‘A New Era of Hope’
Amid the symbolism and pageantry that usher in a Jubilee Year, this special time is rooted in the Church’s call for real and meaningful change. As dioceses around the world marked the start of Holy Year 2025, Pope Francis issued a series of proposals, all aimed at forging justice, mercy and peace. IN FOCUS begins on page 9.
ALSO . . .
FROM THE BISHOP: Family’s role in the Jubilee Year
A LOOK BACK AT 2024
CHRISTMAS AROUND THE DIOCESE
CATHOLIC SCHOOLS WEEK PREVIEW
Beginning With Faith
Catholic Schools Week 2025 unfolded Jan. 26 in school communities across the Diocese of Trenton with Masses that involved students of all ages in many different roles. A range of special events and activities ushered in fun, faith and service before the week came to an end Feb. 1. Special coverage begins on page 9.
ALSO . . .
FROM THE BISHOP: Reflections on Marriage; Lenten guidelines and inspiration
DYC: Nearly 900 young people embrace the Journey
PLUS . . . ‘Fan the Flame of Hope’ is theme of 2025 Annual Catholic Appeal
A WORLD PRAYER
As Pope Francis faced multiple respiratory crises from mid-February into early March, Catholics and people of good will offered prayers for his health and healing. Those in Rome maintained a daily prayerful presence and nightly vigils outside Gemelli Hospital where the Pope received treatment. Special coverage begins on page 9.
ALSO . . . FROM THE BISHOP: OP: The gift of family life
LENT 2025
ANNUAL BEREAVEMENT SECTION
TRIUMPH forALL AGES
As the 40 days of Lent draw to a close, Catholics of the Diocese of Trenton ready themselves to embrace the solemnity of Holy Week and the wonder of Easter. Reflections for this sacred time are offered by Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M., and others. Special coverage begins on pages 7 and 24.
ALSO . . .
IN FOCUS: Recovery and Resurgence
LENT, HOLY WEEK & EASTER: Schedule for Holy Week in Diocese, Rome
WE BELIEVE: Blessed Carlo Acutis drawing devotees; Nicaea Council ecumenical gathering
MONITOR
KEEPSAKE EDITION ON POPE LEO XIV
‘PEACE BE WITH YOU ALL!’
Minutes after his introduction as the 266th Successor of Peter on May 8, Pope Leo XIV extends the Lord’s peace in a blessing to a rejoicing world. Described as a “Citizen of the World,” the first Augustinian and American pope has signaled his desire to be guided by the legacy of Pope Francis, Pope Leo XIII and St. Augustine.
MONITOR
Prayers of a Priest
Rev. Mr. Alan Bridges spends a few moments in prayer as he awaits his Ordination to the priesthood by Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M., May 31. Loved ones and wellwishers joined the entire diocesan family in celebrating the Diocese's newest priest. Special coverage begins on page 9.
ALSO … The Monitor Magazine’s annual salute to the Class of 2025!
Summer Fun-raising
Enthusiasm and dedication might best describe what thousands of volunteers bring to parish summer activities across the Diocese of Trenton. Whether raising funds, deepening faith, building community or a mix of all three, the many different events and initiatives enrich parish life throughout late spring and early summer. IN FOCUS begins on page 11.
ALSO . . .
From the Bishop: Texas needs our help; Political action in the Church; Soak up the Son of God
Special Coverage: World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly
Lives of FAITH
The Monitor’s annual celebration of clergy and religious marking significant anniversaries in 2025
PLUS… Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M., reflects on the blessings and challenges of his 15 years of episcopal ministry
Young DISCIPLES
From St. Peter’s Basilica to a food pantry in Trenton, the young Church is showing up to serve God and celebrate their shared faith. They give witness to the jubilee message of hope, affirming that people of all ages can have a positive role in changing the world. IN FOCUS begins page 9.
ALSO . . .
From the Bishop: Choice in education may be more available through new law
Special Coverage: Grandparents and the Elderly; Day of Prayer for Creation, Feast of the Assumption
MONITORTHE MAGAZINE
Making History Making History
The new school year had special meaning for St. Dominic students in Brick who took part in the Diocese’s celebration of the Church’s two new saints. During the local Mass, Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M., commemorated the Sept. 7 canonization in Rome of Sts. Carlo Acutis and Pier Giorgio Frassati. Coverage begins, page 32.
ALSO
From the Bishop: ‘A life plan’ for returning students
Back to the Classroom: A look at the year ahead for Catholic schools and parish religious education programs
‘Sacred Interruption’ MONIT R
Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M., joins some 2,000 members of his flock in the upper church of the National Shrine of Our Lady of Częstochowa in Doylestown, Pa., Sept. 13 for a day of diocesan pilgrimage and retreat. Special coverage begins on page 15.
ALSO . . .
From the Bishop: Disability and resilience; Revisiting the Rosary; Human composting
Special Sections: Deacon Ordination Preview; Mass for Life; High School Showcase; World Mission Sunday
MILESTONES in EDUCATION
Pope Leo’s new apostolic letter: ‘Drawing New Maps of Hope’
60 years since the Church’s Declaration on Christian Education
The Diocese’s annual celebration of Catholic schools
ALSO . . .
IN FOCUS: Church’s mandate to care for the poor
SPECIAL COVERAGE of the 2025 Bishop’s Anniversary Blessings
MAGAZINE
‘Come,
Lord Jesus’
ALSO . . .
IN FOCUS: Faith response to Artificial Intelligence
ORDINATION: Nine new deacons ordained, celebrated Young parishioners reflect the joyful anticipation of the season. See inside for Advent and Christmas content.
SPECIAL REPORT: Immigration messages from Pope Leo XIV, U.S bishops and Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M.