News - July 2022 RSS Feed

CATECHISTS ARE NOT TEACHERS OF A SUBJECT, such as English. A catechist is someone who introduces others to Jesus Christ. Such was the insight Michelle Angelo offered when speaking about the unique role of a catechist and why they should receive quality formation.

The Holy Father gives a public audience every Wednesday in Rome. Thousands of pilgrims from all over the world attend to hear his message and receive his blessing. Perhaps some of you have had the occasion and opportunity to attend.

BISHOP DAVID M. O’CONNELL, C.M., ANNOUNCED THE FOLLOWING in advance of World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly, set for July 23 and 24: The Holy Father has extended the opportunity for a plenary indulgence “to grandparents, elderly and all the faithful” who participate this weekend in World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly and “to the faithful who devote adequate time to visit, in presence or virtually, through the media, their elderly brothers and sisters in need or in difficulty.”

Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M., has established a new special annual collection that will be held in all parishes July 23 and 24 to benefit the retired, elderly and infirm priests in the Diocese of Trenton. The collection will coincide with the second annual World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly, and will be a way for the faithful to support our “spiritual fathers and grandfathers” in the Diocese.

“In their old age, they still bear fruit (Psalm 92:15).” This year, the Catholic Church throughout the world celebrates the second Annual World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly on the weekend of July 23-24. Initiated by our Holy Father Pope Francis in 2021, this annual event is intended to lift up and honor those among us who have “borne the heat of the day” so to speak and have entered their “golden years.”

Catholics 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.

With the July 4th holiday behind us, I offer my prayerful best wishes to all the clergy, religious and faithful of the Diocese. May the summer season be a time of well-deserved relaxation, enjoyable times with family and friends and more opportunities for growing closer to the Lord Jesus.  As we continue to celebrate the diocesan phase of the national Eucharistic Revival, don’t forget to get to Mass and receive Holy Communion each Sunday throughout the summer months. Stop in Church to pray while you have a little extra time.  Life is always happier and better when we include the Lord Jesus in our plans. God bless you all!

With the July 4th holiday behind us, I offer my prayerful best wishes to all the clergy, religious and faithful of the Diocese. May the summer season be a time of well-deserved relaxation, enjoyable times with family and friends and more opportunities for growing closer to the Lord Jesus.  As we continue to celebrate the diocesan phase of the national Eucharistic Revival, don’t forget to get to Mass and receive Holy Communion each Sunday throughout the summer months. Stop in Church to pray while you have a little extra time.  Life is always happier and better when we include the Lord Jesus in our plans. God bless you all!

BISHOP DAVID M. O’CONNELL, C.M., WILL BE PRINCIPAL CELEBRANT and homilist for two October Masses to honor the first, 25th and 50th anniversaries of couples around the Diocese, and to impart his episcopal blessing. The event is sponsored by the Department of Evangelization and Family Life, assisted by the Office of Worship.