Trenton’s Sacred Heart Parish marks feast day with visit from Bishop

In top photo, Bishop O’Connell celebrates Mass in Sacred Heart Church, Trenton, the third of four visits to parishes named Sacred Heart in the Diocese. Mike Ehrmann photos

By Mary Stadnyk | Associate Editor

^“The Sacred Heart of Jesus is the feast of a love that never tires, never withdraws, never gives up on us,” Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M., said during the June 14 Mass he celebrated in Sacred Heart Church, Trenton.

The Bishop’s visit that day coincided with the parish’s patronal feast, transferred this year from June 12, the Solemnity of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. The Mass also marked the third of four Masses that the Bishop celebrated in parishes bearing the name Sacred Heart.

Photo Gallery: Bishop celebrates Feast of the Sacred Heart in Trenton church

Reflecting on the meaning of the parish’s namesake and the enduring love symbolized by the Sacred Heart of Jesus the Bishop said, “The Sacred Heart is not just an image on our walls. It is the beating heart of God, revealed in the humanity of Jesus, burning with mercy for every person here.”

Drawing from the day’s Gospel, the Bishop emphasized Christ’s compassion for those who are lost, weary and searching.

“Jesus looks at the crowds, and his heart is moved with pity,” Bishop O’Connell said. “He doesn’t see problems to fix. He sees people to love. His compassion moves him to action. He calls the 12 apostles and sends them out to heal, to lift burdens and to proclaim hope.”

That same mission, he explained, belongs to the Church today. “Here at Sacred Heart Parish, it is our mission too,” he said. “Trenton and the surrounding area are filled with people who feel troubled and abandoned – the lonely, the anxious, the struggling, the forgotten, young people searching for purpose, and the elderly longing for connection. Jesus sees them, and he sends us – this parish – to be his heart for them.”

Because June 14 also marked Flag Day, the celebration included Bishop O’Connell’s blessing of hundreds of American flags donated for clients of the parish’s monthly food pantry. Along with their bags of groceries, recipients received a newly blessed flag to display in their homes, according to Msgr. Apoldite.

Many parishioners found the Mass to be a meaningful affirmation of the U.S. bishops’ recent consecration of the nation to the Sacred Heart.

“I know there is supposed to be separation between Church and state,” said parishioner Joan Stanton, “but I think it’s good and important for the bishops to take this course of action. I think it’s about time.”

Stanton also praised Bishop O’Connell’s decision to visit each of the Diocese’s four Sacred Heart parishes.

“His action will certainly be encouraging to people throughout the Diocese,” she said.

Brian McLaughlin, a parishioner since the mid-1980s, said he had followed news of the consecration online.

“We certainly have a lot of problems in our country,” McLaughlin said, “and it’s wonderful that we dedicate America through prayer.”

He said he appreciated the Bishop’s efforts to encourage prayer throughout the Diocese then added, “having the Bishop bless the American flags that will be given to our food pantry recipients just adds to this beautiful day.”