Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M., clergy, religious and faithful of the Diocese of Trenton were recognized for their support of the 2021 Black and Indian Mission Collection held the weekend of Feb. 20-21.
In a letter dated Aug. 6, 2021, to Bishop O’Connell, Father Maurice Henry Sands, executive director of the national Black and Indian Mission Office, thanked the Diocese for its generous contribution of $61,297.31 that will be used to help communities build the Church and preach the Gospel among African-American, Native-American and Alaska-Native peoples.
“The grace of the Holy Spirit and the charity of the people of God, enable the continuation of the work of evangelization and ministry in our Native American and African American communities,” stated Father Sands. “Please continue to encourage your clergy, religious and laity to strengthen our efforts through the offering of their daily prayers, financial offerings and other forms of spiritual and material support.”
Father Sands continued, “I am most grateful to you and all the people of your local Church for your generosity.”
The Black and Indian Missions Collection, established as the first National Collection at the Third Plenary Council of Baltimore in 1844, has proven itself to be a successful vehicle for the sharing of the resources of the Church’s members to provide for the needs of the members of the African-American, Native-American and Native Alaskan communities.