister, pastor, and Father Walter Quiceno, parochial vicar.

See a photo gallery at TrentonMonitor.com.