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Bishop's Corner

Bishop shares homily for Monday of Holy Week

At another time, the priests of the Diocese of Trenton would gather around their bishop, in the presence of the faithful, on Monday of Holy Week, to bless and consecrate sacramental holy oils at the Chrism Mass.
Priests of Diocese renew commitment, pray for all impacted by virus in synchronized Mass

On the Monday of Holy Week, priests across the Diocese of Trenton celebrated Mass from their respective churches, simultaneously, with Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M.
In message, Bishop calls Palm Sunday 'the door' of a saving week

When building a house, the location of the door is a critically important part of the planning. The door is the entrance way to the rest of the house. It is the place from which a person gets a first glimpse and impression of what is inside.
Bishop O’Connell, dozens of parishes to celebrate Holy Week and Easter liturgies via livestream

At a time when all churches in the Diocese of Trenton are closed to Mass-goers because of coronavirus restrictions, Catholics are invited to commemorate Palm Sunday and the arrival of Holy Week April 5 as a virtual experience via video livestreaming.
Abortion and COVID-19: A permissible elective surgery?

Crises bring out the best and worst in people and in their decisions.
Current circumstances are not permanent, Bishop says on radio show

Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M., has some advice for those feeling anxiety during these turbulent times.
Bishop's decree announces livestreaming and postponements for Holy Week liturgies

As Bishop of the Diocese of Trenton, I promulgate the following decree regarding the liturgies of Palm Sunday and Holy Week throughout the territorial Diocese of Trenton to assist the clergy and the faithful in the spiritual celebration of the Paschal Mysteries.
Bishop expresses ‘pastoral care and affection’ in letter to his flock

Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M., posted a letter to the diocesan faithful March 20, explaining the “unprecedented” but “necessary” steps now in place to keep people safe amid the coronavirus threat.
In video message, Bishop O’Connell urges Diocese to have faith, patience

Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M., issued words of comfort and hope to faithful throughout the Diocese of Trenton in a video message published March 20.
Bishop’s podcast message focuses on the sacrifices facing the faithful

In a March 17 recording for the Diocese’s podcast, "Catching the Word," Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M., reminds his flock that God is always present among us, and is particularly “close to the poor, the sick and the suffering.”
A message from Bishop O’Connell on measures to mitigate spread of COVID-19

God has not abandoned us and is present among us. As we learn each day of the growing concern surrounding the spread of the coronavirus in our communities, we need to have faith and confidence in God, especially in times like these, praying that He will see us through the present adversity safely.
Bishop O’Connell: Dispensation for Mass obligation given, churches will remain open

The following message was issued by Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M., to parishioners of the Diocese of Trenton March 12, effective immediately:
Bishop reflects on Rite of Election

Annually, on the First Sunday of Lent, Catholic bishops throughout the world celebrate the Rite of Election in their dioceses and archdioceses. As Bishop of the Diocese of Trenton, I had the privilege of doing so on Sunday, March 1, at the Co-Cathedral of St. Robert in Freehold.
In Lent, we watch and we pray; then we try again

It is clear from the beginning of this holy season of Lent that the Church wants us to focus in a special way on the passion of Christ as the path to Easter glory.
World Day of the Sick: Bishop O'Connell shares Holy Father's message

Bishop O’Connell has shared the Message of the Holy Father for this year’s “World Day of the Sick.”
Annual celebration highlights important witness of consecrated persons in Church

Each year, the Catholic Church celebrates the World Day for Consecrated Life. Instituted by Pope John Paul II in 1997, the celebration is in conjunction with the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord, also known as Candlemas Day, commemorating the coming of Christ, the Light of the World, through the symbolic lighting of candles.
‘Learn. Serve. Lead. Succeed’: Catholic Schools Week 2020

Every generation has the obligation and responsibility to educate the next generation. That involves the teaching of subjects like math and science, language and literature, history and health, among others.
Bishop O'Connell: 'Nothing more fundamental, precious than the right to life’

There is one thing we all have in common. Regardless of our race or place of natural origin; regardless of our religion or absence of it; regardless of our age or status or station in life: God gave us the gift of life, which our mothers carried until the day of our birth. We were allowed to live!
Sunday of the Word of God: Invitation and inspiration throughout the year

Since the Second Vatican Council (1962-65) and the restructuring of the Liturgy of the Word within Mass, lectors and readers have concluded their Scripture Readings at Mass with the phrase “This is the Word of the Lord,” more recently shortened to simply “The Word of the Lord.” Once that statement is made, the congregation responds, “Thanks be to God!” In the case of the Gospel, the deacon or priest proclaims “The Gospel of the Lord” to which the faithful respond, “Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ!”
Bishop calls attention to MLK Day message that upholds the ‘beloved community’

Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M., has shared the following statement of Archbishop José Gómez, president of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, in observance of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day ...
A reflection on the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord

All of us who are familiar with the New Testament know the story of Jesus’ Baptism by John the Baptist in the Jordan River.
Bishop O’Connell reflects on the feast of the Epiphany of the Lord

For much of contemporary secular society, Christmas is over for another year. For Catholics and Christians, however, there is “still more to come.”
‘Promoting a Church and a World for All’ – A message for National Migration Week 2020

For nearly a half century, the Catholic Church in the United States has celebrated National Migration Week, which is an opportunity for the Church community to reflect on the circumstances confronting migrants, including immigrants, refugees, children and victims and survivors of human trafficking.
A New Year’s Message from Bishop O’Connell: ‘For Auld Lang Syne’

Happy New Year! I am at the age now when New Year’s Eve finds me at home on the recliner, snacking on Hickory Farms cheese and summer sausage with a Coke Zero chaser waiting for the “ball to drop” in Times Square on TV at midnight so that I can go to bed!
Let God be in your lives, Bishop preaches in Christmas homily

Merry Christmas, everyone!“The grace of God has appeared, saving all,” St. Paul wrote to Titus as quoted in our second reading, “The appearance of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ.”

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The Diocese of Trenton is committed to the initiatives outlined in the U.S. Bishop’s Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People in regard to the reporting and investigation of sexual abuse allegations involving minors.

If you have been sexually abused as a minor by a member of the clergy or anyone representing the Catholic Church, or if you know of someone who was, you can report that abuse through the diocesan Abuse Hotline.

To report the sexual abuse of minors call our hotline 1-888-296-2965 or email us at abuseline@dioceseoftrenton.org

Please note: The Diocese of Trenton reports any allegations of sexual abuse to the appropriate law enforcement agencies. Anyone with an allegation is also encouraged to provide that information to local law enforcement authorities.