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July 8, 2022CATHOLICS IN THE DIOCESE OF TRENTON who took part in the months-long local phase of a worldwide Synod, shared honest and clear-eyed assessments of their relationship to their faith and the Church. Offered in a spirit of respect and love, the responses were often emotional and spoke of gratitude for the Church, but also, a sense of hurt, according to organizers.
On June 24, 2022, Bishop O’Connell submitted the Final Report for the Diocesan Phase of the Synod, “For a Synodal Church: Communion, Participation and Mission,” to the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. The report notes that, from January through April, the Diocese conducted more than 800 group listening sessions involving nearly 4,500 people, with 64 parishes, 70 priests and 156 deacons having actively participated.
In his brief reflections at the close of the report, Bishop O’Connell acknowledged, “I was not surprised by any of the results of the Synod discussions in terms of content. Positive experiences of ‘journeying’ with and in the local Church were affirming, especially the participants’ love for the Holy Eucharist and willingness to serve in various ministries. Similarly, challenges and obstacles to effective ‘journeying’ mentioned by participants were not surprising. The clergy sexual abuse scandal loomed large among peoples’ ‘hurts’ along with feelings of alienation by and among LGBTQ+ Catholics and Catholics who were divorced and remarried without an annulment.”
Read the full report HERE.
Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M., will lead the diocesan pilgrimage to the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception, Washington, D.C., on Nov. 12.
The pilgrimage will begin at noon and conclude at 3 p.m. with the celebration of Mass in the Great Upper Church. Throughout the day, participants will have an opportunity to visit the many shrines that are dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary under her various titles; participate in prayer experiences such as the Angelus at noon and the recitation of the Rosary; visit the bookstore, and attend the 3 p.m. Mass the Bishop will celebrate in the Great Upper Church.
More information on travel arrangements and other planned activities to come.
