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Bishop's Corner

Ten years of ‘loving and serving the Lord Jesus and his people'

On July 30, Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M., will mark the 10th anniversary of his ordination to the episcopacy, less than two months after being named Coadjutor Bishop of the Diocese of Trenton.
Summertime Again

It’s summertime again, although the look and feel of it is quite different this year. Most of us have been working at home or home schooling so, despite the change of seasons, it seems just “more of the same.” But it is different.
Embracing Father’s Day as a celebration of faith

Like “Mother’s Day” in the United States, “Father’s Day” celebrations began here in the early 20th century. Their true origins, however, are rooted in Catholic religious devotions to St. Joseph in the Middle Ages. For the most part, the national observance of “Father’s Day” is a secular holiday.
The Sacred Heart of Jesus and the human heart of the priest shall beat as one

Devotion to the “Sacred Heart of Jesus” can be traced back to the twelfth and thirteenth centuries in the Catholic Church.
This Is My Body, This Is My Blood

In June 2011, our Holy Father Pope Benedict XVI reminded us that the feast we celebrate today in Catholic Churches throughout the United States – the Solemnity of the Body and Blood of Christ often referred to as “Corpus Christi” – “is inseparable from the Holy Thursday Mass of the Lord’s Supper in which the institution of the Eucharist is also celebrated (Homily, June 24, 2011).” A profound and beautiful thought that we should keep in mind.
It should not have happened

All of us in our Diocese, in our nation, indeed, throughout the world looked with horror at the video depicting the May 25 death of George Floyd, an African American citizen of the city of Minneapolis, Minnesota.
Bishop on Pentecost: The wind blows where it pleases

The Sacred Scriptures remind us that “the love of God has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit dwelling with us (Romans 5: 5).”
We remember: ‘Greater love than this no one has’

Memorial Day is observed throughout the United States on the last Monday in May.
I Am with You Always

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 today, Thursday, 40 days after Easter. This great feast – whenever it’s placement of the Catholic Church calendar occurs – commemorates our belief that the Risen Lord Jesus, gathered with his disciples on Mt. Tabor near Jerusalem, ascended body and soul into heaven, returning to his Father.
Bishop O’Connell’s 2020 Baccalaureate Mass homily

This is not the high school graduation celebration you expected when you began your senior year back in September. Who could have imagined then what you are experiencing now and how your senior year would end?
Bishop reflects on Pope John Paul II: A century of witness to Christ

My fellow seminarians and I sat together shortly after noon on Monday, October 16, 1978, with our eyes fixed on the television set. White smoke rose from the chimney of the Sistine Chapel signifying to the world that a new Pope had been elected by the College of Cardinals assembled inside.
Bishop O'Connell announces approval of 'in car' Masses, distribution of Eucharist

In a new statement issued May 15, Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M., announced his approval of a set of directives that give permission for outdoor “in car” Masses according to good pastoral judgement of parish pastors.
Bishop O’Connell’s homily for the Mass for health care and essential workers

From the cross, the Lord Jesus gave John the beloved disciple to his Mother Mary – “Woman, there is your son” – and his Mother Mary to John – “There is Your Mother.”
Churches may reopen for private prayer only, in compliance with public health guidelines, May 13

Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M., has issued instructions for the reopening of churches in the Diocese of Trenton for private prayer only, following all public health guidelines, beginning May 13, the Feast of Our Lady of Fatima or following, once pastors determine they can safely do so.
Giving thanks for the unconditional love of our mothers

I can still hear her voice, so sweet and gentle. Her face is always in my mind’s eye as I remember her bright eyes and happy smile.
Current restrictions must remain, but we begin to plan for our return to church

National health experts and scientists continue to express grave concerns that the spread of COVID-19 is far from over. While they agree that mitigation and the other precautions that have been taken throughout the country seem effective, they are urging people not to lower their guard.
The ‘new now’ is not the ‘new normal’ for those who seek God’s grace

When all the restrictions concerning COVID-19 are lifted – and they will be – will I have to return to Mass? Will I have to go to Confession? Will I be able to receive the Eucharist?
Bishop O’Connell’s homily for the Feast of St. Joseph the Worker

The coronavirus pandemic that has gripped most of the world is a crisis on so many levels that very few parts of our society have been spared its impact.
Bishop’s reflection for the reconsecration of the U.S. to Mary, Mother of the Church

As the Lord Jesus was dying on the Cross, he looked down and saw his Beloved Mother standing next to John, his Beloved Disciple. In his final moments, their eyes met, and Jesus spoke ...
Patient suffering and sacrifice are what the Lord asks of us

The temporary closure of churches to the faithful in the Diocese of Trenton and its effects on the public celebration of Mass and Sacraments in their usual ritual form were the most difficult and painful decisions I have ever made.
Bishop O’Connell on Divine Mercy Sunday: ‘Jesus, I Trust in You'

“Mercy is the love freely shown to us by God, who first reveals himself to us and makes his presence known and felt.”
'We will always be an Easter people,' Bishop says in podcast, video

In recorded podcast and video messages, Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M., extended an Easter greeting during which he offered words of assurance as faithful of the Diocese and beyond navigate the start of the Easter season during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Bishop O’Connell’s homily for the Easter Vigil

Jesus of Nazareth lived most of his life in obscurity without much notoriety or attention paid to him. The Gospels tell us about his birth in Bethlehem and, later, about his appearance in the temple at age twelve.
Crucifix the most powerful reminder of love, Bishop says in Good Friday message

A crucifix or cross hangs somewhere in almost every Catholic home, in every Catholic school and institution. The crucifix or cross is the central and most widely known symbol of Christianity and has been for over 2,000 years.
Bishop O’Connell’s homily for Holy Thursday

The Thursday before Easter is called “Holy.” Some Christian communities use the expression “Maundy” as their reference, a term less familiar to Catholics – coming from French and Latin roots – meaning “commanded.”

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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.