Consecration of Russia, Ukraine to Mary • Peace Mass set • New Synod invitations • Clergy Appts

BISHOP DAVID M. O’CONNELL, C.M., will celebrate the 12:10 p.m. Mass in St. Mary of the Assumption Cathedral in Trenton -- the Solemnity of the Annunciation of the Lord -- Friday, March 25, at which time he will unite in prayer with our Holy Father, Pope Francis, as he consecrates Russia and Ukraine to the Immaculate Heart of Mary.  All are welcome. The Mass will be livestreamed on youtube.com/trentondiocese.

"Pope Francis has invited the bishops of the whole world, along with their priests, to join him in the prayer for peace and in the consecration and entrustment of Russia and of Ukraine to the Immaculate Heart of Mary," Matteo Bruni, director of the Vatican press office, said March 18.

Three days earlier, the Vatican had announced the pope would lead the prayer in St. Peter's Basilica during a Lenten penance service and that, on the same day, the feast of the Annunciation, Cardinal Konrad Krajewski, the papal almoner, would lead a similar act of consecration at the Shrine of Our Lady of Fatima in Portugal.

When Mary appeared to three shepherd children at Fatima in 1917 with a message encouraging prayer and repentance, she also asked for the consecration of Russia.
Bishop O’Connell has also invited the priests of the Diocese of Trenton to take part in the consecration March 25. Stay connected with TrentonMonitor.com for updates.

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THE PEOPLE OF WAR-TORN UKRAINE will be remembered by the faithful in the Diocese of Trenton in a special way March 31 when Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M., celebrates a livestreamed Mass for Peace in the Ukraine at 7 p.m. in St. Joseph Church, part of Our Lady of Fatima Parish, Keyport.


The Mass will be livestreamed at youtube.com/trentondiocese. St. Joseph Church is located at 376 Maple Place, Keyport.

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THROUGH THE 16TH ORDINARY SYNOD OF BISHOPS, Pope Francis has called upon all Catholics to share the unique stories of their Church experiences. Together, he believes that the faithful can help to create a community that journeys with all of God’s children. All members of the diocesan community who have not had an opportunity to participate in a parish conversation for the Synod are asked to consider letting your voice be heard in these final weeks of the Diocesan phase. 

You may join fellow members of the Diocese at one of the sites listed below.  Registration is required by completing this online form: https://forms.gle/QEZT9sgD3pHmoAMz8

Diocesan Sessions
Saturday, March 26, 2 p.m., Notre Dame High School, Lawrenceville (Register by March 24)
Sunday, April 3, 2:30 p.m., St. Robert Bellarmine Co-Cathedral, Freehold (Register by March 31)
Wednesday, April 6, 7 p.m. via Zoom (Register by April 4)

Survey
If you are not able to join a small group conversation, please consider completing this simple survey.
https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/5YVPGPX

For more information about the diocesan phase of the 16th Ordinary Synod of Bishops, click HERE.  Stay up-to-date with coverage of the Synod on TrentonMonitor.com.

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CLERGY APPOINTMENTS recently announced by Bishop O’Connell include the following:
Rev. Jorge Bedoya, from administrator to pastor, Jesus the Good Shepherd Parish, Beverly, effective March 14, 2022.
Rev. Thomas Kunnath, parochial vicar, Sacred Heart Parish, Trenton, to retirement, effective July 1, 2022.