By MARY STADNYK
Associate Editor
Bishop O’Connell celebrates Mass in Sacred Heart Church, Trenton, Dec. 13. The Bishop is joined by Msgr. Dennis Apoldite, pastor of Sacred Heart Parish, and Msgr. Thomas Gervasio, diocesan vicar general. Staff photos
The signs and symbols found in any Catholic church serve as a reminder “that God is with us” and that “we are in God’s house.”
Msgr. John K. Dermond shared that message with Diocesan Chancery staff during a Dec. 13 Advent Spirituality Day in which they visited and learned about the histories of three landmark churches in the city of Trenton: St. Mary of the Assumption Cathedral, Sacred Heart Church and St. Hedwig Church.
Some elements found in a church “tell stories or suggest stories from the Bible or the Sacraments or our history as Church,” Msgr. Dermond said. “Some lift the spirit with their beauty. Some help us to pray. Some remind us of our reason for being here.”
Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M., joined his staff at Sacred Heart Church, where he celebrated Mass for the Memorial of St. Lucy, a virgin and martyr “who lived her life with unwavering faith and courage.”
Lessons from St. Lucy
“Lucy means ‘light,’ and she truly was a light in the darkness of her time,” he said.
The Bishop recounted that St. Lucy lived in fourth-century Italy during a time of great persecution for Christians under the Roman Emperor Diocletian. Despite the dangers, Lucy remained steadfast in her faith, refusing to renounce Christ, even under the threat of death.
“St. Lucy’s life reminds us that true peace and righteousness come from following God’s Commandments and trusting in his plan for us,” the Bishop said. “As we navigate the challenges of our daily lives, let us draw strength from her example and strive to be faithful witnesses to the love and truth of Christ.”
Father Jacek Labinski, first row, left, and Chancery staff gather for a photo in the sanctuary of St. Hedwig Church, Trenton. At the Cathedral, Msgr. Dermond, rector emeritus, spoke on the Cathedral’s stained-glass windows and four side altars – including the baptistery – and the crests of the Diocese’s 10 Bishops. Msgr. Joseph Roldán, current rector, reviewed the Cathedral’s history and focused on fixtures in the sanctuary, such as the altar of sacrifice and the high altar. He also pointed out the cathedra, the chair used only by the Bishop; it is from where the Bishop teaches the congregation.
Msgr. Roldán reflected on the 1956 fire that destroyed the old Cathedral and caused the deaths of three people – Msgr. Richard Crean, rector, and two housekeepers. He noted that very little was salvaged except for the bronze doors to the Cathedral’s main entrance and the building’s cornerstone.
An old church with diverse parishioners
Before Mass in Sacred Heart Church, the pilgrims learned highlights of the parish’s 210-year history from Msgr. Dennis Apoldite, pastor, and the “great privilege” it holds in being the first Catholic parish in New Jersey.
Msgr. Apoldite, Sacred Heart’s 16th pastor, paid tribute to his predecessors and spoke on how imperative it is for a pastor to put the parish and the people he serves above all else.
Msgr. Apoldite smiled when he spoke of his current parishioners, saying that while they come from different cultures and backgrounds, “they truly care and truly love.”
“The greatest thing about this church is the respect and care they have for one another, and they hope that Sacred Heart continues to go on for many years.”
At St. Hedwig Church, which is in the city’s north section and serves a predominantly Polish and Polish-American community, the pilgrims heard from Father Jacek Labinski, pastor, who recounted that while the parish was established 120 years ago, the church building celebrated its 100th anniversary in October. He also reviewed some of the church’s poignant artwork that depicts the parish’s patron saint as well as the chapel that is dedicated St. John Paul II in the gathering space.
“All churches should be decorated in a way that teaches,” Msgr. Dermond said. “The images we see are what tells a story.”
Terry Ginther, diocesan chancellor and executive director of the Office of Pastoral Life and Mission, said she hoped her colleagues appreciated visiting the three churches and how they reflect “the beautiful tapestry of the people of God coming together.”
Msgr. John Dermond leads a presentation on the stained glass images in St. Mary of the Assumption Cathedral, Trenton. At right is Terry Ginther, diocesan chancellor.