2015 State of the Diocese

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Vol. 61 No. 27 75 cents

SPECIAL ISSUE

Newspaper of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Trenton, N.J.

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TrentonMonitor.com • FEBRUARY 2015

Marriage and Family Life Focus on Pastoral Care of Families, Plan to Strengthen Marriage …

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Bishop O’Connell’s State of the Diocese report… P2  Important news for birth parents who placed a child for adoption… P9 Save the Date… S2-S3 Diocese by the Numbers… P18 Annual Financial Report… P20

State oftheDiocese Irenton

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THE MONITOR • FEBRUARY 2015

A Message from Most Rev. David M. O’Connell, C.M. Bishop of Trenton

State of the Diocese 2015

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ach year around this time, we experience a host of “State of the X, Y, Z” speeches by government officials with the mandatory surgical analysis that follows from the media and other interested parties. Although these events sometimes bring out the skeptic in us, they are an annual “institution” that, for better or worse, provides a snapshot of what’s going on in our “…Pope Francis has nation, our state, our identified marriage cities or townships.

And each year, this and family life as special edition of our urgent issues for the diocesan newspaper, The Monitor, gives me the opportunity to take Catholic Church… a turn at a “State of” address for the Diocese of Trenton.

As Bishop, I want to share with you my sense of the “State of the Catholic Church in the Diocese of Trenton.”

cess” to be implemented in our parishes and local communities. The program will include Spanish language sessions as well so that all are included in this pastoral priority.

As Bishop of the Diocese of Trenton, I want to encourage anyone who can play a role in strengthening marriages in the Diocese to participate in this summit.

Concern for the Pastoral Care of Families is spurring action throughout the universal Church. Last fall Pope Francis convened an Extraordinary Synod of Bishops on the Family, an historic gathering that was bolstered by a worldwide consultation from the faithful. The findings of that synod have provided the groundwork for the next synod coming later this year.

Again, the faithful have been invited to provide input so that when the Ordinary Synod of Bishops meets, the voices of the faithful will be part of the Marriage and Family Life discussion. I invite you to read more hroughout the universal Church about this on page 10.

BLESSED EXAMPLE • This relief sculpture portraying the Holy and here at home there is a It is this focus and concern for the Family can be found in St. Mary of the Assumption Cathedral, THE heightened sense of awareness Trenton. It reminds the faithful of the importance of marriage Pastoral Care of Families that underlies about the issues and challenges impact- and family life to be addressed both this May at Georgian Court the World Meeting of Families, set to Newspaper of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Trenton, N.J. ing families today. Our Holy Father University and in Philadelphia this September. Monitor archive photo unfold in Philadelphia Sept. 22-25, Pope Francis has identified marriage 2015. Excitement began to intensify in and family life as urgent issues for the November when the Holy See confirmed the choosing the grace of sacramental marriage Catholic Church in our day.

Pope’s attendance at the event. This will be a and with the prevalence of divorce in society, THE I am sure you agree that marriage is the graced moment for Catholics throughout the we, as Catholics, need to find relevant ways heart of family life, its essential “building region and indeed the world, and our focus to share the beautiful and sacred reality of Newspaper of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Trenton, N.J. block.” With fewer and fewer Catholic couples has been to gather our community in prayer to marriage with current and future generations, prepare for the event.

We have scheduled four and to support couples through the different Holy Hours with families in the four different phases of married life. counties of the Diocese.

One will have taken THE MONITOR (ISSN #0746A few years ago at meetings with priests place by the time this publication reaches our THE 8350) is published biweekly in the four counties, we identified “marriage” with one additional issue in people, but there are three more opportunities January, by THE MONITOR, 701 as one of our diocesan priorities. Since that Newspaper of the Diocese of Trenton to attend and pray together for the intention Lawrenceville Road, Trenton, NJ time, plans have been moving forward for a 08648. Periodicals postage paid of the Worldwide Meeting and all that it seeks www.TrentonMonitor.com at Trenton, NJ and additional Pastoral Summit on Marriage. to bring to families as they strive to lead holy, mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Business and Editorial Offices: 701 Lawrenceville Rd. Send change of address to The That event will take place at Georgian faith-filled lives.

P.O. Box 5147 • Trenton, NJ 08638-0147 Monitor, P.O. Box 5147, 701 Court University in Lakewood this May Phone: 609.406.7404 • FAX: 609.406.7423 Lawrenceville Road, Trenton, NJ THE While the Diocese of Trenton is not 08638-0147.

Monitor@DioceseofTrenton.org (see page 4 for more information). This directly involved in the planning or coordinaThe acceptance of advertising by The Newspaper of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Trenton, N.J. extraordinary event will be comprehensive, EDITORIAL Publisher tion for the meeting or the Papal Mass, we Monitor, for print or online publication, intended for all those in the Diocese of TrenMonitor-News@dioceseoftrenton.org Bishop David M. O'Connell, C.M. does not constitute an endorsement of are happy to keep people informed about any product or service. The Monitor ton whose ministry touches Christian married Associate Editor Associate Publisher reserves the right to reject any developments out of Philadelphia through Mary E. Stadnyk • ext. 7172 Rayanne M. Bennett • ext. 7188 life in any way: priests, deacons, marriage advertising considered objectionable. our website. You can learn more from the Staff Writer Business Director prep coordinators and Pre-Cana teams, DREs, information on page 6 in this issue.

Christina Leslie • ext. 7136 George Stevenson • ext. 7131 teachers, catechists, youth ministers and THE Managing Editor Editorial Assistant other pastoral ministers.

Mary Morrell • ext. 7135 Jennifer Britton • ext. 7199 Governance and Administration It has not been designed, however, simply PRODUCTION ADVERTISING n important responsibility for any Production Coordinator as a marriage enrichment program and does Monitor-Advertising@dioceseoftrenton.org Bishop is to provide for the pastoral Visit our mobile Clara Baumann • ext. 7176 not provide direct ministry to couples themMonitor-Classified@dioceseoftrenton.org site today! For the needs of his Diocese, while also chartGraphic Designer selves. Rather, this summit will offer a “plan of latest news, scan this Sales Representative Valerie DiGiacomo • ext. 7196 ing a clear course for the future. I have taken THE QR code with your action” developed for the Diocese of Trenton.

Deacon Frank Weber • ext. 7117 SOCIAL MEDIA this responsibility to heart since first being mobile device and Participants will become acquainted with this CIRCULATION Coordinator visit The Monitor’s See Bishop • 3 Monitor-Subscriptions@dioceseoftrenton.org Brittany Wilson • ext. 7137 plan and help to develop “strategies for sucmobile site.

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State oftheDiocese Irenton

TRENTONMONITOR.COM • FEBRUARY 2015

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Bishop reflects on joys, challenges of 2014 Continued from • 2

named the Bishop of Trenton in 2010, and we have been hard at work in the areas of governance, finances and administration, all with an eye toward the future.

While matters of insurance and finances are not terribly exciting, they are critically important and we have given them the attention they require. In 2014, in order to comply with the requirements of the Affordable Care Act, all parishes, schools and institutions successfully worked with the Diocese to convert to a unified payroll system. This was part one of a two year process. In 2015, the remainder of the work must be completed in a systemic way and under very tight time constraints. The cooperation and teamwork of all entities to date has been outstanding.

I hear it said at times “all the Church is interested in is money.” Anyone who is really familiar with the works of the Catholic Church knows that is not true. But, anyone who lives in this world knows that important works with significant results require support: the support of prayer, the support of talented, hard-working people’s efforts, the support of good people’s generosity.

Priests and bishops all wish that we didn’t have to ask for money. It is never comfortable or easy for us. Yet we know that what the Church does to preach and share the Gospel and our Catholic faith — to make the Gospel and our faith real and concrete — requires turning to good and generous people for their “time, talent and treasure.” We don’t ask for ourselves. But we have to ask.

The simple, plain fact of life is that doing the work of the Church in the world requires financial resources. Helping our Catholic schools and parishes, operating our churches and facilities, helping the poor and needy among us, offering human services like Catholic Charities all require asking for money. The costs associated with these Church-related activities never diminish or grow less. The same is true for families, as we all know. And just as a family needs to provide for its current needs, while at the same time saving for the future, we, as a family of faith, must shoulder the same responsibility.

