Top photo: Jessica Donohue, director of the Diocesan Department of Catchesis, welcomes participants at the 2026 PCL convocation. Staff photo
A group of about 65 participants gathered Sept. 10 for the Diocese’s Parish Catechetical Leader (PCL) Convocation, bringing together PCLs, ministry partners and other attendees for fellowship, prayer and reflection.
This year’s convocation, held in St. Robert Bellarmine Co-Cathedral, Freehold, began with Mass and included the installation of the 2026-27 Trenton Religious Education Directors (TRED) Board.
Other events that day included prayer services, lunch, and a two-part talk by keynote speaker Dr. Patrick Manning, associate professor of pastoral theology and director of the Center for Catholic Studies at Seton Hall University, South Orange.
Dr. Manning’s talk, titled “Contemplative Prayer Practices for Parish Leaders, Catechists, and Learners: Creating Spaces to Listen, Reflect and Encounter God,” explored how contemplative prayer can bring the faithful closer to Jesus, help them navigate the challenges of modern life, and enrich catechesis.
Mariyam Francis of Our Lady of Sorrows-St. Anthony Parish, Mercer County representative, was named president during the service. Monmouth County representative Mark Rusoniello of St. Robert Bellarmine Co-Cathedral assumed the role of vice president, replacing Francis. Michelle Doré, Burlington County representative and PCL in St. Charles Borromeo Parish, Cinnaminson, was named treasurer, and Michelle Abi-Yaghi, PCL in Catholic Community of Hopewell Valley, Pennington and Mercer County representative, was announced as secretary.