As Catholics observe on July 26 the World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly, established by Pope Francis in 2021, the Diocese of Trenton will take up its special collection during July 25-26 Masses for the Retired, Elderly and Infirm Priests Fund.
The annual collection is taken up in all Catholic churches across Burlington, Mercer, Monmouth and Ocean counties, coinciding with the Feast of Saints Joachim and Anne, parents of the Blessed Virgin Mary and grandparents of Jesus. Begun in 2022 by Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M., the fund supports more than 80 priests of the Diocese in their retirement housing and healthcare needs.
Kevin Cimei, diocean CAO, reported that $339K was collected in the 2025 collection, a 6% increase over the prior year’s donations.
Reminding Catholics of the treasure the Church has in the elder members of its community – not only among family members, but clergy as well – Bishop O’Connell called elderly priests of the Diocese “our spiritual grandparents,” who continue to pray for our faith community, and many of whom continue to minister in parishes in retirement.
For more information about the collection, contact the Office of Communications at 609-403-7169; dotcomm@dioceseoftrenton.org.