As the new year begins, there are many issues in society that challenge our Catholic moral and social teachings. Opposition to abortion remains our “preeminent priority.” During the month of January when we acknowledge the 48th anniversary of the fateful Supreme Court Roe v. Wade decision, I invite the clergy and faithful of the Diocese of Trenton to join one another in a common prayerful response: (1) pray the rosary daily for the rest of the month for an end to abortion in our country; (2) pray the newly created “Novena to St. Joseph” to end abortion that will be published on our parish and diocesan websites each day, January 14 through 22; (3) pray and fast to end abortion on the actual anniversary date, January 22, as parishes celebrate Masses for the legal protection of the unborn. Since COVID precautions will restrict our usual participation in the Annual March for Life in Washington on January 29th, I will celebrate Mass online that day and many parishes will celebrate Masses in churches for all these intentions. As a Diocese, as parishes, let us pray for an end to abortion, for the legal protection of the unborn and in thanksgiving to God for the gift of human life.

Thank you,

Bishop O’Connell

NOVENA TO ST. JOSEPH TO END ABORTION
(January 14-22, 2021)

St. Joseph, Patron of the Universal Church and Guardian of the Blessed Virgin Mary and the Child Jesus, the Son of God whom she carried in her Immaculate womb: intercede for us, we pray, that all recourse to abortion might cease in our nation and our world. As your cared for Mother and Child, care for all women who bear the gift of life in their womb. May no harm ever endanger them and may no choice ever threaten the blessing of human life that God has created within. Guard them with your loving protection, at every moment, until His will has been fulfilled. St. Joseph, spouse of Mary and foster father of the Lord, help us build a culture of life that yields a civilization of love among us.

Say the “Our Father,” the “Hail Mary” and the “Glory be” after the novena prayer.