Bishop urges Belmar community to place trust in God like St. Joseph
March 19, 2025 at 3:02 p.m.

Bishop David M. O'Connell, C.M., joined the St. Rose Parish and school communities March 19 for a Mass to mark the Solemnity of St. Joseph, Spouse of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
PHOTO GALLERY: Bishop's Mass for the Solemnity of St. Joseph in Belmar
The Mass was celebrated in the gym of St. Rose High School and concelebrated by Msgr. Edward Arnister, parish pastor, and Father John Paul Del Rosario, parochial vicar.
A highlight of the Mass was using the feast day to honor the Sisters of St. Joseph who serve the parish and school communities. Also present was Mercy Sister Donna D'Alia, parish catechetical leader, who resides in the Belmar convent. Students presented the Sisters with bouquets of flowers and Bishop O'Connell enjoyed taking photos with them.
"St. Joseph had a very important job," Bishop O'Connell said in his homily, then referenced how God chose Joseph to care for Mary and Jesus and provide for their needs.
"What does this teach us?" the Bishop asked. "It shows us that we can trust God, just like St. Joseph did."
More to come on this story.
Students present the Sisters who reside in St. Rose Parish Convent, Belmar, with flowers following the Mass the Bishop celebrated March 19. Mike Ehrmann photo
Following the Mass in St. Rose High School, Bishop O'Connell, Msgr. Edward Arnister, parish pastor, and Father John Paul Del Rosario, parochial vicar, ventured over to Joe's Deli in Spring Lake, where they enjoyed some of the sweets on the deli's St. Joseph's table. Deli owner Joe Valentino is a member of Christ the King Parish, Long Branch. Courtesy photo
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Bishop David M. O'Connell, C.M., joined the St. Rose Parish and school communities March 19 for a Mass to mark the Solemnity of St. Joseph, Spouse of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
PHOTO GALLERY: Bishop's Mass for the Solemnity of St. Joseph in Belmar
The Mass was celebrated in the gym of St. Rose High School and concelebrated by Msgr. Edward Arnister, parish pastor, and Father John Paul Del Rosario, parochial vicar.
A highlight of the Mass was using the feast day to honor the Sisters of St. Joseph who serve the parish and school communities. Also present was Mercy Sister Donna D'Alia, parish catechetical leader, who resides in the Belmar convent. Students presented the Sisters with bouquets of flowers and Bishop O'Connell enjoyed taking photos with them.
"St. Joseph had a very important job," Bishop O'Connell said in his homily, then referenced how God chose Joseph to care for Mary and Jesus and provide for their needs.
"What does this teach us?" the Bishop asked. "It shows us that we can trust God, just like St. Joseph did."
More to come on this story.
Students present the Sisters who reside in St. Rose Parish Convent, Belmar, with flowers following the Mass the Bishop celebrated March 19. Mike Ehrmann photo
Following the Mass in St. Rose High School, Bishop O'Connell, Msgr. Edward Arnister, parish pastor, and Father John Paul Del Rosario, parochial vicar, ventured over to Joe's Deli in Spring Lake, where they enjoyed some of the sweets on the deli's St. Joseph's table. Deli owner Joe Valentino is a member of Christ the King Parish, Long Branch. Courtesy photo