Celebrating the gifts of this beautiful month of May
With its First Holy Communions, May Crownings, Mothers’ Day and a series of Marian feasts, the month of May is surely one of the most beautiful and hopeful in the Church year.
The May issue of The Monitor Magazine reflects that sense of beauty and hope from the very first page, depicting some of the Diocese’s First Communicants on their special day. Look for photo spreads on these sacramental celebrations, as well as May crownings from a number of our parishes. (See WE BELIEVE, pages 18-20.)
Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M., shares an engaging reflection on this month’s dedication to the Blessed Mother and the invitation that it offers each of us to turn to her once again. He writes, “It is not by accident that this month – so alive with beauty – is dedicated to the one through whom Life Himself came into the world.” Don’t miss the full text of this uplifting piece. (See FROM THE BISHOP, page 7.)
We also celebrate the two men who are about to be ordained deacons on their path to the priesthood. Meet Nicholas Alescio and Benedict Bien Quiambao, who are featured in this month’s ORDINATION PREVIEW (pages 10 and 11).
Be sure to look for a SPECIAL FEATURE on Terry Ginther, the Diocese’s chancellor and executive director of Pastoral Life and Mission. Terry, who is retiring in July, spends some time with The Monitor reflecting on her 30 years of Church ministry and her firm belief that, “No matter how much you think you know, God has a better idea. God is in charge” (pages 22-24).
This month’s IN FOCUS updates readers on the continuing criticism from the U.S. President against Pope Leo XIV and his calls for peace. We’ve included Bishop O’Connell’s substantive reflection on this issue and his Pastoral Invitation to every Catholic in the Diocese to pray for all those who have a role to play in achieving peace in the Middle East, as well as those who are impacted by the destruction and division it has caused.
For the first time, the Catholic dioceses in New Jersey joined forces to present a Catholic Mental Health Conference. The Monitor was there and brings you a special report (see page 30).
There’s lots more in this new issue:
- VOCATIONS NEWS – Called by Name invites priestly prospects; Permanent deacon candidates installed; Bishop visits St. Charles Borromeo Seminary
- PARISHES AND PEOPLE – Father Osborn prays with Pope; Jesus the Good Shepherd Parish welcomes Bishop O’Connell; Christ the King Parish’s newly dedicated chapel
- SCHOOL NEWS – St. Raphael School celebrates 75th; Red Bank Catholic brings donors and student recipients together; Donovan Catholic students prepared to save lives
PLUS . . . Viewpoints on World Communications Day; Important updates on marriage and the Church; columns from Father Garry Koch and Mary Morrell; Faith at Home on new moms bringing children up with God.
And finally, this coming weekend (May 16 and 17) the collection for the Catholic Communication Campaign will be taken up in the parishes of the Diocese … and those across the nation. We ask that our readers consider the importance of good Catholic communications and support this collection as their means allow.
The May issue has been sent to the mailboxes and inboxes of our subscribers. Not yet a subscriber? Sign up today safely and conveniently by clicking HERE or writing to Monitor-Subscriptions@DioceseofTrenton.org. You also may call our Business Desk at (609) 403-7169 for assistance.
May you all be uplifted during these beautiful and hopeful days!
Rayanne Bennett
Associate Publisher
And The Monitor team