UPDATED: At annual Mass, Bishop reminds Catholic school students that they always have a friend in Jesus

Bishop David M. O'Connell told Catholic school students they can begin the journey toward sainthood immediately during the annual Catholic Schools Mass on Oct. 15. Addressing hundreds of students from 33 schools across the Diocese of Trenton, the bishop told the children they do not have to wait until they are adults to become saints.

The Mass took place at St. Robert Bellarmine Co-Cathedral in Freehold. Following tradition, student representatives participated in a procession carrying school flags and banners down the center aisle. Students from St. Dominic School in Brick, St. Gregory the Great Academy, and St. Joseph School in Toms River served as readers, altar servers, and gift bearers.

The St. Charles Borromeo School choir from Cinnaminson led the hymns. More than 20 priests joined the bishop for the celebration, many representing parishes that sponsor Catholic schools.