In the Spotlight

On Wednesday of Catholic Schools Week, the students and faculty of St. Mary of the Lakes School celebrated local law enforcement and emergency service personnel. The students displayed flags and banners to thank the parade of police, fire, and emergency vehicles as they drove around the school with their lights flashing and sirens roaring. Students had made bagged lunches earlier for all of the emergency personnel, and these were offered to all of the folks in the parade. The pageant dramatically concluded with the landing of a coast guard helicopter on the great lawn. What an exciting day for all in attendance!

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On October 17th,18th, 19th, and 24th, all of our administrators, teachers, and school counselors gathered for spiritulaity days with a focus on the Eucharist. The Co-Cathedral of St. Robert Bellarmine hosted participants from upper Monmouth County on the 17th, from lower Monmouth & Ocean Counties on the 18th, and from all of our high schools on the 19th. On the 24th, St. David the King hosted participants from Burlington & Mercer Counties. The director for these days was Fr. Martin O'Reilly, pastor of Mary Mother of the Church in Bordentown. Father gave two inspiring presentations and each day concluded with a period of Eucharistic Adoration and Benediction of the Most Blessed Sacrament. These were beautiful and meaningful days for all in attendance. 


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Updated Report Card Pilot Program
Three schools in the Diocese of Trenton will be piloting updated report cards this year. The schools who have volunteered to pilot the cards are St. Catharine in Spring Lake, St. Gregory the Great Academy in Hamilton, and St. Peter School in Point Pleasant. Many thanks to Dr. Jason Briggs, principal of St. Gregory the Great Academy, for creating this instructional video about the updated cards. To gain some insight into the updated report cards, please click the image below. 


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The students at St. Mary Academy (Grades 1-8) in Manahawkin worked with Ms. Lizanne Coyne, principal, and Mrs. Scott, SMA music teacher, on a dedication video to our Twin Parish Holy Trinity Church and St. Mary School in Uganda. We are very proud of the children from SMA. Please click the image below to view the video.


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Have you ever wondered what it is like to be a Catholic school teacher? Click the image below and see what it means to some of our teachers.


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Click the image below to view a video from St. Rose High School in Belmar, NJ.  St. Rose has developed a business education program and has created the St. Rose Business Center. Led by Mr. Anthony Attardo, who has a rich history of working in the financial sector, this program seeks to instruct students in a faith-based environment, so that they can one day become ethical business professionals of the future


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The members of the Department of Catholic Schools recently conducted one of their official school visitations. This visit took the team to St. Mary Academy in Manahwkin, NJ. While at the school, Daniel O'Connell, Associate Director for Curriculum and Instruction, had the opportunity to meet a special young lady named Emma. When Emma came to the school, she was somewhat shy and self-conscious because she had a prosthetic leg. Hearing this, Bishop O'Connell wrote a special letter to Emma in order to encourage her. He told Emma that he also had a prosthetic leg and he sent her some photos of him doing physical therapy and putting on his prosthetic leg. She felt so special to receive this letter from the bishop. Mr. O'Connell said that she was happy to meet the bishop's brother, but the truth is that Mr. O'Connell was much happier to meet Emma. 
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Click the following image for important information about our high schools.

Haga clic en la siguiente imagen para obtener información importante sobre nuestras escuelas secundarias.

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On September 17, 2022, the Diocesan PTA held their Annual Fall Conference. Students, principals, and parish PTA leaders assembled at the Co-Cathedral of St. Robert Bellarmine on his feast day for Mass with Bishop O’Connell. The Bishop spoke of the importance of nourishing the seed, which is just what the parents of our students are doing by sending them to Catholic schools. After Mass, the participants were treated to a lovely brunch. Elia Landino, PTA President, had the opportunity to address everyone in attendance. After everyone had their opportunity for nourishment, Paul Signorelli, a long-time member of the Diocesan PTA leadership team, spoke to everyone about his involvement in the organization over the years. Jessica Jarmer, who handles marketing for the PTA, made a presentation of student scholarships to several students from a number of schools. It was truly a beautiful and inspirational day. 

