A new school year is underway, bringing fresh opportunities to learn, grow and put faith into action. The September issue of The Monitor Magazine shares how students, educators and faithful throughout the Diocese are beginning a new season with hope and purpose.
On our cover, students from Our Lady of Good Counsel School, Moorestown, make their way to their first day of classes, capturing the excitement felt across the Diocese as Catholic schools welcomed students back. Our special BACK TO THE CLASSROOM section begins with a message from Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M., in which he reflects on the mission of Catholic education.
Look for a recap from our Catholic schools on new programs, campus improvements and safety initiatives; new leaders who will guide the schools; and fall sports teams sharing their hopes for the season.
Also part of this special section is a glimpse at the new catechetical year that will unfold in parish religious education programs throughout the Diocese. You’ll find reporting on Catechetical Sunday, which will be observed throughout the Church Sept. 20. And you will meet Jessica Donohue, the newly-appointed diocesan Director of Catechesis, and learn a bit about nine new parish catechetical leaders as they all prepare to step into their new roles.
The joy of new beginnings is tempered by the sadness shared as the Bishop and faithful throughout the region observe in solemn prayer the 25th anniversary of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks. In a separate reflection, the Bishop considers the arrival of fall and the spiritual lessons found in life’s changing seasons.
The new issue also looks at the Diocese’s annual observance of the Season of Creation, which began Sept. 1 with Bishop O’Connell celebrating the newly adopted Mass for the Care of Creation in Our Lady Star of the Sea Beach Chapel, Manasquan.
Don’t miss the SPECIAL REPORT on the catastrophic flooding and mudslides in Nepal and Tibet, where Church leaders are calling for climate justice and continued support for vulnerable communities.
Other articles to check out:
- RESPECT LIFE – The third annual New Jersey Bishops’ Mass for Life will open a day of prayer and public witness Oct. 8 in Trenton, and Respect Life Month begins Oct. 4 with the theme “Mary, Mother of Life”
- DIOCESE – The faithful mourn the deaths of Father James A. Conover and Msgr. Michael J. Walsh; Marlene Lao-Collins reflects on a career grounded in faith; and Kevin Clark and Father Arian Wharff embrace new diocesan ministry roles
- VOCATIONS – Meet the Diocese’s 16 seminarians, including six men beginning their formation for the priesthood this year
- YOUNG CATHOLICS – The viral Pizza to Pews young adult community brings more than 100 young Catholics to a standing-room-only Mass at the Jersey Shore
- ISSUES – VIEWPOINTS examines the tragic death of a young Haitian student who, no longer protected by law, was forced into wearing an ankle monitor; Bishop O’Connell and James King of the NJCC unpack the new law protecting those involved with reproductive health care services.
The September 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 this season of new experiences and opportunities remind us all of God’s grace.
Rayanne Bennett
Associate Publisher
And The Monitor team