Continued Prayer for Our Bishop in Rome

Bishop David M. O'Connell, C.M., was released from the Cardiac Care Unit of Santo Spirito Hospital in Rome Jan. 9. He is expected to return to New Jersey later this week as planned with the priests of the Diocese who had been on pilgrimage. He will continue his recovery, along with rehabilitation, at home upon his return.

The Bishop was hospitalized after suffering a heart attack Jan. 4 due to a blockage of the largest cardiac artery, often associated with heart attacks referred to as “the widow maker.” He underwent an emergency procedure to open the artery and has been recovering in Santo Spirito, first in the Intensive Care Unit and, as of Jan. 7 in the Cardiac Care Unit.

Bishop O’Connell had been in Rome a few days ahead of the Jan. 4 arrival of some 20 priests of the Diocese for a planned pilgrimage. During his hospitalization he expressed regret that he wasn’t able to be with the priests but enjoyed receiving their photos and stories and was very happy that they were having a good pilgrimage experience.

In a Jan. 9 email sent to diocesan curia members, Bishop O’Connell said that he felt “very lucky” to have received care so quickly following his heart attack. He also gratefully acknowledged that he has received hundreds of get well wishes from throughout the Diocese and the wider Church. He again thanked everyone for their support and prayers.

Father Pat's Pilgrimage in Rome

For more information about the pilgrimage click here:

Bishop prepares to welcome priests to Rome for nine-day pilgrimage - Diocese of Trenton - Lawrenceville, NJ

New Logo and New Website Coming Soon!

New Year, New Branding!

Stay tuned for a new logo and new Website coming soon!

Preschool Open House Rescheduled

Welcome to New PPC Members!

Congratulations and welcome to new members of the Parish Pastoral Council! 

· Paulette Gage

· Michael Naughton

· Marie Tambaro 

Our St. Catharine Church Parish Pastoral Council is a consultative group of parishioners who serve to advise Father Pat about St. Catharine’s Church from the perspective of the laity. The council’s main purpose is to investigate, reflect and make recommendations about pastoral matters for consideration by Father Pat.

Please pray for the entire council as they begin their new year of work and thank God for the gift of these new councilors. Join us for the commissioning of the new members during the 5pm Mass on January 13th!

Youth Ministry Update

Next YM Meeting 

January 21st

7-8:30 pm

Fr. Scheg Center

The Diocesan Youth Conference is a gathering for ALL teens in the 8 - 12th grades of the Diocese of Trenton. It is an exciting day filled with great music, powerful talks, fun service projects and more!  Most importantly it is a chance to connect with other Catholics teens beyond your parish or school and grow in your faith!

DYC Attendees—Please bring your signed consent and release form (Link below) to our 1/21 meeting, with your 25.00 registration fee made out to:  Church of St. Catharine

The SVdP food collection this past weekend was a great success, and we extend our deepest thanks to all who supported our mission to assist those in need. Your generosity makes it possible to distribute food to over 40 families in need each month.

SVdP Year in Review

The St. Vincent de Paul Conference at the Church of St. Catharine would like to thank all those who have supported us in our mission to help those area families who otherwise would do without.

Whether you have helped by donating monthly or via the poor boxes located at the entrances to the church, we want to thank you for your support. Attached is a review of our accomplishments during our most recent fiscal year ended September 30, 2023.  Please click HERE to view.

Emergency Closing Information

In the event that Mass, the Preschool, and Religious Education classes are cancelled, and/or the Parish Office is closed due to inclement weather, information will be posted as follows:

·     Updated announcement on the main telephone line, 732-842-3963

·     Notification on the website, www.stcatharine.net

·     Email to all Religious Education families.

·     Brightwheel notification to all Preschool families.

Please note: In the event that a “NJ State of Emergency is enacted, emergency closings for the church will also be in effect.”

End of Year Contribution Statement

If you wish to receive a statement of your 2023 contributions, please email the Parish Office at parishoffice@stcatharine.net.

Please include the following information:

• name
• address
• phone number
• indicate your parish envelope number or

if you participate in online giving. 

Your contribution statement will then be mailed to your home. Please do not make your request by phone. Thank you!

Chat with Father Mike

• Struggling with a life event and in need of spiritual assistance?
• Want to celebrate the Sacrament of Penance outside the normal Confession times?
• Trying to find your way back to engagement with the Church?
• Discerning vocation?
• Looking to complete your Sacraments of Initiation and wish to chat about the journey?
• Questions about marriage annulment or marriage convalidation?

St. Catharine is offering the opportunity for parishioners to chat with a priest who is only indirectly engaged with the parish. If interested, please contact Fr. Mike Walsh by phone 732-780-2666 x205 or email frmike.walsh@stmaryscoltsneck.org

Standing Together for Life and Novena

9 Days for Life is an annual novena for the protection of human life. Each day’s intention is accompanied by a short reflection and suggested actions to help build a culture of life.

Our Lady of Good Counsel Catholic Church in West Trenton on January 19^th, 2024.  It is being presented by the Central Jersey Choral Society (CJCS) starting at 7:00 p.m.  

The text of Mendelssohn’s Lauda Sion concerns the mysteries of the Eucharist and the doctrine of transubstantiation, the belief that during Communion the Eucharistic elements are converted into the body and blood of Christ. It links the Eucharist to the Last Supper with the core of the composition turning to the ceremony of the Eucharist performed by priests. It includes the chorus singing at times in unison three times as a reference to the Trinity, as the bread and wine are consecrated, and then as Christ’s presence is felt.  

Weekly Sacrificial Stewardship for 12/27/2023 – 1/2/2024