This year, we not only have our Annual Catholic Appeal, which provides for the more present needs of this community, we also have embarked on a new endowment campaign, which will provide funds for the future ministries and services that will be needed by this growing family. It has been more than 20 years since the Diocese conducted a similar type of campaign, and we are confident that the good men and women of our parishes will be responsive to this extraordinary need.

Both campaigns are critically important and I encourage you to fully inform yourselves about them (see page 15).

Building on what has come before us, we have also successfully updated and revised the Statutes of the Fourth Synod of the Diocese of Trenton. This is an effort that stretched

over the better part of two years and was guided by extensive consultation. Officially promulgated Dec. 8, 2014, the Statutes serve as particular law and policy for the Diocese.

Multiple copies of the Statutes were sent to all of our priests, deacons, parishes and schools.

The document is also available on our website, dioceseoftrenton.org.

THE STATUTES of the

FOURTH SYNOD of the

DIOCESE of TR

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Strengthening our Schools

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or the first time since my arrival in the Diocese, we are dealing with multiple school closures, a reality that brings with it understandable disappointment and even sadness. I can say with full conviction that the Diocese and the local pastors and principals where closures have been announced have worked diligently to avoid this outcome. Our Sustainability Study involving our elementary schools provided recommendations to strengthen our schools and extensive consultation was conducted with “at-risk” schools. I myself, along with our officials from the Department of Catholic Schools, sat with local pastors, principals and other leaders to determine what could be done to turn around the downward trends that were leading to financial crises. Our efforts to give these schools time to face their challenges will have cost the Diocese more than $2 million over a two-year period.

I am happy to say that of the 10 or so schools originally thought to be “at risk,” most were able to make significant improvements and are continuing to see results from their efforts. Unfortunately, some did not.

I have said clearly that I am not in the business of closing schools. I have devoted nearly the entirety of my priestly life to Catholic education. At the same time, I have said that we need to face up to the reality that some schools must close because the enrollment is simply not there. We must recognize that it is simply not sustainable for a parish to fall into crisis because it has been paying nearly half of its income for school subsidies.

While this has been a painful experience for the impacted communities, the broader view is that there is much good news to share about our schools. Many have robust enrollments, even waiting lists for some grades, and the quality of the educational experience is unparalleled.

We now turn to the future, and continue the effort of helping more of our schools boost enrollment and the funding they need to thrive. A multimedia campaign with the theme “Catholic Schools Have It All,” is now in development to raise awareness about the value of our schools and the importance for Catholic families to send their children to them. I intend to share more of my thoughts on this subject, and personally invite families who do not send their children to Catholic schools to take another look at this most worthwhile option.

As I recently wrote in my Catholic Schools Week message, “Catholic schools are every

ENTON

RENEWED FOCUS • The

newly revised statutes of the Fourth Synod of the Diocese, promulgated last December, serve as law and policy for parishes in our four counties.

Revised and Promu lgated by The Most Reverend David M. O’Connell, C.M., J.C.D., D.D. 10th Bishop of Trento n December 8, 2014

Catholic’s business and responsibility, because they are the greatest hope for the future of our teaching and learning Church.”

Personal Challenges

I

would remiss in writing this to you, the good people of the Diocese, without once again acknowledging the immeasurable ways you have reached out and supported me in throughout my health crisis in December, my recovery from surgery and now my rehabilitation with my prosthetic leg. As I said in the video interview I did in January, I have been overwhelmed by the outpouring of love, prayers, cards and expression of faith. All of this has bolstered my spirits and deepened my faith, more than I can ever say.

I am happy to share with everyone that I am feeling better than I have in years, and we are completely on track for my projected return during Holy Week. I am grateful for the opportunity to work on diocesan business during my rehabilitation and to move forward with some of the important initiatives we have set out for the coming year.

As Walter Cronkite used to say at the end of his nightly news broadcast (am I dating myself?), “And that’s the way it is.” Every year brings with it many positive developments and much progress as well as significant challenges, some ongoing and other unique to the year that has passed. The good news is that, as a Diocese, we continue to share the “Good News” in a spirit of hope and joy. The good news is that, as a Diocese, we have the faith and determination to face the many challenges that come our way. Finally, the good news is that the Lord Jesus has promised to be with us “all days” and we can trust that promise, 2000 years strong. It continues to be an honor and privilege to serve the Diocese of Trenton as your Bishop as 2015 unfolds before us, together, as the People of God. Let us pray for one another.

Respectfully in the Lord Jesus,

Most Rev. David M. O’Connell, C.M. Bishop of Trenton

“…As a Diocese, we continue to share the “Good News” in a spirit of hope and joy.

State oftheDiocese Irenton

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THE MONITOR • FEBRUARY 2015

Summit to highlight marriage strengthening strategies

By Peg Hensler Special Contributor

I

t’s an exciting time to be Catholic as we prepare for the World Meeting of Families and the Holy Father’s visit to Philadelphia in September. With the recent Synod Peg Hensler on the Family, our Church leaders have made the well-being of family life a global priority.

Here in the Diocese of Trenton, we have our own exciting news to share about the importance of Catholic family life as we prepare to host a two-day Marriage Summit, during which our Plan for Strengthening Marriage, a plan that will be incorporated into the evangelizing work of our parishes and schools over the next five years, will be introduced.

The summit represents the culmination of a marriage initiative that began in 2012 in response to Bishop

David M. O’Connell, C.M.’s growing concern about the state of marriage in our Diocese. The official statistics were alarming – from 1990 to 2007, total marriages in the four counties of Burlington, Mercer, Monmouth and Ocean, decreased 18 percent, while Catholic marriages experienced a 50 percent decline. From 2007 to 2013, marriages in the Diocese have declined by another 25 percent.

Our marriage initiative began with a broad consultation of parish and

How do we combat negativity and convey a positive message about Catholic marriage? diocesan leadership, educators and lay ministers who were called upon to take an honest look at our pastoral practices

– what were we doing well and what needed to be changed. The results of our consultation helped prepare us for the next phase of our initiative, a oneyear commission appointed by Bishop O’Connell to study marriage, with members representing all who serve Catholic families in the Diocese. After months of research, discussion and hard work, the study commission developed a set of seven recommendations, each with specific action steps for implementation in parishes and schools, submitted to Bishop O’Connell for his approval.

The resulting Plan for Strengthening Marriage is comprehensive and bold. It considers the totality of marriage in every stage – from the earliest stage of life through childhood development into young adulthood. It includes preparing for first-time marriage,

remarriage and bringing civil marriages into the Church, as well as working with newly married couples, assisting parents and helping troubled marriages.

The plan offers real solutions to real challenges and addresses questions such as: How do we stay connected to young adults so they’ll consider Catholic marriage?; How do we combat negativity and convey a positive message about Catholic marriage?; How do we welcome people back and invite them into the fullness of the sacramental life of the Church?; How do we respond in an evangelizing, pastoral way to those in difficult family situations?

We invite all who are concerned about marriage in our Diocese and in our world to join us at the Marriage Summit, where you will be inspired to assist your parish or school community to build strong marriages and make a difference. This is your chance to be a part of it!

Peg Hensler is diocesan associate director of the Department of Youth, Marriage and Family Life and coordinator of marriage ministries and Natural Family Planning.

Marriage summit to energize, offer support to ministers

By David Karas Correspondent

T

he Diocese is embarking on a new project that’s designed to strengthen marriages.

Details of the Diocese’s new Plan for Strengthening Marriages that will incorporate a series of topics will be unveiled during a two-day Marriage Summit scheduled for May 8-9 in Georgian Court University, Lakewood.

Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M., will present a keynote address during the Marriage Summit.

Sponsored by the diocesan Department of Youth, Marriage and Family Life, the summit is an event geared toward all who minister to married couples and their families.

The highlight of the summit will be the presentation of the new Plan for Strengthening Marriages, which will be given on each of the days.

The plan is designed to provide support for the totality of marriage – including preparation for the vocation of marriage in adolescence and early adulthood; sacramental preparation for marriage; pastoral care of marriage in every stage, and those seeking remarriage. It will also include a list of recommendations for each of the diocesan par-

Msgr. James Lisante

Frank Mercadante

Lucía Báez Luzondo

Father Tom Dailey

Kait Mayer

Lorrie and Don Gramer

Sister Mary Agnes Ryan

Msgr. Sam Sirianni

Tom Fertal

Dan Mulhall

David Hajduk

Deacon Dennis Slavin

Deacon Kevin O’Boyle

Deacon James Grogan

Deanna Sass

Dr. John Lord

Father Martin Father Martin Padovani, S.V.D. McGeough, C.M.

