By Christina Leslie, Correspondent and EmmaLee Italia, Contributing Editor
Students at three elementary schools in the Diocese of Trenton marked Catholic Schools Week with Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M., who celebrated Masses and stayed afterward for special presentations.
Catholic Schools Week, the annual celebration of Catholic education in the United States, runs each year from the last Sunday in January through the following Saturday. It is an observance that Bishop O’Connell prioritizes as someone who has dedicated much of his priestly ministry to Catholic education, including his tenure as president of The Catholic University of America for 12 years before being named to lead the Diocese of Trenton. The Bishop also serves as chairman of the Committee on Catholic Education for the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops.
“The Bishop is always amazing with the children,” said Kathy Leonetti, principal of St. Rose of Lima School, Freehold, following his Jan. 27 visit. Preschoolers and students up through grade eight joined faculty, staff, parents and grandparents at the Mass.
Two days later, Bishop O’Connell visited St. Catharine School, Spring Lake, and on Feb. 1, as Catholic Schools Week drew to a close, he visited St. Ann Parish and School, Lawrenceville.
At each location, students took part in Masses with the Bishop as altar servers and gift bearers.
Delighted to meet the Bishop
Natalie Gallo, director of admissions at St. Catharine School, said the students “just lit up” in their interactions with the Bishop.
“The Gospel was about not hiding your light under a bushel basket, and he reminded them that light represents the truth of the Kingdom of God,” she said, noting that “even the 3-year-olds could understand [his message]. He thanked the parents for the sacrifices they make for their children to attend Catholic school.”
“Your school is like a bright city on a hill – everyone can see the goodness that comes from your prayers, your kindness and your learning,” Bishop O’Connell said. “Every time you choose what is right, you help light up the world.”
The Bishop proclaimed the Gospel’s message to the St. Rose of Lima School community, saying, “Catholic education teaches us to look beyond ourselves. We learn to see Jesus in people who are poor, lonely or forgotten.”
“Service isn’t just an extra activity – it’s living the Gospel,” he continued. “When you help others, you are following Jesus, who said that true greatness comes from serving, not being served.
Following the Mass at St. Rose of Lima School, Bishop O’Connell joined students for their Grandparents’ Day Show.
“His warmth and genuine interest in the children made the day especially meaningful for everyone,” Leonetti said. She noted that St. Rose of Lima pastor, Father James Conover, who concelebrated the mass, expressed his gratitude to the students, faculty and families for their dedication to Catholic education and to the spirit of St. Rose of Lima School.
“The celebration beautifully highlighted the partnership between faith, family and education that defines St. Rose of Lima School. Having Bishop O’Connell with us during Catholic Schools Week was a blessing and a joyful reminder of the strong community that supports our students every day,” she said.
A special song
Near the end of the Mass at St. Catharine’s, students performed a song, “I Am Here at the Door of Your Heart.” It was written by long-time St. Catharine School music teacher Natalya Bencivenga, Mercy Sister Carole MacKenthun and Father Damian McElroy, pastor. Through sung lyrics and American Sign Language, the students sang, “This moment now, you soon will share with others who need loving care. The ripple starts from all those here and soon will spread just everywhere.”
To see a YouTube link of the song, click on youtu.be/lDPusKzje0k.
Following the Mass, Bishop O’Connell visited some classrooms and shared anecdotes during frank and sometimes humorous question-and-answer sessions. He exchanged his Bishop’s zucchetto for a St. Catharine winter hat, reminded students of the importance of learning about their faith, and shared cellphone photos from his visit to meet Pope Leo XIV.
Impressive Encounter
Alessandra Fallon, director of admissions and marketing at St. Ann School, said students responded to Bishop O’Connell “with a mix of awe and curiosity.”
“The younger children were captivated by the Bishop’s ‘big hat,’” she said, “while the older students were impressed by his approachability.”
The schoolchildren and parishioners planned a breakfast reception in honor of Bishop O’Connell and Catholic Schools Week in the community room.
Reflecting on Catholic education
Fallon said the Sunday Mass celebrated by Bishop O’Connell was more full than usual. She related that students attended in school uniforms, some leading the entrance procession behind the school banner, reminding those in attendance “that our students and teachers are the heart of our parish.”
“Our school choir sang beautifully,” Fallon said, “and one of our alumni spoke at the conclusion of Mass, sharing what it means to be a St. Ann School student and alumna and reflecting on the lasting importance of a Catholic education.”
“While the Bishop’s presence gave the celebration a sense of formality, his warmth and approachability transformed it into an intimate family gathering,” Fallon said. “It was a powerful reminder of why our school’s mission is so vital to the life of the Church. His homily was heartfelt and deeply personal, speaking directly to the hearts of our students and faculty.”
For the teachers and staff, she said, “it is a meaningful expression of gratitude for their dedication and hard work. It reinforces the ‘Catholic’ in Catholic education and assures parents that their investment in a faith-based education is recognized, valued, and supported at the highest level of the Diocese.”
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