YOUNG ADULTS AGE 18-39 ARE INVITED to the Diocese’s annual young adult retreat March 2, beginning at 10 a.m. in St. Luke Parish, 1674 Old Freehold Rd., Toms River. The daylong event, hosted by the diocesan Department of Youth and Young Adult Ministries, will include lunch and the parish Mass at 4 p.m. at the retreat’s end in St. Luke Church. The retreat theme – “Flipping Tables” (to make room for God) – will be explored by Dan Palmieri and Anthony McCullough of JMJ Missions.
The Chancery offices in Lawrenceville will be closed Monday, Feb. 19, in observance of Presidents Day. Normal operations will resume at 9 a.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 20.
The Chancery building in Lawrenceville will be closed today due to inclement weather. Chancery staff continue to work remotely and can be reached via email. Stay warm and safe!
BISHOP DAVID M. O’CONNELL, C.M., HAS SHARED THE FOLLOWING MESSAGE for Lent 2024. Lent is traditionally a time for prayer and fasting. This year, I am especially drawn to these words from my reading: “Fasting is the soul of prayer, mercy is the lifeblood of fasting. So, if you pray, fast; if you fast, show mercy; if you want your petition to be heard, hear the petition of others. If you do not close your ear to others, you open God’s ear to yourself.”
Lent is traditionally a time for prayer and fasting. This year, I am especially drawn to these words from my reading: “Fasting is the soul of prayer, mercy is the lifeblood of fasting. So, if you pray, fast; if you fast, show mercy; if you want your petition to be heard, hear the petition of others. If you do not close your ear to others, you open God’s ear to yourself.”
Sickness is always an unwelcome guest in the “home” of our bodies. Whether its visit is brief or long, expected or unanticipated, recognized or subtle, sickness’ knock on the door is one that no one wants to answer. Try as one may to keep it out, sickness eventually finds its way in and — like an obnoxious houseguest — takes over every room, leaving its hosts to wonder if it will ever leave. The analogy here, although not very poetic, makes the point for which it is intended.
Sickness is always an unwelcome guest in the “home” of our bodies. Whether its visit is brief or long, expected or unanticipated, recognized or subtle, sickness’ knock on the door is one that no one wants to answer. Try as one may to keep it out, sickness eventually finds its way in and — like an obnoxious houseguest — takes over every room, leaving its hosts to wonder if it will ever leave. The analogy here, although not very poetic, makes the point for which it is intended.
Each year, the Catholic Church celebrates World Day for Consecrated Life. Instituted by Pope John Paul II in 1997, the commemoration is celebrated in conjunction with the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord, also known as Candlemas Day recognizing the coming of Christ, the Light of the World, through the symbolic blessing and lighting of candles
Each year, the Catholic Church celebrates World Day for Consecrated Life. Instituted by Pope John Paul II in 1997, the commemoration is celebrated in conjunction with the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord, also known as Candlemas Day recognizing the coming of Christ, the Light of the World, through the symbolic blessing and lighting of candles .