Beyond the Altar: Bishop O’Connell urges deacons to live the Gospel through service to others

Bishop David M. O’Connell told permanent deacons of the Diocese of Trenton that their vocation requires living the Gospel through service to others outside of the liturgy. Speaking at the annual Deacons’ Convocation held Oct. 16-17 in Princeton, the bishop said the charity deacons preach must become the charity they practice. He added that the Christ served in the Eucharist must be recognized in the poor, the lonely, the suffering, and the forgotten.

Nearly 70 deacons and 21 wives from the four-county diocese attended the gathering to reflect on their ministry and find spiritual encouragement. During the Mass celebrated on Oct. 17, the feast of St. Ignatius of Antioch, Bishop O’Connell thanked the deacons for their faith, generosity, and commitment to the Church. He referenced St. Paul’s words regarding faith and love for the holy ones to describe the service the deacons provide to the people of the diocese.