Javier Bustamante

Linda Richardson

Marie Ryan

Mary-Rose Verret

Msgr. Richard LaVerghetta

Father Juan Luis Calderon

Rich and Annette Colasuonno

Father Rene Pulgarin

ishes, which will be both practical and actionable.

Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M., will give a keynote address on his vision for marriage. Another keynote address will be presented by Msgr. James Lisante, who will discuss his varied experiences in ministering to married couples.

Msgr. Lisante is a pastor and previous director of the Office of Family Ministry for the Diocese of Rockville Centre.

He is an author, national speaker and

Yamilka Genao

active in the popular media. In addition, both days will include a series of workshops given by local and international presenters who work in various fields of marriage ministry.

The main portions of the summit, which will run from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day, will be offered twice – once on each day – in order to encourage maximum participation. As such, participants need only to attend one day of the

program; however, participants who speak Spanish should plan to attend on Saturday, as all Spanishlanguage workshops are offered on Saturday only.

Of the range of workshops, 23 will be offered in English and nine in Spanish, and will encompass the following topics: • The Spiritual Mindset of Millennials – Engaging the Next Generation • Real Help for Troubled Marriages • How to Recruit Great Ministry Volunteers • Understanding Marriage through the Lens of the Theology of the Body (TOB) • Marriage Ministry Among the Hispanic Community • Using Mentor Couples for Marriage Preparation Registration costs are $60 for individuals and $105 for couples who serve together in ministry. Group rates are available.

“The summit is important for our office and the Diocese because it launches the Plan for Strengthening Marriage in the Diocese in support of Bishop O’Connell’s pastoral priority for marriage,” said Josue Arriola, director of the diocesan Department of Youth, Marriage and Family Life. “This Plan for Strengthening Marriage will give us a chance to re-evaluate all our actual programs and move them forward with the new vision.”

Arriola shared hopes that the summit will “inspire attendees and will equip them to be active participants” See Summit • 28

TRENTONMONITOR.COM • FEBRUARY 2015

Catholic Schools

State oftheDiocese Irenton

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HAVE it ALL!

FAITH • ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE • ATHLETICS • SERVICE • COMMUNITY

Registration is now underway in the Catholic schools of the Diocese.

TAKE THE STEP that will make a powerful difference in your child’s future!

REACH OUT to the Catholic school near you to learn more.

BURLINGTON COUNTY Holy Cross High School • Delran Our Lady of Good Counsel • Moorestown Our Lady of Perpetual Help • Maple Shade Pope John Paul II Regional School • Willingboro Sacred Heart • Mount Holly St. Charles Borromeo • Cinnaminson St. Joan of Arc • Marlton St. Mary of the Lakes • Medford St. Paul • Burlington

MERCER COUNTY Notre Dame High School • Lawrenceville Our Lady of Sorrows • Mercerville St. Ann • Lawrenceville St. Gregory the Great Academy • Hamilton Square St. Paul • Princeton St. Raphael • Hamilton Trenton Catholic Academy • Hamilton

MONMOUTH COUNTY Holy Cross • Rumson Holy Innocents • Neptune

Mater Dei Prep School • New Monmouth Mother Teresa Regional School • Altantic Highlands Our Lady of Mt. Carmel • Asbury Park Red Bank Catholic High School • Red Bank St. Benedict • Holmdel St. Catharine • Spring Lake St. James • Red Bank St. Jerome • West Long Branch St. John Vianney High School • Holmdel St. Leo the Great • Lincroft St. Mary • New Monmouth St. Rose • Belmar St. Rose High School • Belmar St. Rose of Lima • Freehold St. Veronica • Howell

OCEAN COUNTY All Saints Regional • Manahawkin Donovan Catholic High School • Toms River St. Aloysius • Jackson St. Dominic • Brick St. Joseph • Toms River St. Peter • Pt. Pleasant Beach

SPACE AVAILABILITY WILL VARY BY GRADE FOR EACH SCHOOL. To learn more about your local Catholic school, go to dioceseoftrenton.org/catholicschools

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State oftheDiocese Irenton

THE MONITOR • FEBRUARY 2015

Register, volunteer for the World Meeting of Families

Series of Holy Hours with families to begin

The World Meeting of Families this Sept. 22 to 27 in Philadelphia is an International Conference on the Family founded by St. John Paul II and sponsored by the Pontifical Council for the Family in Rome and the Philadelphia Archdiocese.

There will be many internationally known speakers to discuss what can help strengthen the sacred bonds of families across the globe. Thousands of attendees are expected to participate, and programs for youth will be available. Pope Francis also plans to visit Philadelphia on Sept. 26 and 27.

As with any large event, volunteers are needed to manage crowds, assist visitors, offer translation service, welcome guests and more. Prospective volunteers who are at least 18 years old are asked to email Volunteer@World-

In anticipation of the World Meeting of Families in Philadelphia this September, Catholic families can spiritually prepare by attending Holy Hours that are being offered in parishes around the Diocese.

Sponsored by the diocesan Department of Youth, Marriage and Family Life the Holy Hours “will be an important opportunity for us as the Diocese of Trenton to begin the process of nourishing a familial culture of prayer,” said Josue Arriola, department director.

“Despite a break-down in family life, we as Church have the responsibility to support families in living out their sacred mission as the domestic Church; certain religious practices such as the Holy Hours help families in this task.”

The series begins with Adoration Feb. 12 in St. Anthony Church, a worship site of Our Lady of Sorrows-St. Anthony Parish, Hamilton. Msgr. Thomas N. Gervasio, diocesan vicar general, moderator of the curia and pastor of Our Lady of SorrowsSt. Anthony Parish, noted the Holy Hour includes other forms of prayer in addition to traditional silent Adoration of the exposed Blessed Sacrament.

Each of the Holy Hours will include prayers and readings, silence, petitions and music in front of the Blessed Sacrament, said Msgr. Gervasio, who also serves as diocesan vicar general, noted.

“I hope families will come with their children; all are invited.”

Each Holy Hour is offered for different “family” intentions such as married couples, children, grandparents, those who have been widowed, divorced or separated, those who are single or living a celibate vocation, the healing of families, the unity of families, and for the protection of married and family life, Arriola stated.

Meeting2015.org.

If you don’t want to volunteer, but want to participate in World Meeting events, registration is now open, and packages range in price from $25 to $400. Pope Francis is expected to participate in the Festival of Families, an intercultural celebration of family life around the world, which would be held on Sept.

26, and a Papal Mass to be held on Sept.

27. Both of the events will be open to the public and do not require registration.

Check out the World Meeting of Families official website at www.worldmeeting2015.org, search “World Meeting of Families 2015” on Facebook, and follow @WMF2015 and @WMF2015Vol on Twitter for the latest news and volunteer opportunities in English. Follow @WMF2015ES for updates in Spanish or @WMF2015IT for updates in Italian.

Host a family for the World Meeting, Papal visit The Archdiocese of Philadelphia and the World Meeting of Families is reaching out to residents in our area to take part in the “Host a Family” Program.

In partnership with global travel company, Homestay.com, this accommodation alternative provides residents within 120 miles of Philadelphia the opportunity to open their homes and offer lodging to visitors from across the country and around the world for the 2015 World Meeting of Families.

More than 10,000 delegates from 150 nations are expected to attend the Congress, which will be held at the Pennsylvania Convention Center from Sept. 22 to Sept. 25. The Congress will be followed by a visit from Pope Francis to Philadelphia Sept. 26 and 27, which is expected to draw upward of two mil-

lion visitors to the city.

Host a family registration is now open and new hosts are registering daily. From young professionals to retirees, individuals to families, Homestay. com offers a variety of ways in which to participate as a host family. Hosts can register a guest bedroom, a furnished apartment or even a shore house, as long as it falls within a 120-mile radius of Center City Philadelphia.

Those interested in becoming a host family can register for free through an easy step-by-step online registration at bit.ly/hostafamily.

Information detailing the program, host family requirements and responsibilities, compensation, and cancellation are available via video and extensive FAQ at www.WorldMeeting2015.org.

