The Monitor

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

When I first asked that question in my column introducing the January issue of The Monitor Magazine, I could not have imagined how much things would change in the days to come.

Because we went to print before the disastrous events at the U.S. Capitol on January 6, there is no reference to it in this month’s issue.  But the question I posed became even more relevant . . . What will be asked of us in 2021? 
 
It is in the darkest of days, that the world most needs to see the love of God reflected in the people around them. This issue of your diocesan magazine reports on some of the ways we are called to share God’s love with those who are most vulnerable.

As our cover image and IN FOCUS package emphasizes, we are called by an unwavering Church to stand in solidarity with the poor, whose numbers have exploded over the last 10 months. This new issue covers the profound impact that the coronavirus pandemic has had on many of our brothers and sisters, as well as the agencies who are working to help them.

At the same time, we need to respond to the ever-growing threats to the helpless child in the womb. As the anniversary of Roe vs. Wade is once again commemorated in sadness, Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M., has asked us to be warriors for life, and to dedicate this month to prayer and advocacy to end abortion. We all can work to advance a culture in which every human life is welcomed into this world with love.

As we consider the work ahead of us, let us remember that we do not venture forth without special help.  Pope Francis has proclaimed a Year of St. Joseph, the foster father of Jesus who protected and cared for the Holy Family. We invite you to look for the special prayers in this issue that Bishop O’Connell has shared with us for this designated year.

As always, The Monitor Magazine brings you spiritual reflections and resources, updates on diocesan news and our regular Spanish-language section: El Anzuelo.

The print magazine has been mailed to subscribers; if you are 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.  Or skip right to full subscriber status and all the benefits it brings for only $25 per year . . . click here to learn more!

Because The Monitor Magazine cannot be distributed in our churches at this time, we are providing open access to our digital edition. Just click HERE for a sneak peek of the January issue. Also, remember to check in throughout the month at TrentonMonitor.com because news happens every day.
Have questions?  Reach out to us via Monitor-Subscriptions@DioceseofTrenton.org. 

May God bless you and keep you safe and well in the new year!

Rayanne Bennett, Associate Publisher 
on behalf of The Monitor Team

• Bishop O'Connell: Pro-life advocates are indeed warriors

• Plenary indulgence for Catholics taking part in March for Life events

• Diocese prepares to celebrate Catholic Schools Week 2021

• During Respect Life Mass, rally, faithful pray for victims of abortion