Bishop O’Connell’s Message for the Second Week of Advent · NJ Bishops Meeting · Giving Tuesday

AS WE GATHER IN THIS SECOND SUNDAY in this sacred season of Advent, we are invited to prepare our hearts and minds for the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ by “listening.” The readings today beautifully weave together themes of hope, joy, and transformation, guiding us on our journey towards Christmas. Listen to them. 

In the first reading from the Book of Baruch, we hear a powerful message of transformation and hope. Jerusalem is called to shed its robe of mourning and misery and to put on the splendor of God's glory. This imagery of changing garments symbolizes a profound inner transformation. God promises to bring back the exiled children of Israel, leading them in joy and glory. This passage reminds us that no matter how deep our sorrow or how long our exile, God’s promise of restoration and joy is ever-present. As we prepare for Christmas, let us embrace this hope and allow God to transform our lives. 

Read Bishop O’Connell’s entire message HERE.

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THE CATHOLIC BISHOPS OF THE STATE met Dec. 6 with some 60 superiors or their delegates of mens’ and womens’ orders of consecrated life doing apostolic works in the ecclesiastical province of New Jersey. Given the proximity of the recent synod in Rome, the bishops and religious chose as their theme
 "Consecrated Life in a Synodal Church: Resources and Realities.” Sister of Charity of the Incarnate Word (CCVI) Teresa Maya was invited by the group to give the days’ presentation on the concept of Synodality and to coordinate conversation among participants in small groups. 

Held in St. David the King Church and Parish Hall, West Windsor, the Dec. 6 event was the final meeting of 2024 for the bishops from the five dioceses and one eparchy of the province, who gather quarterly each year as the New Jersey Catholic Conference to discuss matters of interest or common concern to the Catholic Church here. Chaired by the Metropolitan Archbishop of Newark, Cardinal Joseph W. Tobin, C.Ss.R., the meetings are usually held in a different diocese each time. The agenda for each NJCC meeting is solicited from among the bishops and then prepared by James King, the Conference’s executive director.

Read more about the conference HERE

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THIS YEAR’S DEC. 3 GIVING TUESDAY CAMPAIGN raised more than $35,000 for local elementary schools, thanks to the support of 250 donors.
The annual global day of giving, created in 2012, is held on the Tuesday following Thanksgiving. For the past six years, it has been part of the Diocese’s “Catholic Schools Have It All” initiative and is sponsored by the diocesan Departments of Development and Catholic Schools.

The 13 participating elementary schools used their social media platforms to spotlight their Giving Tuesday campaigns, engaging their communities with creative and heartfelt messages of thanks. Posts featured videos, stories of student success, and visuals highlighting the impact of contributions.

Read more HERE.