Stock photo

“Parents are called to live their faith and transmit it to their children. The best way to transmit their faith is when children see parents witness to them the faith. Personal prayer, family prayer and attending Holy Hours are ways to ensure the passing down of the faith,” he concluded.

Additional Holy Hours will be held June 25, St. John Neumann Parish, Mount Laurel, Burlington County; July 23, St. Joseph Parish, Toms River, Ocean County, and Sept. 3, Our Lady Star of the Sea Church, Long Branch, a worship site of Christ the King Parish, Long Branch.

Each Holy Hour begins at 7 p.m.

For further information, see the website of the diocesan Department of Youth, Marriage and Family Life at dioceseoftrenton.org/wmf2015, or call 609403-7155.

See more on page 18

TRENTONMONITOR.COM • FEBRUARY 2015

State oftheDiocese Irenton

2015 SATURDAY MARCH 28

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State oftheDiocese Irenton

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State oftheDiocese Irenton

Vital effort underway to inform birth

parents of adoption law change

By David Karas Correspondent

“All who facilitated adoptions have a moral obligation to alert birth parents of the changes about to occur.”

Birth parents who wish to maintain their privacy – including those who had been assured privacy in the past – must submit a contact preference form to the state by Dec. 31, 2016, in order to remain anonymous and indicate that they do not wish to have contact with the child.

“It is a very sensitive issue, and our heart goes out to people on both sides,” said Deacon Patrick Brannigan, executive director of the New Jersey Catholic Conference (NJCC), the public policy arm of the state’s Catholic bishops. “It is an issue that is very complex.”

Gov. Chris Christie had conditionally vetoed an earlier draft of the bill April 28, clearing the way for passage with several key changes. The conditional veto was accepted by the Senate May 12 and the General Assembly May 22 before the revised law was signed by Christie May 27.

The conditional veto allows elimination of a court order requirement for adoptees to obtain a birth certificate starting in 2017 and a 31-month transition period that will provide birth parents the opportunity to file a request to have no contact with an adoptee. The veto also stipulates that

New Jersey’s Adoption Law has changed

W

W

ith a deadline looming, Catholic groups are working to alert birth parents of changes in the state’s adoption law that could affect their privacy rights.

Legislation signed into law last May 27 paves the way for substantial changes to New Jersey’s Adoption Records Law, prompting the New Jersey Catholic Conference, Catholic Charities and diocesan Respect Life offices throughout the state to embark on outreach campaigns to inform birth parents of their privacy rights going forward.

The legislation (S873/A1259) allows for wider access to birth certificates for adoptees, who after Jan. 1 2017, will be able to request a long form birth certificate that includes the names of their biological parents.

9

Graphic courtesy of the Diocese of Metuchen

birth parents who request redaction and anonymity will be required to update medical history information every 10 years until the birth parent reaches the age of 40, and every five years thereafter.

Christie, who shared that his own sister had been adopted, said that the law achieves “our intended goals of protecting and respecting the interests of all of the people involved in the adoption process, while at the same time making sure that the miracle of adoption – the miracle that was experienced by my own family and is still being experienced by us today, is available to as many people in New Jersey who have an open heart and a willingness to share their home and their lives with a new member of the family.”

He added that the bill, in its final form, struck the right balance “by preserving privacy options for birth parents by allowing them to select a preference for contact – either through direct contact, contact through a confidential intermediary, or access to medical records only with continued privacy.”

Deacon Brannigan said that the NJCC has long-supported tenets of adoptee records access.

“We always supported reunions between adoptees and birth parents if the reunions would be by mutual consent,” he said. “NJCC also supported adoptees having full access to their birth parents’ medical histories and cultural and social history information.”

The primary focal point, he said, has revolved around privacy.

“The key principle upon which we operated was that a birth parent’s identity should remain confidential, and anonymity be preserved unless the birth parent agreed to have their identity revealed,” he explained.

The right to privacy for birth parents is important to preserve, he added.

Marlene Lao Collins, executive director of Catholic Charities, Diocese of Trenton, said in a past interview that she was struck by “the pain and suffering of adults who experienced the trauma of giving up someone for adoption, as well as the feeling on the side

of adoptees of being unloved by birth parents or incomplete because they don’t know their full family story.”

Deacon Brannigan spoke of the need to inform birth parents of the changes in the law.

“All who facilitated adoptions have a moral obligation to alert birth parents of the changes about to occur,” Deacon Brannigan said. “For the Catholic Church, which provided adoption services for well over a century, the responsibility is great. Thousands of birth mothers placed their children for adoption, relying on the Church’s assurance of their privacy.”

He continued, “People – mostly mothers – will be vulnerable because of this change in our long established law,” and added that the educational efforts must extend far beyond New Jersey to parents adopted who children from Ireland, Italy and other countries.

The NJCC, along with state Catholic Charities agencies, submitted recommendations to assist the New Jersey Department of Health (NJDOH) with the legislative mandate to develop a “Birth Parents Contact Preference” form.

The coalition emphasized that forms should be simple, easy to complete and widely accessible, that the state should be required to confirm receipt of such forms, and that a point of contact at the state should be designated to answer questions from the public about the changes in the law.

Deacon Brannigan said that the NJDOH welcomed their recommendations, and held a meeting in January to discuss development of the form and processes. That dialogue, he said, will continue in the future.

“We have been working with the state,” he said. “They have been very responsive with us.”

“Final information on how birth parents should request continued privacy is not yet available from New Jersey,” Deacon Brannigan said. “As soon as the state release the information, NJCC, Catholic Charities agencies and Catholic dioceses in New Jersey will provide that information on their websites, diocesan newspapers and parish bulletins.”

ith the passage of new legislation that changes New Jersey’s Adoption Records Law, Catholic organizations are embarking upon an outreach campaign to let parents who placed a child for adoption in New Jersey know of their privacy rights. The New Jersey Catholic Conference offers the following details that all birth parents should know: For adoptions finalized prior to Aug. 1, 2015:

•

Adoptees will be able to obtain an original birth certificate without involvement of the courts beginning Jan. 1, 2017.

•

Birth parents have until Dec. 31, 2016 to file a request with the State of New Jersey indicating that they want no contact with the child they placed for adoption. If a birth parent files such a request, the State Registrar will redact the birth parent’s name from any documents provided to adoptees.

If they fail to file such a form – their identity will be revealed to the adoptee upon request.

•

All birth parents who request redaction will be required to update medical history information every 10 years until the birth parent reaches the age of 40 and every five years thereafter.

For adoptions finalized after Aug. 1, 2015:

•

Long-form birth certificates will be available to adoptees without redaction of a birth parent’s name.

•

Birth parents who give a child for adoption after Aug. 1, 2015, will be able to file a form with the State indicating whether they wish to have no contact with the adopted child or whether they are willing to have direct contact or contact through an intermediary. In all cases, in the future, birth parents will need to file with the State information about their medical history.

For an informational flyer explaining the changes to the law, visit http://www.njcathconf.com/ content/family_life_adoption.php

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State oftheDiocese Irenton

THE MONITOR • FEBRUARY 2015

Bishop invites participation in synod consultation To the clergy, religious and faithful of the Diocese of Trenton:

I

n October of last year, our Holy Father Pope Francis convened the Third Extraordinary Synod of Bishops, inviting them to reflect upon the theme “the pastoral challenges of the family in the context of evangelization.”

Synods are meetings of bishops selected from around the world to advise the Pope on matters of pastoral importance.

They are called “extraordinary” when they concern matters of urgency that the Holy Father wants to discuss now. For the Holy Father, “family” and “evangelization” are such urgent pastoral matters.

Although a meeting only of bishops, Pope Francis wanted to consult the entire Catholic Church to obtain the input and insights of all the baptized to prepare the bishops for the discussion that would follow. The Vatican Office of the Synod released a survey to every diocesan bishop in the world which was distributed to the clergy, religious and faithful of every diocese, including the Diocese of Trenton. This outreach was unprecedented in the Catholic Church.

This year, after our Holy Father’s September visit to the United States, another synod of bishops will take place, an “ordinary synod,” focused on the theme “the vocation and mission of the family in the Church and in the contemporary world.” No less urgent than last year’s synod, the coming gathering of bishops is “ordinary,” that is, regularly scheduled. As was the case last year, another worldwide consultation shall take place beforehand. And, so, I am writing you to make that survey available to the Diocese of Trenton.

