BISHOP'S CORNER

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.”

Bishop shares homily for Monday of Holy Week

At another time, the priests of the Diocese of Trenton would gather around their bishop, in the presence of the faithful, on Monday of Holy Week, to bless and consecrate  sacramental holy oils at the Chrism Mass. 

Priests of Diocese renew commitment, pray for all impacted by virus in synchronized Mass

On the Monday of Holy Week, priests across the Diocese of Trenton celebrated Mass from their respective churches, simultaneously, with Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M.

In message, Bishop calls Palm Sunday 'the door' of a saving week

When building a house, the location of the door is a critically important part of the planning. The door is the entrance way to the rest of the house. It is the place from which a person gets a first glimpse and impression of what is inside.   

Bishop O’Connell, dozens of parishes to celebrate Holy Week and Easter liturgies via livestream

At a time when all churches in the Diocese of Trenton are closed to Mass-goers because of coronavirus restrictions, Catholics are invited to commemorate Palm Sunday and the arrival of Holy Week April 5 as a virtual experience via video livestreaming. 

Current circumstances are not permanent, Bishop says on radio show

Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M., has some advice for those feeling anxiety during these turbulent times.

Abortion and COVID-19: A permissible elective surgery?

Crises bring out the best and worst in people and in their decisions.

In video message, Bishop O’Connell urges Diocese to have faith, patience

Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M., issued words of comfort and hope to faithful throughout the Diocese of Trenton in a video message published March 20.

Bishop expresses ‘pastoral care and affection’ in letter to his flock

Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M., posted a letter to the diocesan faithful March 20, explaining the “unprecedented” but “necessary” steps now in place to keep people safe amid the coronavirus threat.

Bishop's decree announces livestreaming and postponements for Holy Week liturgies

As Bishop of the Diocese of Trenton, I promulgate the following decree regarding the liturgies of Palm Sunday and Holy Week throughout the territorial Diocese of Trenton to assist the clergy and the faithful in the spiritual celebration of the Paschal Mysteries.

Bishop’s podcast message focuses on the sacrifices facing the faithful

In a March 17 recording for the Diocese’s podcast, "Catching the Word," Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M., reminds his flock that God is always present among us, and is particularly “close to the poor, the sick and the suffering.”

A message from Bishop O’Connell on measures to mitigate spread of COVID-19

God has not abandoned us and is present among us. As we learn each day of the growing concern surrounding the spread of the coronavirus in our communities, we need to have faith and confidence in God, especially in times like these, praying that He will see us through the …

Bishop O’Connell: Dispensation for Mass obligation given, churches will remain open

The following message was issued by Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M., to parishioners of the Diocese of Trenton March 12, effective immediately:

Bishop reflects on Rite of Election

Annually, on the First Sunday of Lent, Catholic bishops throughout the world celebrate the Rite of Election in their dioceses and archdioceses.  As Bishop of the Diocese of Trenton, I had the privilege of doing so on Sunday, March 1, at the Co-Cathedral of St. Robert in Freehold.  

In Lent, we watch and we pray; then we try again

It is clear from the beginning of this holy season of Lent that the Church wants us to focus in a special way on the passion of Christ as the path to Easter glory.


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