Diocese of Trenton

History

Central New Jersey in the United States belongs to the Diocese of Trenton, a Latin Church diocese of the Catholic Church and a suffragan within the ecclesiastical province of the metropolitan Archdiocese of Newark. Its mother church is the Cathedral of St. Mary of the Assumption in Trenton, joined by the Co-Cathedral of St. Robert Bellarmine in Freehold. David M. O'Connell has served as bishop of Trenton since 2010.

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• Catholic Charities celebrates mission during annual Guardian Angel Dinner

  Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Trenton raised $130,000 during its 37th annual Guardian Angel Dinner on Sept. 18. Held at the Boathouse at Mercer Lake, the event focused on the clients served by the nonprofit organization. Bishop David M. O’Connell joined approximately 150 attendees for the dinner, where he offered a prayer and spoke about the Catholic call to serve people in need. Executive director Marlene Lao-Collins said the gathering allows donors to see how their support changes lives and provides services for those facing hardship. Lao-Collins plans to retire from her position at the end of the year. Jennifer Leip, the director of development and marketing for Catholic Charities, said the event serves to demonstrate the impact of donor generosity.

  Sep 25, 2026 · Bishops

• Mental Health Sunday, Novena highlight Church’s focus on mental health ministry

  Catholics in the Diocese of Trenton and around the world are invited to pray throughout October to support mental health ministry. Pope Leo XIV designated the month for these prayers to help reduce the stigma and discrimination faced by people struggling with mental health issues. Parishes across the United States will observe National Mental Health Sunday on Oct. 11, following World Mental Health Day on Oct. 10. Bishop Edward J. Burns, who leads the Diocese of Dallas and chairs a committee for the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, asked the faithful to remain mindful of their own mental health and the struggles of those in their families, workplaces, and Catholic communities. Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M., noted in a previous message that many people carry burdens such as depression, anxiety, and addiction silently or behind busy lives.

  Sep 25, 2026 · Vatican

• Catholic Charities celebrates mission during annual Guardian Angel Dinner

  Bishop David M. O'Connell joined staff and supporters for the 37th annual Guardian Angel Dinner on Sept. 19. The event serves as the signature fundraiser for Catholic Charities in the Diocese of Trenton to fund programs and services for individuals and families across the four-county area. During the evening, the agency presented an award to a client who received assistance through Catholic Charities programs. Marlene Lao-Collins, the executive director of Catholic Charities, attended the dinner and is scheduled to retire from her position at the end of the year.

  Sep 23, 2026 · Bishops

• As Marlene Lao-Collins looks to retirement, faith has been at the heart of who she is and all she does

  Marlene Lao-Collins will retire from her position as executive director of Catholic Charities in the Diocese of Trenton at the end of this year. She has led the organization for 15 years. Bishop David M. O'Connell appointed Lao-Collins to the role in 2011 after she served as the social concerns director for the New Jersey Catholic Conference. In her previous role, she worked with the state's Catholic bishops on issues including housing, health care, poverty, and hunger. Bishop O'Connell described her as a committed servant to those in need. Lao-Collins stated that her Catholic faith, which teaches treating others with dignity and love, guided her career in government, nonprofit organizations, and ministry. She expressed gratitude for her colleagues and partners while noting her confidence in the future of the organization.

  Sep 23, 2026 · Bishops

• Parishes welcome nine new catechetical leaders for 2026-2027 year

  Nine men and women are beginning new leadership roles in parishes across the Diocese of Trenton for the 2026-2027 catechetical year. These assignments follow the official start of the year on Sept. 15. In Little Egg Harbor, Lauren Cittadino becomes the parish catechetical leader at St. Theresa Parish after assisting with first-grade classes last year. Tracy Craig, who previously served as a catechist for 16 years at St. Joan of Arc Parish in Marlton, is the new parish catechetical leader there, succeeding Jessica Donohue. Deacon Anthony Cullen is the new parish catechetical leader and director of faith formation at St. Benedict Parish in Holmdel. He previously worked in religious education and the Order of Christian Initiation of Adults in the Diocese of Brooklyn. Guadalupe Marin will serve as the parish catechetical leader at Mother of Mercy Parish in Asbury Park, drawing on her experience teaching Spanish-speaking students in Toms River and second-grade students in Lakewood.

  Sep 23, 2026 · Dioceses

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