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Annual Lives of Faith celebrates clergy anniversaries, retirements

The Monitor’s annual LIVES OF FAITH section has just been published, featuring profiles on priests celebrating 25- and 50-year anniversaries as well as those who are retiring.
Ten years of ‘loving and serving the Lord Jesus and his people'

On July 30, Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M., will mark the 10th anniversary of his ordination to the episcopacy, less than two months after being named Coadjutor Bishop of the Diocese of Trenton.
Father Amora’s legacy: living what he preaches

As Father Silvano “Ben” Amora prepares to retire after 43 years of active priestly ministry serving in the Philippines and in the Trenton Diocese, he happily reflects on what he considers to be one of his greatest accomplishments ...
Father José Fernández-Bangueses looks forward to active retirement after 50 years of priesthood

Father José Fernández-Bangueses reflects on his 50 years of priestly ministry as being an experience too fulfilling to simply ease out of parish life and into retirement.
Father Lukaszewski approaches retirement with trust in the Lord

In the weeks leading up to July 1, the day he would retire as pastor of St. Barnabas Parish, Bayville, Father Stanley P. Lukaszewski spent some time thinking about all he’s experienced in his 41 years of priesthood.
Msgr. Peter Kochery’s long priestly ministry continues to flourish in retirement

For Msgr. Peter Kochery, the seeds of his priestly vocation were planted at an early age – during Mass with his bishop as a young teenager in India.
Gratitude the operative feeling for Father Zec’s half-century vocation

Father John J. Zec happily admits that the people he has met during his ministry are among the best memories of his 50-year priesthood.
With sights set on business, Father Santangelo instead follows faith

It’s easy when you look back on your life, and all the steps are in place, to see God’s plan,” Father Michael A. Santangelo said as he reflected on his 25 years of priestly ministry. “It is a graced moment.”
Father Sumanga reflects on service, fraternity, teachable moments

Ask Father Oscar B. Sumanga to pinpoint highlights of his 25 years as a priest, and he responds with one – everything.
Father Valle continues to grow in his ‘forever priesthood’

Father Miguel D. Valle views his priesthood as one in which he is constantly looking ahead.
Priests of Diocese marking special anniversaries

The Diocese of Trenton is blessed to have a contingent of men who have committed to a priestly vocation. Following is a listing of those marking notable anniversaries to the priesthood in 2020.
Special anniversaries observed by Diocese's deacons

Ever since the permanent diaconate was established in the Diocese of Trenton in 1977, Catholic men have continuously responded to the call to ordained ministry through the reception of the Sacrament of Holy Orders.
Men interested in priesthood invited to discernment BBQ with Bishop

To help foster a call to the priesthood, the Diocese will host a vocation discernment barbecue, which will include Mass with Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M.
Diocese welcomes newest priest with ordination of Father Sansevere

As newly ordained Father Stephen Sansevere knelt before the Diocese of Trenton’s shepherd, he was reminded of two of the Church’s holy Sacraments: The Sacrament of Holy Orders and that of Matrimony.
Rev. Mr. Sansevere looking forward to many ‘firsts’ in priesthood

As far back as he can remember, all Stephen Sansevere ever talked about while growing up was wanting to be a cop or a priest.
Six new deacons poised for service after being ordained by Bishop O’Connell

For the Diocese of Trenton’s six new deacons, there were a number of firsts that came with their June 20 Ordination Day.
Ballacillo sees upcoming diaconal ordination as ‘great blessing’

Rjoy Ballacillo believes having a strong relationship with God is what lies at the heart of his wanting to become a priest.
Profiles on the five men who will serve their parishes as permanent deacons

The following five men who will become permanent deacons for the Diocese of Trenton following their June 20 ordination by Bishop David M. O'Connell, C.M., are: John Edward Barrett, Russell David Greiner, Mark D. McNulty, John Senkewicz and Edward Woram.
Bishop to ordain one priest, six deacons for ministry in Diocese

Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M., will ordain one man to the diocesan priesthood and six others to the diaconate during Masses set for June 27 and June 20 respectively in St. Robert Bellarmine Co-Cathedral, Freehold.
Vocations program leads young men to further discern call to priesthood

Becoming a priest is something that’s been in the back of Patrick Caulfield’s mind for the past five years or so.
Deacon finds spiritual strength in prison ministry

Ministering to the men incarcerated in the federal prison at Fort Dix has not only impacted the inmates, but also the man who has spent time with them for the past seven years.
Spiritual crisis led Oregon woman on journey to become consecrated virgin

Next May, Miriam Marston will wear a white dress, receive a ring and stand in front of the altar at St. Mary Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Portland.
Siblings born two minutes apart continue strong bond as religious sisters

Benedictine Sisters Jill and Susan Reuber have often shared the same path in life, but their roads...
Family prayer, reading lives of saints inspire vocations, says sister

How many Catholic parents today encourage their young children to consider a vocation to the priesthood or religious life?
Monastery life allows God 'to make us truly free,' says Cistercian nun

Less than 10 miles north of Prairie du Sac, 22 contemplative Catholic nuns of the Cistercian Order live quietly on 112 acres of farmland.

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The Diocese of Trenton is committed to the initiatives outlined in the U.S. Bishop’s Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People in regard to the reporting and investigation of sexual abuse allegations involving minors.

If you have been sexually abused as a minor by a member of the clergy or anyone representing the Catholic Church, or if you know of someone who was, you can report that abuse through the diocesan Abuse Hotline.

To report the sexual abuse of minors call our hotline 1-888-296-2965 or email us at abuseline@dioceseoftrenton.org

Please note: The Diocese of Trenton reports any allegations of sexual abuse to the appropriate law enforcement agencies. Anyone with an allegation is also encouraged to provide that information to local law enforcement authorities.