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Bishop's Corner

Bishop O'Connell: The Sacred Heart of Jesus and the human heart of the priest beat as one

Devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus can be traced back to the 12th and 13th centuries ...
In Ordination homily Bishop tells new priest: ‘You were chosen for this gift … strive to be holy’

Deacon Ballacillo, consider the life and mission you are about to undertake by the laying on of my hands as Successor to the Apostles and by the consecratory prayer as a gift. Use it well.
A note of thanks

My heartfelt thanks to all the clergy, religious and faithful members of the Diocese of Trenton for your prayers and the many expressions of good wishes sent to me during my recent hospitalization.
With joyful hearts, we return

This weekend, when the Catholic Church in our Diocese celebrates the Solemn Feast of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ, seems like the perfect occasion to welcome all the faithful of the four counties to return to full participation in the Holy Eucharist ...
‘I Will Send Another, the Holy Spirit, the Advocate’: The Solemnity of Pentecost

“After they prayed, the place where they were meeting was shaken. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the Word of God boldly” (Acts of the Apostles 4:31).
The Month of May: The Month of Mary

St. Bernard of Clairvaux was well known for his great devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary.
‘He Was Taken from their Sight’: the Ascension of the Lord

Although the liturgical celebration of the Solemnity of the Ascension has been transferred to this coming Sunday in the Dioceses of New Jersey this year, I can’t help but reflect about its meaning on Thursday, May 13, 40 days after Easter.
Bishop O’Connell welcomes Holy Father’s establishment of ‘lay ministry of catechist’

As Bishop of the Diocese of Trenton, I welcome the apostolic letter issued today “motu proprio” (“on his own initiative”) by His Holiness Pope Francis, “Antiquum Ministerium” (Ancient Ministry), officially establishing the “lay ministry of Catechist” in the Church.
A Mother's Day message....

“The loveliest masterpiece of the heart of God is the love of a mother.” St. Therese of Lisieux
Bishop O’Connell: ‘God’s call to vocation comes in the ordinary moments of daily life’

The Word of God reminds each of us in the Book of the Prophet Isaiah: “You are my servant; I have chosen you and have not rejected you. Do not be afraid for I am with you” (Isaiah 41: 9-10).
You Are Witnesses

I do not consider myself to be a Scripture “scholar” but, rather, a Scripture “reader.” I do enjoy reading the Bible, especially the Gospels, and coming to know the Lord Jesus through the sacred texts.
Bishop O'Connell reflects on Pope Benedict XVI’s 94th birthday

Today, Friday April 16, is Pope Benedict XVI’s 94th birthday, making him the oldest Successor to St. Peter in history.
‘Jesus, I trust in you’

Is there any more powerful expression of love on earth than showing mercy to others?
The Easter Duty of Catholics: A Precept of the Church

In addition to the Ten Commandments given by God to Moses as found in the Old Testament (Exodus 20:2-17 and Deuteronomy 5:6-21) that oblige Jews and Christians to this very day, the Catholic Church has established its own set of particular commandments or “precepts” that bind the baptized Catholic faithful.
Easter 2021: ‘Behold, I make all things new’

The three days before Easter Sunday are, indeed, instructive. They speak of commitment to something great, of sharing our very selves with one another, of the sacrifice that comes with love ...
Toward Holy Week 2021: Some Things to Think and Pray About
St. Joseph: Guardian of the Redeemer and his Church

If it were not for the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of the Lord Jesus Christ, and her “yes” to God, the world would have never heard of Joseph, the “carpenter of Nazareth.” And, yet, this man of whom the Holy Scriptures say so very little is the Universal Patron of the Catholic Church.
Lent at the midpoint: Stay in your lane

Here we are at the midpoint of our Lenten journey with the finish line now in sight. How has it been going?
A Pastoral Letter on the Presence of God

It comes as no surprise that our “social distancing” or, when necessary, “quarantining” from one another can and does increase our feelings of isolation, even if only temporarily.
Bishop O'Connell leads virtual Way of Cross

Over the years, Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M., has found the Stations of the Cross to be a longstanding, personal tradition – one that has brought him great joy.
This Lent, ‘give God more time to speak to us’

The season of Lent has arrived, and with it the importance of prayer and penance become a special focus of our attention once again as we “journey to Jerusalem” with our Lord Jesus Christ.
The value of our Catholic media

February is Catholic Press Month. Here in the Diocese of Trenton, we are blessed to have many good “Catholic Press” venues to keep in touch with our Catholic faithful.
2021 Lenten Regulations

During the days and weeks of penance that lie ahead — from Ash Wednesday, February 17, 2021 until Holy Thursday, April 1, 2021 — the Catholic Church throughout the world commemorates the penitential season of Lent.
World Day of the Sick: Sisters and Brothers, All

Today, February 11, is the 29th annual World Day of the Sick, established by Pope St. John Paul II on May 13, 1992.
Bishop O’Connell’s homily for the Diocesan Youth Conference

After the Readings that we hear at Mass, the reader says, “The Word of the Lord, the Gospel of the Lord,” and we respond, “Thanks be to God, praise to you Lord 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.