For Bishop David M. O'Connell, C.M., the annual Mass and Christmas dinner he hosts for seminarians of the Diocese is a very special occasion.

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As a matter of fact, said a smiling Bishop O'Connell, "This is one of my most favorite days of the year -- to spend time with the guys who are going to be future priests of the Diocese of Trenton and its parishes." 

This year's gathering, held Dec. 19 in Sacred Heart Parish, Trenton, began with Bishop O'Connell celebrating the parish's 5:15 p.m. Vigil Mass in the parish church. After the Mass, a festive dinner, complete with good food and plenty of laughter, conversation and camaraderie was enjoyed in the parish rectory.

According to Father Dennis Apoldite, pastor of Sacred Heart Parish and diocesan director of vocation recruitment and the House of Discernment, it is important to bring the 22 men who are currently pursuing studies for the priesthood in several different seminaries together as often as possible because it helps them to develop fraternal bonds that are meant to deepen and grow following ordination.

Along with Father Apoldite, other priests who concelebrated the Mass with Bishop O’Connell included Msgr. Thomas N. Gervasio, diocesan vicar general and moderator of the curia; Msgr. Thomas Mullelly, diocesan vicar for clergy and consecrated life, and the priests who serve as regional directors of vocations within the four-county Diocese – Father James Grogan, Burlington County; Father Todd Carter, Mercer County; Father John Testa, Ocean County, and Father Walter Quiceno, who ministers to the Spanish-speaking seminarians. Father Garry Koch regional director in Monmouth County, was not in attendance. The seminarians, who were clad in white surplices and black cassocks, had an opportunity to serve the Mass as readers and the presentation of the gifts. Those seminarians who are ordained transitional deacons and are anticipating their priestly ordination in the spring were also present, and Deacon Richard Osborn assisted at the Mass.

As it was the Fourth Sunday of Advent, Bishop O’Connell centered his homily on the day’s readings, telling first about how the prophet Micah, in the First Reading, explains that the "hope" of the Chosen People of God would be fulfilled in Bethlehem, because the Messiah was a descendant of David.

“The Messiah would be born of a woman chosen by God to redeem God's chosen people.  His birth would usher in a new era of salvation as the fruit of her womb would, in turn, bear fruit for all humanity.  He would shepherd God's people by his own strength to the ends of the earth, said Bishop O’Connell.

The Second Reading from the Letter to the Hebrews, serves as a   reminder of the purpose of all the prophecies that have been central throughout the season of Advent: Christ the Messiah and Savior came into the world to do The Father's will. 

“That was and remains what his life and ministry is all about: God wills our salvation, that we be one with him,” said Bishop O’Connell. “Christ's humanity and divinity appeared in our flesh for our sakes; we pray at Mass each day, may we come to share in the divinity of Christ who humbled himself to share in our humanity.  That is the Incarnation!  That is Christmas!”

 The Gospel from St. Luke stresses the central importance and role of “a young teenage Jewish girl who was "blessed among women," the Bishop said of Mary, who would become the virgin Mother of God. The Bishop then referred to a phrase in Elizabeth's greeting to her cousin Mary.

“Elizabeth exclaims to Mary, ‘Blessed are you who believed that what was spoken to you by the Lord would be fulfilled,’” said the Bishop.

“The context in which we should hear Elizabeth's words today is the trust and confidence with which we prepare to meet the Lord in all the ups and downs and in-betweens of our human lives.  That’s where God is!”

“Trust!  Belief!  Blessing!  These three elements of today’s Gospel and scriptures are the prelude to the believing, becoming and belonging that characterize our life in the Church,” said Bishop O’Connell.

In remarks at the end of Mass, the Bishop acknowledged the presence of the seminarians and exhorted the congregation of Sacred Heart Parish to continue to pray for vocations. At the dinner, he addressed the seminarians and thanked them for responding to God’s call to service as future priests and acknowledged their accomplishments in their seminary formation.

As the 22 seminarians – who are preparing for the priesthood in Immaculate Conception Seminary on the campus of Seton Hall University, South Orange; St. Mary Seminary and University, Baltimore; Mount St. Mary Seminary, Emmitsburg, Md., and St. Charles Borromeo Seminary, Wynnewood, Pa. – shared camaraderie at the dinner, words of appreciation for the gift of a priestly vocation and for the bonds of brotherhood were expressed.

Tom Barry, a third year theology student in Immaculate Conception Seminary, smiled as he reflected on having enjoyed his recent studies on the Trinity, Pauline Literature, Catholic Social Teaching and Preaching, Ministry of Teaching. The class on Preaching, Ministry of Teaching, he said focuses on how the “priest formally teaches from the pulpit,” he said. “Teaching is part of being a priest and we are to teach from the heart.”

Looking to the spring when he, God willing, will be ordained a transitional deacon, Barry said he looks forward to “fulfilling God’s will and serving people.”

“So far, so good,” was Michael Kennedy’s response about his seminary formation at St. Mary Seminary, Baltimore, where he is a third year theology student. He noted how interesting he found his recent class on sacred music, then talked about the parishes where he served as a seminarian including Holy Eucharist, Tabernacle, and St. Rose, Belmar.

“Although I grew up in Manasquan, I’ve enjoyed seeing other parts of the diocese and being involved in the life of different parishes.”

At first, Deacon Osborn, a transitional deacon currently assigned to St. Charles Borromeo Parish, Cinnaminson, seemed a bit wistful when he realized that 2015 would be the last year he would attend the Christmas Mass with Bishop O’Connell and fellow seminarians. But a smile quickly followed when he spoke of his upcoming ordination and “being able to serve people as a priest.”