By visiting the Diocese’s website – www.dioceseoftrenton.org – you will find links to: 1) the document published after last year’s synod; 2) the new Vatican questionnaire, and 3) a simplified version of this questionnaire offered as an option.

As Bishop, I encourage you to read the document itself and to complete one of the two questionnaires, following the instructions provided, according to your preference. You may take the online survey, which is submitted electronically to us. You may also choose to download the questionnaire of your

Ministrare Non Ministrari

UNPRECEDENTED • When the Extraordinary Synod of Bishops on the family convened at the Vatican in October, it did so with the input of Catholics from around the world who participated in the Vatican-sponsored consultation. CNS photo/Paul Haring choice, complete it and return to our Office of Communications via regular mail (The Diocese of Trenton, 701 Lawrenceville Rd., P.O. Box 5147, Trenton, NJ, 08638-0147) or email at dotcomm@dioceseoftrenton.org by Wednesday, March 4, 2015. I, in turn, will read and prepare a summary for eventual transmission to the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops by March 9.

It is important that your voice be represented in these discussions. Please give it your time and consideration. Thank you.

Respectfully yours in the Lord,

Most Rev. David M. O’Connell, C.M. Bishop of Trenton

Questions will provide input for coming synod on the family The following instructions and list of condensed questions were adapted from a document prepared by the Diocese of Wilmington and shared with a number of dioceses in the region. We express our appreciation for their providing them for use in the Diocese of Trenton.

In October of 2014 the Synod of Bishops held its Third Extraordinary

General Assembly. Its theme was the pastoral challenges of the family in the context of evangelization. The document that came out of this meeting, the Relatio Synodi, became the Lineamenta for the upcoming XIV Ordinary General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops on the Vocation and Mission of the Family in the Church and Contemporary World.

The document’s goal is to “raise questions and indicate points of view that will later be developed and clarified through reflection in the local Churches” during the time between the two synods. The family is a central experience in everyone’s life, and the Lineamenta hopes by this process it will be rediscovered as a vital component in the

work of evangelization.

The document is divided into three sections: Listening, Looking, and Confronting. It concludes with 46 questions centered around those divisions.

In this synopsis, those questions have been condensed and combined to foster greater discussion in parish communities. It is recommended to read the questions as a whole, as well as the Lineamenta from which they come (located at www.dioceseoftrenton.org.)

In seeking responses to these questions, the Synod Fathers note that they are not seeking a “formulation of pastoral care based simply on an application of doctrine,” but hope the questions aid See Family • 12

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State oftheDiocese Irenton AND HERE IS HOW THE MONITOR TELLS THE STORY

OF THE DIOCESE OF TRENTON:

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The MONITOR has built hundreds of PHOTO GALLERIES featuring the work of our award- winning photographers….

Grip and Grins

Our shared story told in beautiful and dramatic photos.

Check it out at trentonmonitor.com …. click on multimedia>photo galleries

Core Theology Lectures 2015 Core Theology lectures are beneficial to all who are seeking knowledge, formation, and updating.

These lectures are open to the general public and are offered at the Chancery from 10 am to 3 pm. Cost: $10 per session.

Diocese of Trenton

Please go to www.dioceseoftrenton.org/DCP for the registration form.

Core Theology Lectures Sacraments/Liturgy: Sacramental Theology - “God’s Tool Box:

Introduction to Canon Law - “Introduction to Church Law in the Catholic Church” Presenter: Sr. Rose McDermott Sr. Rose is the Diocese of Trenton Delegate for Religious and teaches Canon Law at The Catholic University of America.

Saturday, March 7, 2015

the Lord Jesus” Fall 2014 - Spring 2015 Encountering Presenter: Msgr. Gerard McCarren

Foundations for Ministry - “Ministry for a Dynamic Church” and “Ecclesial Integration and Hospitality” Presenters: Gary Maccaroni/Gerald Charmant Gary is a Commissioned Lay Ecclesial Minister and currently serves as Pastoral Associate at St. Ann in Lawrenceville.

Gerald is the Director of the Haitian Ministry at Our Lady of SorrowsSt. Anthony Parish.

Saturday, March 14, 2015 Sacraments/Liturgy: Documents of the Church - “Looking at the Documents of the Church: How They Have Formed the Way We Worship” Presenter: Msgr. Sam Sirianni Msgr. Sam is the pastor of St. Robert Bellarmine Parish, Freehold and the Director of the Diocesan Office of Worship.

Friday, March 20, 2015 Sacraments/Liturgy: Catholic Social Teaching - “Catholic Social Teaching… building on the threefold cornerstone!”

Presenter: Sr. Joanne Dress Sr. Joanne is the Executive Director of Catholic Social Services for the Diocese of Trenton.

Tuesday, April 14, 2015

Msgr. McCarren is the Spiritual Director and an Associate Professor of Systematic Theology at Immaculate Conception Seminary (ICSST) at Seton Hall University, South Orange.

Saturday, April 25, 2015 Foundations for Ministry: Intro to Prayer and Spirituality - “Nourishing a Love of Prayer in Ministry” Presenter: Dr. Dianne Traflet Dianne Traflet is Associate Dean and Assistant Professor of Pastoral Theology at Immaculate Conception Seminary School of Theology (ICSST) at Seton Hall University, South Orange Saturday, May 2, 2015 Foundations for Ministry: Evangelization - “Evangelization 101” Presenter: Andrés Arango Andrés Arango is the Bishop’s Delegate for Hispanic Ministry and Director of Evangelization for the Diocese of Camden.

Saturday, May 30, 2015 History of the Mass - “The Historical Development of the Mass” Presenter: Msgr. Sam Sirianni To be scheduled Fall 2015

For more information contact Kathleen Golazeski - Phone: 609-403-7205 or Email: kgolaz@dioceseoftrenton.org These lectures are part of the Diocesan Certificate Program, sponsored by the Department of Evangelization & Catechesis.

12

State oftheDiocese Irenton

THE MONITOR • FEBRUARY 2015

Family synod questionnaire lets voices be heard Continued from • 10

in reflection and help to engage in “pastoral activity that is characterized by a ‘culture of encounter.’”

Listening: the Context and Challenges of the Family 1. Given the challenges families face today, what efforts/initiatives are taking place to support families in their vocation?

2. How can the faithful be present “as Church” to families in extreme situations?

3. How does the Church exercise pastoral care for families? How, if at all, does that care reach those on the peripheries?

Looking at Christ: the Gospel of

the Family 1. How is Sacred Scripture used in the pastoral care of families?

2. What does the Church do to show the great gift of marriage as a union that is indissoluble?

3. It is often said that there are three in a marriage: the couple and God. How can people be helped to understand that a relationship with God can help them in marital difficulties?

4. Each family, as a “domestic Church,” is called to be missionary just as the Church is. How can an awareness of this be fostered?

5. Marriage, as part of God’s original plan for humanity, is not a confinement of joys but allows for fulfillment. How

Read or download ...

For the official Relatio Synodi of the III Extraordinary General Assembly, and to take the online survey (in full or simplified form), go to www.dioceseoftrenton.org/synodsurvey2015/ Readers may also take the simplified survey by answering the questions presented here, and returning their answers in hard copy to: The Diocese of Trenton, Office of Communications, 701 Lawrenceville Rd., P.O. Box 5147, Trenton, NJ, 08638-0147 Responses may also be emailed to the Office of Communications at dotcomm@dioceseoftrenton.org.

All responses must be received by the Diocese by March 4, 2015.

can this be better understood? What initiatives can be done to highlight this?

6. The Church has a rich and developed teaching on the family. What catechetical efforts can be developed to make this more widely known?

7. How can the faithful show kindness and guidance to those who are not aware of the gift of Christ’s love and vision for families without failing to proclaim the demands the Gospel places on us?

Confronting the Situation: Pastoral Perspectives

1. These efforts cannot be undertaken on one’s own. What type of associations (family, ecclesial, civic, social) could help in the collaborative effort of proclaiming the Gospel of the Family, even while needing to go against the prevailing cultural, economic, and political thought of the day?

2. How can marriage preparation help in highlighting the vocation and mission of the family? How can it be renewed and improved?

