Dear Reader,

What are the lessons of Easter and how do they cultivate our Catholic faith?  The April issue of The Monitor Magazine takes on that question, unpacking the central place of Easter and the Resurrection in the life of the Church.

In his annual message, Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M., reminds us that Easter is the basis of all that we believe as Christians.  He writes: “Faith in the Resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ expresses the conviction so profoundly that there is much more to life than what we see and feel in this world . . .  there is a better life to come because of the Resurrection of Christ.”

Despite that reality, Easter is too often celebrated in one day, or possibly one week, and then packed away, like the decorations that might adorn our homes.  This month’s IN FOCUS examines the lessons of the Passion, Death and Resurrection of Jesus, and how they can help us live as an Easter people throughout the year. 

In addition, as this April issue was in its final stage of production, the news broke that Pope Francis was experiencing a health crisis and had to be hospitalized.  Within a day, prayers were being offered around the world and we began to track news updates posted by our main sources every few hours.  What appears in this magazine issue represents the latest information that was available when we went to press.  We are delighted to say that this coverage quickly became outdated, as the Holy Father made such a rapid and marked improvement that he was released from the hospital in time for Palm Sunday.  We encourage our readers to follow news on the Pope by connecting with TrentonMonitor.com.

Here are highlights of other content you will find in your new magazine issue:

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PARISHES AND PEOPLE . . . Bishop continues parish visits on Sundays of Lent; Gearing up for parish phase of the National Eucharistic Revival; Visitation Parish celebrates 75-year history; Newly-named Msgr. Kevin Kimtis reflects on papal honor and unique role.

OUR SCHOOLS . . . Principals earn Villanova certification; Catholic school job fairs planned.

FAMILY LIFE . . . Young composer with local roots shares journey of marital strife, healing; How and why families need to care for creation; Diocesan Marriage initiative cooperates with Vatican model.

ISSUES & ADVOCACY . . . Trenton’s Rachel Hendricks speaks to OSV News on helping mothers in need in a post-Roe world; State tackles food insecurity as federal benefits end.

ALSO …. Don’t miss: Father Koch’s Scripture reflection on the promises of Easter; Mary Morrell shares thoughts on the little resurrections of daily life; Peces . . . a digest of Spanish-language coverage.

The April magazine’s print edition has been mailed to all PREMIUM SUBSCRIBERS and the digital edition link has been sent to their inboxes. Subscribers also have unlimited access to all content on TrentonMonitor.com.

Not yet a subscriber? Sign up today safely and conveniently by clicking HERE, or writing to [email protected].

On behalf of our Publisher, Bishop O’Connell, we extend the warmest wishes to all of our readers for an  Easter season filled with an enduring sense of resurrection and joy.

Blessings,

Rayanne Bennett, Associate Publisher

And The Monitor team