Nicholas Alescio and Benedict Quiambao will be ordained deacons by Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M., May 16 at 10 a.m. in St. Mary of the Assumption Cathedral, Trenton.
The Mass of Ordination will be livestreamed on the diocesan Youtube- link in Linktree. Follow-up coverage will be featured on TrentonMonitor.com and in the June issue of The Monitor Magazine. Read more at the link in our Linktree.
Bishop David M. O'Connell, C.M., has shared this message for the Solemnity of the Ascension. To read his message, visit the link in our Linktree.
📸credit: Christ Ascension-Stained Glass Cathedral Saint Mary Seville Spain, Getty image.
The Trenton Religious Education Directors (TRED) board members from the four counties gathered today at the Chancery for a board meeting. This group brings together catechetical leaders from across the Diocese to connect, collaborate, and build community as leaders in Religious Education. Through local county cluster meetings, collaborative conversations, and ongoing opportunities for formation, members strengthen their leadership while responding creatively to families in the parish.
Young adults (21-39) are invited to Theology on Tap, an evening of faith, fellowship and conversation, May 12 from 7–9 p.m. at Bent Iron Brewing Co. in Hamilton Township. To earn more and register visit the link in our Linktree.
On the occasion of Pope Leo XIV’s first anniversary of his election to the papacy, Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M., shared one his favorite photos – one that captured the moment he met the Pope for the first time.
Almost 200 clergy, religious, educators, mental health professionals and ministry leaders from across New Jersey gathered May 2 at the St. John Neumann Pastoral Center for a first-of-its-kind statewide Catholic Mental Health Conference.
Centered on the theme, “From Isolation to Belonging: Mental Health and the Catholic Church,” the daylong conference invited participants to reflect on the Church’s role in addressing the growing mental health crisis with compassion and concrete action.
Hosted by the New Jersey Catholic Conference in collaboration with the state’s dioceses, Catholic Charities agencies and the Catholic Healthcare Partnership of New Jersey, the gathering emphasized both education and pastoral response. Full story and photo gallery to follow.
Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M., has shared a message for the month of May. To read this message, visit the link in our Linktree. 📸caption: A statue of the Blessed Mother, crowned with spring flowers, stands outside St. Catharine Church, part of St. Catharine & St. Margaret Parish in Spring Lake. Mike Ehrmann photo
Adrian Mendez, a member of St. Mary of the Assumption Cathedral Parish, Trenton, and a resident of Burlington, has been appointed Director of Security for the Diocese of Trenton.
Mendez brings 25 years of law enforcement experience to the role. He began his career as a detective with the Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office before transferring to the Trenton Police Department where he rose to serve as Chief of Staff. Throughout his career, he supervised multiple units, including patrol, internal affairs, training and street crimes, and developed an extensive background in tactical operations as a SWAT commander.
A graduate of the FBI National Academy, Mendez also holds numerous instructor certifications. He has worked closely with schools and churches across the community and most recently served as a security consultant for corporate clients.
“As a Catholic, I have always maintained a close connection to the Diocese. During my tenure with the Trenton Police Department, I found great fulfillment in serving our local schools and parish community. To me, that service truly embodies the essence of the Kingdom of God,” Mendez said.
Mendez said he is looking forward to beginning his new role.
“Working with Bishop O’Connell is an honor. I am looking forward to using my background in safety and law enforcement at the Diocese,” he said.
📸To view the photo gallery, visit the link in our Linktree.
Good Shepherd Sunday brought a joyful celebration to Jesus the Good Shepherd Parish in Beverly, where parishioners welcomed Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M., for Mass. Marking the World Day of Prayer for Vocations and the Diocese’s Called by Name initiative, the day reflected the unity and vibrant faith of the parish community. View more photos in the gallery above. @jtgsbeverlynj
Join us in wishing Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M., a very happy birthday! Feel free to leave your prayers and birthday wishes in the comments as we give thanks for his faithful leadership and service to the Diocese of Trenton!