3. For married couples in the first years after being married, what support can be given to them as they embark on the journey of the Christian family?

What is being done currently? What needs further development at the parish and diocesan levels?

4. For Christian couples who are civilly married, what can be done to assist them in the decision to marry?

5. For families that experience separation, divorce, civil remarriage, and single parenthood, how can the Christian community extend the Father’s mercy and care to them? What is being done currently? What needs further development at the parish and diocesan levels?

6. How can the annulment process be made more accessible?

7. What pastoral attention can the Christian community give to families with persons with homosexual tendencies?

8. A respect for human life and its transmission is part and parcel of the Gospel of the Family. What has been done to announce and promote the beauty and dignity of being a father or mother? Can dialogue with the sciences be promoted in this regard?

9. Does the Christian community effectively show solidarity and support for families? What is being done currently? What needs further development at the parish and diocesan levels?

10. How does the Church combat the scourge of abortion and foster an effective culture of life?

11. Parents and the Christian family have the duty of sharing the faith with their children. How can they be made aware that this is an intrinsic past of being a Christian? What can be done to support them in this effort?

Family ”

HolyHour

“It's a great time to be a

THE DIOCESE OF TRENTON invites you and your family to a

The Holy Hour will consist of Scripture reading, silent prayer, music, intercessions and personal testimonies, in preparation for the 2015 World Meeting of Families in Philadelphia

“My joy, my pleasure, my delight is to be with you.” (Prov 8:31)

Thursdays 7:00 PM

Burlington: June 25, 2015

St. John Neumann - Mount Laurel

Ocean: July 23rd, 2015 St. Joseph - Toms River Monmouth: September 3, 2015 Star of the Sea (of Christ the King Parish) - Long Branch

Contact us at www.dioceseoftrenton.org/wmf2015/ or at 609-403-7155

n o t n e r T f o ceesslee Dio . .. g n in o m t m a n r g e o r r P T n f io o vis T e nde adiiooac RD n Programming...

TRENTONMONITOR.COM • FEBRUARY 2015

State oftheDiocese Irenton

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State oftheDiocese Irenton

14

Faith for Today, Strength for Tomorrow

T

THE MONITOR • FEBRUARY 2015

AofCT

Faith , WORKS

he Diocese of Trenton is introducing two financial campaigns, one of which relies upon the faithful to promote the daily works of the Church, the other which enables them to plan for her future needs. The 2015 Annual Catholic Appeal invites us to support the innumerable aspects of the “Sunday to Sunday” sacramental life and events in our parishes, schools and community programs, while the “Faith to Move Mountains” endowment campaign will prove to be an important way to save funds for the future needs of our Diocese and her people.

Diocese embarks upon ‘Faith to Move Mountains’ endowment campaign

Annual Catholic Appeal strengthens ‘Sunday to Sunday’ works in Diocese

By Christina Leslie Staff Writer

By Christina Leslie Staff Writer

A

“

special campaign that will sustain the Diocese of Trenton’s ability to serve God and his people well into the future has gotten off to a promising start.

After much prayer and two years of discussion and planning with input from priests and laity, Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M., launched a new endowment campaign which draws its name from Jesus’ parable of the mustard seed. The diocesan “Faith to Move Mountains” campaign, with a goal of more than $75 million, was created, as the Bishop noted, “not for the sake of bricks and mortar, but, rather, for the flesh and blood that make up our community of faith.”

This campaign is the first such effort in the Diocese in over 20 years, explained Stephen Nicholl, diocesan Director of Development. It has been initiated to sustain the future of the Diocese and be conducted to solicit sacrificial gifts of pledges that can be redeemed over a period of three to five years.

Every parish will share in the endeavor with a fiscal target, appropriate to their ability, to meet the long-term needs of the Diocese.

The campaign, named by Bishop O’Connell, recalls “... not for Christ’s assertion that “If you have faith the size of a musthe sake of tard seed, you will say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you” bricks and (Matthew 17:20).

“Here in the Diocese of Trenton, generation after genmortar, eration of Catholics has provided everything necessary for the ‘mustard seed’ of faith to grow and remain strong. No but, rather need was ever too great for us. No opportunity, too negligible. No sacrifice, too much. And no mountain, too high,” ... for our the Bishop continues. “Our faith has brought us through the and turns and joys and sorrows that our lives in the community twists four counties have brought from the very beginning.

“Now, as in every successive generation, new seeds of of faith.” faith have fallen on the good soil of the Diocese of Trenton… New mountains never dreamed of before confront our faith. Can we move them? Only by strengthening the foundation of our Diocese, endowing its ministries so that new generations will hear the Gospel and embrace their faith, touching real lives not with mere words but, rather, with concrete acts of mercy and generosity as Pope Francis daily encourages,” he asserts.

The establishment of the endowment campaign was guided by the input from a priest advisory council chaired by Msgr. Thomas N. Gervasio, vicar general and moderator of the curia. The committee, under the advisement of Bishop O’Connell, will give feedback as the campaign is in progress and aid in decision making. Moreover, members of the Department of Development have worked with pastors to implement the campaign and are assigned to each parish with an ongoing campaign.

“Our goal is that every parish will be successful,” Nicholl said.

The Faith to Move Mountains campaign will raise money for endowments, charitable trusts wherein money is held and invested and only the interest income that is earned is spent. Thus, the fund can exist in perpetuity. The Diocese has created other trusts over the years and has worked with both civil See Endowment • 27

Love

of

O

ur Catholic faith begins with the Mass, but the Gospel is for every day,” declares Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M., in his letter introducing the 2015 Annual Catholic Appeal. “From Sunday to Sunday, our parishes are places of bustling activity, reaching out and delivering sustenance – both spiritual and physical – to children and families; our youth and young adults; to those who are sick, lonely, suffering and grieving; and to people who have not yet heard or embraced the Word of God.” The daily life of the parish is the focus of this year’s “Act of Faith, Works of Love” appeal to faithful from throughout the four counties of the Diocese of Trenton. The secondary theme of the appeal, “From Sunday to Sunday,” will spotlight the innumerable ways the parishes of the Diocese sustain and nurture sacramental life, catechize their people, supof port their students, serve the poor and minister to their members and their of wider communities.

ACT

Faith , WORKS

Inviting Support

Love

Parishioners around the Diocese will learn about the Annual Catholic Appeal, which has the goal of raising $7 million, The 2015 ANNUAL via a mailed packet of information from Bishop O’Connell. During the kickwww.dioceseoftrenton.org/catholicappeal off weekend, Feb. 14-15, a video will be shown at all Masses, and priests and parish leaders will further explain the appeal. In-pew commitments can be made by parishioners during this weekend, either by submitting the pledge cards from the mailing, or by completing those available from the parish during the weekend.

The website, dioceseoftrenton.org/catholic appeal, contains information on the many needs funded by the appeal and offers three methods by which the faithful might donate: via mail, phone or online.

The Annual Catholic Appeal video to be shown in all parishes “gives a clear case of the elements, with the passion and emotion of the Bishop, to illustrate what we do in the Diocese,” declared Stephen Nicholl, director of the diocesan Department of Development. “It highlights the life of the parishes, the day-to-day ministries, and the efforts and responsibilities they need to fulfill to survive.”

The three-and-a-half minute video portrays the faithful of all ages living their Catholic faith by ministering in parishes, schools, food pantries, hospitals and community outreach projects of the Diocese. “This is our mission See ACA • 15 The Catholic Diocese of Trenton

PLEASE GIVE GENEROUSLY. Together we can make a real and lasting difference in the lives of our brothers and sisters.

TRENTONMONITOR.COM • FEBRUARY 2015

State oftheDiocese Irenton

15

Sunday to Sunday: One faith, many ministries Here’s what a week in the life of a parish looks like, and how your gift helps to make it happen …

LITURGY AND THE SACRAMENTS Each week we gather around the table of the Lord to take part in the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass, celebrated by our priests with the assistance of our deacons and liturgical ministers. Without our priests, there would be no Eucharist or sacramental life in the parish. Our priests are with us to mark the faith milestones of our lives, through the conferral of the Sacraments of Reconciliation, First Holy Communion and Confirmation.

They come to us in times of sorrow and difficulties to anoint the sick and dying. The priests, together with our deacons, witness God’s love for us as we celebrate the joyful experiences of Baptism and Matrimony.

