The Monitor

MAGAZINE AND DIGITAL NEWS SITE 
OF THE DIOCESE OF TRENTON,
serving the Catholic community in
Burlington, Mercer, Monmouth and Ocean Counties.

Cautious optimism has been the description used for the gradual and careful return to in-church Masses across the Diocese’s four counties.  At the same time, our Catholic school leadership is diligently working, along with their public school counterparts, to get ready for September and all that it will bring. 

These are complicated times, and the array of coverage in the August issue of The Monitor Magazine aims to bring clarity and hope to our readers.  Look for our IN FOCUS package on parish efforts to provide their communities with the sacraments, as pastors share lessons learned. 

Our annual BACK TO SCHOOL section provides a snapshot of efforts underway to make schools safe for students and teachers, as well as planning for equitable and effective virtual learning for families needing that option.  Readers will hear from the Diocese’s new superintendent of Catholic schools, Vincent D. Schmidt, and meet the new principals who have been named this year.

In his message, “In the Lord Jesus, we walk in truth,” Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M., offers a reflection on what truth is and is not, and how it should guide us through the concerns and deliberations of these times.

Other pieces to check out in your new issue:

• In her reflection, “Taking Christ to the World,” Terry Ginther, diocesan chancellor, points out the take-aways for every parishioner in the new Vatican instruction on evangelization in the parish community.
• With the recent debate over the allocation of COVID relief funding, see our reporting on the critical needs helped by payroll protection support in our parishes and schools, and an op/ed that points to the facts behind the debate.
• Underscoring that we are Catholic Christians first, this new magazine issue tells the stories of folks who are serving others and working to make the world a better place, despite the worries that face every individual and family. 

Religious milestones, Church’s response to national issues, sports . . . there are too many other stories to preview, so we hope you’ll set some time aside to spend with the August issue … 

Because The Monitor Magazine cannot be distributed in our churches at this time, we are providing free and open digital access to all members of our diocesan community and visitors to our websites. You can view a digital copy here.

The new print edition has been sent to all home delivery subscribers. Not yet a subscriber? Learn more about our SPECIAL TIMES/SPECIAL RATE offer and receive the next four issues for only $5!  Sign up here. 

• Bishop O’Connell: A teaching on the Solemnity of the Assumption of Mary

• IHM sisters with ties to Diocese reflect on community’s 175 years

• Bishop extends Mass dispensation

• PPP funds critical to continuing community outreach