“It’s an interesting coincidence that directly behind the Bishop’s chair is a depiction of the bishop ordaining,” Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M., said June 2, gesturing to the stained-glass window behind him in St. Mary of the Assumption Cathedral, Trenton.

“Between this window, and that window,” he said, pointing to the one above the Diocese’s four newly ordained priests on the opposite side of the Cathedral, “which pictures a priest doing his work and preaching, what do we have? We have these four men –  Father Smith, Father Dolan, Father DeSaye and Father Dayton – and we all say congratulations to you.”

Hundreds of priests, deacons, women and men religious and lay faithful erupted into applause in welcoming Father Christopher James Dayton, Father Michael G. DeSaye, Father Nicholas R. Dolan and Father James Richard Smith to the priesthood.

Read more about the 2018 Ordination in this story from The Monitor.
 

For even more coverage on the newly ordained, The Monitor has published a 20-page, full-color, commemorative booklet, entitled "Gift and Mystery." This booklet includes coverage of the Mass of Ordination; in-depth interviews with the four men, and a collection of dramatic photos that capture the emotion of Ordination day and the new priests' first Masses. 
 
You can access the digital edition of “Gift and Mystery,” hundreds of photos, and the full media package here.
 
The booklet was sent to all subscribers with the June 14 issue of The Monitor. To subscribe to The Monitor or to order copies of this commemorative booklet, call 609-403-7131 or write to Monitor-Marketing@dioceseoftrenton.org.

 

 

Blessing of Chalices Entrance Procession Liturgy of the Word	Rite of Ordination Liturgy of the Eucharist Blessing of Bishop	Congratulations First Blessings

 

Father Christopher Dayton, 30, was born in Long Branch. He is a 2006 graduate of Christian Brothers Academy, Lincroft, and a 2010 graduate of Christendom College, Fort Royal, VA, where he received degrees in political science and economics. He prepared for the priesthood in St. Mary Seminary and University, Baltimore, from where he graduated May 17 with bachelor of sacred theology and master of divinity degrees. To watch a short video about Father Dayton, click here.

Father Michael G. DeSaye, 34, was born, in Newton. He is a 1997 graduate of Holy Family School, Lakewood; a 2001 graduate of Christian Brothers Academy, Lincroft, and a 2005 graduate of Ithaca College, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in music and piano. Recognizing a desire to serve the Church, Rev. Mr. DeSaye entered St. Mary Abbey, Morristown, and became a Benedictine brother, completing his novitiate and professing simple vows. As a seminarian for the Diocese of Trenton, his formal education includes earning a pre-theology certificate from Theological College on the campus of The Catholic University of America, Washington, in 2015, and matriculating in Mount St. Mary Seminary, Emmitsburg, Md., where he was awarded a master of divinity degree on May 4. To watch a short video about Father DeSaye, click here.


Father Nicholas Dolan, 25, was born in Brick. He attended Allenwood Elementary School, Allenwood; New School of Monmouth County, Holmdel; Wall Intermediate School, Wall Township, and Christian Brothers Academy, Lincroft. Rev. Brother Dolan went on to attend Franciscan University of Steubenville, Ohio, where he earned a bachelor of arts degree in philosophy in 2014. His preparation for the priesthood included spending a year in St. Mary Seminary and University, Baltimore, from 2014 to 2015, and Mt. St. Mary University and Seminary, Emmitsburg, Md., from where he was awarded a master of divinity degree on May 4. Rev. Brother Dolan is part of the Oratory of St. Philip Neri that’s located on the property of St. Anthony of Padua Parish, Red Bank, his home parish. To watch a short video about Father Dolan, click here.


Father James R. Smith, 38, was born in Trenton. He attended Parkway Elementary School, Trenton; Incarnation School, Ewing, from where he graduated in 1993, and Ewing High School, Ewing, from where he graduated in 1997. For more than 10 years following his high school graduation, Rev. Mr. Smith worked in various capacities – including as a musician – while pursuing liberal arts studies at Mercer County Community College, West Windsor. Rev. Mr. Smith studied for the priesthood in St. Mary Seminary and University, Baltimore, from where he was awarded bachelor of sacred theology and master of divinity degrees on May 17. To watch a short video about Father Smith, click here.


 

 
 
An archived version of the Ordination Mass live stream is available in the player above.