Your Appeal gift supports the effort to ensure that there will be priests and deacons to sustain and nurture the sacramental life of our parishes: Vocations Recuitment • Seminarian Formation • Ongoing Priestly Formation • Deacon Formation • Priest Retirement CATECHESIS, LAY FORMATION AND EVANGELIZATION In his 2013 series on the New Evangelization, Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M., wrote: “We Catholics are all responsible for the current and the next generation. Handing on the faith and seeing it at work in ‘real life’ cannot be left to chance or passed off as someone else’s job.” Some 50,000 children in the Diocese of Trenton attend their parish religious education programs. Some 300 men and women attain full initiation into the Church through the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults program. For many, the quality of their faith lives and the role that the faith will have in their futures is dependent, in large part, on the quality

ACA supports ministries Continued from • 14

as Catholics every day of our lives,” Bishop O’Connell notes of these modern-day evangelists.

Appeal Dollars at Work Nicholl explained that monies donated to the appeal will be allocated for the many and diverse ministries of the Diocese in six major categories.

Without our priests and deacons, the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass would be impossible. The daily life of the parish requires the presence of these men who walk alongside their flock and confer the Sacraments of faith.

Appeal donations will assist with ongoing formation for about 170 priests and 300 deacons who currently serve, formation of about 30 seminarians, and care for those priests in retirement from the Diocese.

In his 2013 series on the New Evangelization, Bishop O’Connell wrote, “We Catholics are all responsible for the current and the next generation. Handing on the faith and seeing it at work in ‘real life’ cannot be left to chance or passed off as someone else’s job.”

Support of the appeal will prepare the parish leaders who teach over 50,000 students each year in our religious education programs, as well as guide the more See Appeal • 30

of instruction delivered by their catechists.

Your support makes it possible for the Diocese to prepare men and women to teach children and adults how to pursue lives of holiness as full-fledged members of the Church: Catechist Preparation and Training • Catechetical Leadership Development • Consultation and Support • Resources for Adult Faith Formation CATHOLIC SCHOOLS It has been demonstrated that Catholic school graduates give back to the faith, most often as active members of their parish communities. Here in the Diocese, nearly 17,000 students attend Catholic elementary and secondary schools each year. But the challenges to Catholic schools are significant.

In 2013, a team studying our schools reported, “If Catholic schools are to thrive well into the future they must be academically excellent, fiscally sustainable and passionately Catholic.”

Because of your gift to the ACA, the Diocese is able to deliver on a broad range of services and resources to ensure that our Catholic schools are better able to meet the challenges before them and fulfill their essential mission for the Church: Sustainability Initiatives • Professional Development for Educators • Leadership Recruitment and Formation • Tuition Assistance Fund Management • Alumni Support Measures • Curriculum and Performance Standards • Marketing and Advancement Support and Training OUTREACH TO THE POOR, VULNERABLE The needs of the poor and suffering become known, most often, in our parishes, where the pastor and his ministry team know their community and the challenges that exist. A network of parish social service programs that respond to local needs are bolstered by comprehensive, regional programs such as those offered by Catholic Charities, and

other agencies. The mission that is shared by these programs is to help people with their basic needs, while at the same time assisting them in regaining their independence and maintaining their dignity.

Through your support of the ACA, you partner with the Diocese in the effort to provide programs and services for people who need them most: Catholic Charities Basic Needs Program Subsidy • Grant Programs for Local Agencies • Disaster and Recovery Effort • Parish Counseling Program • Advocacy Development MINISTRY TO FAMILIES, YOUTHS AND YOUNG ADULTS Our parishes are made up of families, each with their own set of needs and challenges. As local efforts aim to serve the spiritual needs of families throughout the life cycle, the Diocese provides support, resources, guidance and formation for those who minister to families, youths and young adults. The Diocese also sponsors events for youths and young adults throughout the four counties.

Because of generous donors like you, an expansive array of ministry programs are made available for families, in the parishes and on a diocesan level: Youth Events and Service Opportunities • Young Adult Gatherings • Marriage Preparation Programs • Baptismal Preparation Training • Marriage Encounter • Retrouvaille for Troubled Marriages • Ministry to Separated and Divorced Persons • Bereavement Ministry • Pastoral Care Formation and Support • Respect Life Advocacy PARISH NEEDS PLUS • 15 percent of the collected goal amount goes back to the parish and 50 percent of the overage is also returned for repair/restoration projects, new areas of growth or ministry development, as well as other needs.

Parishes surpass goals • Annual Catholic Appeal 2014 Congratulations to the following parishes that have achieved their individual goals…

St. Anthony of Padua • Red Bank Church of the Nativity • Fair Haven St. Rose • Belmar St. Robert Bellarmine • Freehold St. David the King • Princeton Junction St. Benedict • Holmdel St. Catharine • Holmdel St. Catharine of Siena • Seaside Park St. John the Baptist • Allentown St. Justin the Martyr • Toms River Jesus the Lord • Keyport St. Mary of the Assumption • Deal St. Peter • Point Pleasant Beach Holy Innocents • Neptune St. Paul • Princeton St. Ann • Browns Mills Sacred Heart • Trenton St. Catherine • Middletown Sacred Heart • Bay Head St. Elizabeth Ann Seton • Whiting

St. Denis • Manasquan St. Mary of the Lakes • Medford Church of the Precious Blood • Monmouth Beach St. Monica • Jackson St. Joseph • Toms River Resurrection • Delran St. Elizabeth • Avon St. Thomas More • Manalapan St. Pius X • Forked River Holy Spirit • Asbury Park St. Hedwig • Trenton St. Leo the Great • Lincroft St. Anthony of Padua • Hightstown Our Lady of Good Counsel • West Trenton St. James • Pennington St. Alphonsus • Hopewell Church of the Ascension • Bradley Beach St. Catherine of Siena • Farmingdale Our Lady of Sorrows-St. Anthony • Hamilton St. Rose of Lima • Freehold

St. Catharine • Spring Lake St. Mark • Sea Girt St. Dorothea • Eatontown St. Gregory the Great • Hamilton Square St. Mary • Middletown St. Luke • Toms River Our Lady of the Angels • Trenton St. Aloysius • Jackson St. Pio of Pietrelcina • Lavallette Holy Eucharist • Tabernacle St. Gabriel • Marlboro St. Maximilian Kolbe • Toms River St. Barnabas • Bayville St. Mary of the Lake • Lakewood St. Theresa • Little Egg Harbor Our Lady of Perpetual Help • Highlands St. Mary • Barnegat Our Lady of Good Counsel • Moorestown St. Katharine Drexel • Burlington

16

State oftheDiocese Irenton

THE MONITOR • FEBRUARY 2015

Network of Care

Catholic social service agencies work together to help those in need

I

ndividually, the Catholic social service agencies operating in the Diocese of Trenton make a true difference in the communities where they are located – bringing desperately needed services and resources to the poor and marginalized.

But together, these agencies form a network of care that spans the four counties of the Diocese and fulfills a wide range of needs.

Sharing information and insight, and identifying ways that they can better serve their communities, the Catholic Social Service network of the Diocese of Trenton comes together quarterly at the invitation of Daughter of Charity Sister Joanne Dress, diocesan executive director of Catholic social services.

In their fall meeting, representatives of agencies were visited by Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M., who took the opportunity to praise them for their work. He said, “You put the faith in action. You give flesh and blood to the faith. You are God’s hands, backbone, sweat and the tears. “ The Bishop continued, “Day in and day out, you see the people we don’t -people who we will never know – those

whose lives are touched by your services.

“I encourage you in the work you do, to make it a prayer, to make each day of your lives a dialogue with the Lord,” the Bishop said.

Each of the agencies, from the expansive umbrella of Catholic Charities, to Good Counsel Homes, which provides a home and support for pregnant women in crisis, reflected on universal trends they continue to see in their work. Whether running food pantries, thrift shops, job networking or rental assistance, the shared sentiment is that struggles from the slow economy and Superstorm Sandy persist in the lives of many.

“The economy for a bunch of these folks hasn’t changed,” reported Sal Cortale, executive director of Project Paul , which is located in Keansburg and serves the Bayshore area.

Many of the agency leaders underscored the importance of people who support their ministries with their time and treasure. Several reported that the generosity of others through holiday food drives and matching grants make it possible for food shelves to be restocked and outreach programs staffed.

