Bishop responds to state of emergency with Sunday Mass dispensation; convocation moves online

Bishop O’Connell has issued a dispensation from the Sunday Mass obligation for residents in Monmouth and Ocean counties due to a state of emergency. Governor Mikie Sherrill declared the state of emergency for eight New Jersey counties effective at 5:00 p.m. on Friday, September 25, 2026, as a nor’easter approaches.

The storm is expected to bring heavy rain, strong winds, and coastal flooding through Sunday. Because of these conditions, the Pastoral Council Convocation will now take place virtually instead of in person.

O’Connell noted that local priests may make and announce further cancellations if necessary. The governor's emergency declaration also covers Atlantic, Burlington, Cape May, Cumberland, Middlesex, and Salem counties.