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At St. Benedict School on Friday, September 16, 2022, the Maryellen Harris Playground called The Nest was blessed and dedicated. Fr. Garry Koch was on hand to lead the ceremony along with Mr. Kevin Donahue, Principal. The playground attaches to the Pre-K 3 classrooms. Mayor Greg Buontempo of Holmdel presented a proclamation in honor of Mrs. Harris. St. Benedict School alumna, Olivia U., from the class of 2019, also shared her sensory equipment made for the playground as part of her Girl Scout Gold Award project. We hope the PreK 3 students enjoy their new playground and equipment for many years to come!



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Many thanks to the Principal of St. Paul School in Burlington, Mr. William Robbins, for welcoming the principals and the staff of the Department of Catholic Schools. On Friday, November 12, 2021, the leaders of the schools of the Diocese took part in a professional development workshop. Mrs. Brianna Hodges presented a great workshop on Transforming Obstacles into Opportunities. We also celebrated the conclusion of the Cognia re-accreditation process. While the schools of the Diocese have not received the "offical" word on re-accreditation, the concluding meeting with the visiting team was VERY positive and encouraging.

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On October 22, 2021, The school community of St. Jerome celebrated Heroes’ Day. This is an annual event to honor the heroes who serve in the community.  The event is an opportunity to celebrate the contributions of police, fire fighters, first aid providers, active military, and veterans.

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On October 12th, the school community of St. Benedict in Holmdel celebrated the official opening of the Dr. Robert H. Harris Early Learning Center for PreK 3 students. Everyone was beyond excited for the students and teachers. St. Benedict  is most grateful to Mrs. MaryEllen Harris for her overwhelming generosity and unwavering commitment to                           Catholic school education.                      

           Thank you to all who celebrated this most memorable day!                                          

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Calling all 7th and 8th grade students! There's a part wating for you in our story. Click the image below and check out what's happening in our high schools. Lights! Camera! ACTION!


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Notre Dame High School and the Diocese of Trenton suffered a great loss on June 21, 2021. The hearts of the school community were broken as they learned the sad news that their beloved coach John McKenna had been called back to God's Kingdom. John was an exceptional husband, father, teacher, coach, and person. A man of great faith, he cared about the well-being and success of every student and colleague at Notre Dame High School. Please keep his family in your thoughts and prayers.



Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord,
and let perpetual light shine upon him.
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During Teacher Appreciation Week, the PTA and students of St. Paul School in Burlington decided to thank the "teacher of teachers," Principal Bill Robbins. Now, Mr. Robbins has been known to be a pretty dapper dresser. To reflect this, the students made ties listing all the positive qualities that Mr. Robbins exhibits each day at St. Paul School.
Lookin' good, Mr. Robbins!




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Recently, Colin T. and his father accepted a generous donation to Special Olympics Area 06 from 3rd grade student Ella. The donation came from the proceeds for the Rock Your Socks event which celebrated World Down Syndrome Day. Keep on rockin', St. Dominic School.

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Congratulations, Dr. Briggs, our own Frontline Hero!

Dr. Jason Briggs, Principal of St. Gregory the Great Academy in Hamilton, was nominated to be a Frontline Hero and to have his image emblazoned on a banner to hang outside Citizens Bank Park for the Opening Day festivities of the Philadelphia Phillies. The final heroes were selected from about 500 nominations that were submitted by fans in February. Please see the article about the Frontline Heroes, the video which was submitted to nominate Dr. Briggs, and the banners that are being displayed. Dr. Briggs knocked it out of the park in responding to the pandemic.

Read the article here: https://www.mlb.com/press-release/press-release-phillies-and-toyota-announce-frontline-heroes-to-be-honored-on-ope?fbclid=IwAR2dI_eOhzbaKOXemrV9wOLgtsgcVQoZjjODDgfMxf-xxRYhxBxwcoBo1wY

Frontline Heroes Banners: https://www.mlb.com/phillies/fans/contests/frontline-heroes/banners

Video SGGA sent to the Phillies: https://vimeo.com/515280813

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Two of our students share their thoughts for the Annunciation Novena.




During Respect Life Week, the students of the diocesan and private Catholic high schools throughout the four counties collected essentials for newborn children and their mothers who are in need. God bless those moms for CHOOSING LIFE. We are strongest when we work together and this collection was a tremendous success thanks to the students, parents, and faculty members in our high schools.
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