For centuries Catholics have turned to the Blessed Virgin Mary, asking for her intercession in times of need by praying the Rosary. This great prayer, whose origins date before the 12th century, uses a meditative repetition of prayers that invoke the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary as she leads us to consider the mysteries in the life of her Divine Son, Jesus.  History has shown this to be a powerful, effective and calming prayer that has truly changed hearts and lives over the centuries of its use.

Venerable Archbishop Fulton Sheen once said of the Rosary that it is “the book of the blind, where souls see and there enact the greatest drama of love the world has ever known; it is the book of the simple, which initiates them into mysteries and knowledge more satisfying than the education of other men; it is the book of the aged, whose eyes close upon the shadow of this world, and open on the substance of the next. The power of the Rosary is beyond description.”

As Bishop of the Diocese of Trenton, I invite all Catholics in the Diocese of Trenton to consider making this powerful devotion part of your daily life of prayer.  Please join with me in praying Our Lady’s Rosary every day between now and October 7, the feast of Our Lady of the Rosary, for the many intentions and needs of our nation today, especially for a true respect for life in all its stages from conception to natural death; for the strengthening of marriage and family life; for an end to the COVID 19 pandemic and for all those impacted by it; for a lasting resolution to the racial tensions and injustices that have too long afflicted our country; for an end to the violence and death in our cities, especially among the young; for the victims of sexual abuse and human trafficking; for the poor, the unemployed and those who face economic hardship and for so many of the other intentions and needs that we face in our country and world.

Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners now and at the hour of our death. Amen.

Most Reverend David M. O’Connell, C.M.
Bishop of Trenton

CONFESSIONS DURING CORONAVIRUS EMERGENCY

Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M., issued the following guidance April 2, 2020, on seeking Confession and the Sacrament of Penance during the current health crisis:

During this time when our Churches and Chapels are closed, and when the risk of transmitting COVID-19 is of such grave concern, Confessions should only be requested of our priests in times of emergency or other extreme circumstances.

 I ask the faithful to reflect on the advice of Pope Francis and the Catechism’s teaching on seeking God’s forgiveness during these very difficult days:

“But many people today would tell me, ‘Father, where can I find a priest, a confessor, because I can’t leave the house? And I want to make peace with the Lord, I want him to embrace me, I want the Father’s embrace.’ Do what the Catechism of the Catholic Church (n. 1452) says. It is very clear: If you cannot find a priest to confess to, speak directly with God, your father, and tell him the truth. Say, ‘Lord, I did this, this, this. Forgive me,’ and ask for pardon with all your heart.  Make an act of contrition and promise God, ‘I will go to confession afterward, but forgive me now.’ And immediately you will return to a state of grace with God (Homily, Mass, March 20, 2020).”

Along with Masses that are being live-streamed through Youtube, etc. ---

• Heart of the Nation: Type in your Zip code for information.

• Comcast: Monmouth & Ocean, Channel 190, Mass is televised at 9 a.m. Sundays.

• WPVI Channel 6 in Philadelphia has Mass every Sunday at 5:30 a.m.

• The National Catholic Broadcasting Council (NCBC): The Catholic Faith Network is available on Optimum channel 29/137, Verizon FIOS TV channel 296 and Charter Spectrum channel 162/471 throughout the New York, New Jersey and Connecticut area. CFN is also available on selected cable and satellite systems nationwide, along with vast on-demand library of original programming and a high quality 24.7 live stream.

• The Catholic Faith Network: (Once logged into the website, click on the Schedule tab and then the date). The Catholic Faith Network is available on Optimum channel 29/137, Verizon FIOS TV channel 296 and Charter Spectrum channel 162/471 throughout the New York, New Jersey and Connecticut area. CFN is also available on selected cable and satellite systems nationwide, along with a vast on-demand library of original programming and a high quality 24.7 live stream. 

• Catholic TV: Check the website for availability in your area.

• Eternal Word Television Network: daily Mass at noon

• Catholic TV Network: Mass every day from Sunday-Friday; Mass in Spanish every Sunday

On The Radio

• Domestic Church Media:Masses is broadcast Sunday-Friday at 8 a.m., noon and 7 p.m. On Saturdays, Mass is broadcast at 8 a.m. only. Tune into WFJS 1260AM and WFJS 89.3FM. DCM also livestreams on its website, DomesticChurchMedia.org, as well as on its free Mobile App, and on the Amazon and Google home speaker devices.

• Perfil Latino TV 

• Relevant radio: Daily Audio Mass 1 p.m. Livestream: Weekdays at 1 p.m.; Sundays at 10 a.m. and 12:30 p.m.