Bishop O’Connell and diocesan priests join for fellowship and renewal at annual Convocation

Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M., joined 145 diocesan priests from September 15 to 17 for the 2026 Convocation of Priests in Avalon. The gathering focused on priestly well-being, fraternity, and mission renewal.

Father Patrick McDevitt, president and CEO of St. Luke Institute, served as the keynote speaker and gave presentations on maintaining mental, physical, and spiritual health. During a Mass on September 16, Bishop O’Connell told the priests that their ministry must be rooted in charity and selfless love rather than just efficiency or competence.

Several priests noted the importance of personal health for effective ministry. Father Stephen Sansevere, pastor of St. James Parish in Pennington, St. George Parish in Titusville, and St. Alphonsus Parish in Hopewell, stated that priests must be well to help others. Father Mark Kreder, pastor of St. Justin the Martyr Parish in Toms River, added that self-care allows priests to better serve their people.