Diocesan Advisory

Media reports have indicated significant spikes in Corona virus cases in 21 states that have re-opened or relaxed restrictions. As we approach the first weekend of public, in-church Masses, I remind the Diocese of our directions, lest there be any confusion:

  1. COVID-19 is still extremely contagious, especially indoors or in closed settings;
  2. The dispensation from the obligation to attend Sunday/Holy Day Masses remains in effect so that all Catholic faithful, in good conscience, are not required to be physically present in church; live-streamed Masses will continue in most parishes;
  3. Anyone who is sick or at risk should not come to church; that is not punitive but, rather, common sense and an act of charity toward your neighbors
  4. All parishes are expected to abide by occupancy and other regulations of the Diocese with care;
  5. Masks must be worn (no exceptions), physical contact of any kind must be avoided, social distancing must be practiced, proper sanitation must be observed at all public, in church Masses;
  6. Before attending public, in church Masses, the Catholic faithful are asked to consider any possible health and safety risks involved.

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Bishop’s Message

A message from The Bishop and Father Joe.
The Holy Father has invited all clergy, religious and lay faithful of the world to take part in a special televised prayer service this Friday, March 27, at 1 pm EST.
It will be broadcast on EWTN  (Comcast 1668, Optimum 135) and live streamed on www.vaticannews.va.
At the Bishop’s request all the clergy, religious and lay faithful are asked to pray the Our Father, Hail Mary, and Glory Be as ceremonies begin at 1 pm on Friday, March 27.

PLEASE SPREAD THE NEWS OF THIS GRACE-FILLED OPPORTUNITY  TO PRAY WITH THE HOLY FATHER TO FAMILY AND FRIENDS.
NO PUBLIC GATHERINGS INSIDE OR OUTSIDE OF CHURCHES.  PROMOTE FAMILY/AT HOME PRAYER AND PARTICIPATION.
Please note, that while the President is optimistic about Churches opening for Easter,  at this time, the Bishop’s Decree for Corvid-19  planning for the Diocese of Trenton as communicated in his decree and communications remains in tact and to be observed.

Pastor Update

On March 13, 2020, Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M., announced the following appointments, effective immediately:

Father Joseph G. Hlubik, from priest-in-residence, Sacred Heart Parish, Bay Head, to pastor, St. Pio of Pietrelcina, Lavallette, and Sacred Heart Parish, Bay Head.

Father Douglas Freer, from pastor, St. Pio of Pietrelcina, Lavallette, and Sacred Heart Parish, Bay Head, to medical leave.

Click the link Below for the full article: St. Pio Pastor Update