WORKING TOGETHER • Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M., recently had an opportunity to meet with the directors of the Diocese’s various social service agencies.

The meeting was organized by Daughter of Charity Sister Joanne Dress, diocesan executive director for Catholic Social Services.

Rayanne Bennett photos

Sister Joanne emphasized the need to do more than charitable works when helping the poor. “Yes, we need to give charity. We also need to do things to change the system so people don’t go back into the poverty they were in,” Sister Joanne said, underscoring that systemic change has become a priority for such groups as the St. Vincent de Paul Society, both nationally and locally.

LISTENING EAR • Bishop O’Connell, at right, engages in conversation with Sal Cortale, executive director of Project PAUL, a Keansburg-based Catholic agency that provides outreach to those in need in the Bayshore area.

Charities, agencies perform acts of service across Diocese Throughout the four counties of the Diocese of Trenton, social service organizations and parish outreach initiatives work tirelessly to perform acts of service and help work to address the greatest social needs in the community.

From meal drives for Thanksgiving, Christmas and Easter, to assistance with utilities and rent payments, projects run the gamut from addressing physical and concrete needs, to providing gestures of love and spiritual guidance to address the less tangible needs of those throughout Burlington, Mercer, Monmouth and Ocean Counties. Outreach activities also feature special services and activities geared towards providing enrichment for children, as well as support for victims of domestic violence.

Here is a snapshot of just some of the countless acts of Christian service performed throughout the Diocese:

Mount Carmel Guild of Trenton Mount Carmel Guild has been helping the greater Mercer County community members in their times of need since 1920 regardless of race or religion.

Services are offered free to those who seek assistance.

In 2014…  19,263 individuals in 8,434 households fed through the Emergency Assistance Program • 970 families provided with a com-

plete Thanksgiving dinner • 521 children given toys for Christmas • 54 households provided utility assistance • 41 persons given assistance obtaining necessary prescription medications  2,081 home visits to patients, free of charge, through the Home Health Nursing Program

St. Vincent de Paul Society The St. Vincent de Paul Society is an international Catholic organization of more than 750,000 lay men and women who seek to help the suffering in a spirit of justice and charity through personto-person involvement.

In the Vincentian year ending Sept.

30, 2014:  $6,083,968 in direct and in-kind assistance provided  59,872 clients assisted  37,173 individuals contacted through 24,919 calls  17,761 home visits conducted  2,234 members and associates involved in St. Vincent de Paul conferences throughout the Diocese

Catholic Youth Organization of Mercer County Founded in 1961, the Catholic Youth Organization of Mercer County

is a public benefit community organization that enhances the lives of area youth and their families, by providing affordable, quality, educational and recreational services.

In 2014…  1,300 children served daily during the summer months  1,200 children served daily throughout the school year  1,200 children ages 8-14 served through seasonal athletic leagues in Catholic schools and parishes in the greater Mercer County area  5 CYO sites offering services in Trenton, Hamilton and Ewing  4 CYO sites in Hamilton schools hosting before and after school programming

Project Paul Project PAUL was founded in 1980 as a part of the community outreach ministry of St. Ann Parish, Keansburg.

In 2014…  24,241 adults and 13,910 children fed  13,808 visits to the agency’s food pantry by clients  1,400 toys distributed to Keansburg families for Christmas  1,209 clients received $15,436 worth of free clothing

 855 clients received $2,927 worth of free diapers  685 clients received $313,914 in financial assistance for rent and utilities  200 Thanksgiving dinners distributed to Keansburg families

Catholic Charities Catholic Charities is a faith-inspired social services organization, founded in 1913, with a mission to alleviate human suffering through the 58 programs at 35 service sites and 72 residential sites within the Diocese of Trenton.

In 2014…  6,531 calls to 24-hour Providence House Domestic Violence Services hotline • 400 women and children provided shelter from abusers  2,500 households provided assistance through the Disaster Care Management program (from April 2013 through December 2014)  400 adults and children participating in inaugural Walk of Hope, raising $17,000 to help reduce poverty, promote recovery and strengthen families

For more information on these and other agencies, visit dioceseoftrenton. org and click on OUTREACH>CATHOLIC SOCIAL SERVICES.

TRENTONMONITOR.COM • FEBRUARY 2015

State oftheDiocese Irenton

17

A Passion for Service

Helping others - a shared goal of parish social service ministy

By Lois Rogers Correspondent

T

he wide range of social ministry programs offered individually by the 107 parishes of the Trenton Diocese runs the gamut from emergency financial assistance to food and housing support, to disaster management services and knitting and quilting ministries.

But the overall scope of what is offered often flies under the radar.

In the Trenton Diocese, a series of five Parish Social Ministry Outreach meetings over the past year, which brought volunteers together on a county-by-county basis, has dramatically increased the sight lines, not only on what programs are already available but on what other services may be needed.

The gatherings are one more step in a process Daughter of Charity Sister Joanne Dress, executive director of Catholic Social Services, began back in 2011 when she first arrived in the Trenton Diocese to become familiar with all of the various organizations of social service, how they fulfill the mission of the diocese and what they provide to those in need.

The goal of this ongoing process, Sister Joanne said, is to foster communication and collaboration, seek ways to meet ever expanding needs and to employ creativity as “we find ways for people to volunteer. … It’s all about gathering people and hearing their insights, hearing what they have to say.”

Opening the Door Like someone opened the door of a new house and invited everyone to stay.

That was how Liz Upperman, president of the St. Vincent de Paul Conference in Mother of Mercy Parish, Asbury Park, described the recent gathering of social ministry volunteers from around coastal and western Monmouth County.

Upperman was one of about 40 parish volunteers and representatives of Catholic Charities, Collier Services and Good Counsel Homes who attended the Jan. 29 meeting in St. Catharine Parish, Holmdel.

The gathering was one of five around the counties of Burlington, Mercer, Monmouth and Ocean, called by Sister Joanne to bring social ministry volunteers together to brainstorm.

The aim, Sister Joanne said, is not only to foster camaraderie and collaboration among the parish volunteers, but to keep current on ongoing and new issues and needs.

All of the meetings have been moderated by Sister Joanne and open with participants sharing their accomplishments and their insights about the critical needs of their communities. At the coastal Monmouth session, those concerns focused on housing, food

resources, transportation and employment.

Reflecting on the Coastal Monmouth session several days later, Upperman shared her insights on the gathering.

“It was so worthy,” said Upperman, whose active participation with a group of volunteers from Mother of Mercy Parish has turned the St. Peter Claver Center into a beehive of assistance in Asbury Park’s struggling West Side neighborhood.

Upperman said the two-hour session allowed all concerned to share and experience feedback “in a much wider aspect” than volunteers in parish social ministry usually encounter.

“It was very informative. You were able to share ideas and listen to new ideas that you could bring back to your conference. When you have brainstormed (with your own group) until you can’t brainstorm any more, it’s good to have that kind of feedback.”

Upperman was one of many, including Linda Altini and Roseanne Duffy of St. Robert Bellarmine Parish, Freehold, who expressed real interest having more sessions.

“… It’s all about gathering people and hearing their insights, hearing what they have to say.”

Duffy and Altini took it a step further, saying they’d like the format expanded if possible, to include an informal session at the conclusion so members of the group the group can dialogue on a one-to-one basis.

“I hope there’s an update every six months or a yearly networking,” said Altini, who, with Duffy, dedicates her service to the SRB (St. Robert Bellarmine) Help Center. It was good, Altini said, to meet so many “great people who are doing great things and getting ideas that we can bring back to our parish.”

Duffy expressed similar enthusiasm, saying the outreach meeting at which participants shared information on the programs in their parishes – showed the scope of what’s offered not only by the parishes of Coastal Monmouth County but support agencies, such as Catholic Charities. The outreach was eye-opening, said Duffy. “I didn’t realize all of the ministries and the support communities.”

Connie Becraft, executive director of the St. Francis Community Center, Brant Beach, attended the outreach session held in St. Luke Parish, Toms River.

Noting that the center provides services over a broad geographic swath of

MAKING THE POINT • Representatives of various social outreach agencies from Monmouth County gathered for a meeting where they had an opportunity to network and share strategies. The meeting was hosted by Daughter of Charity Sister Joanne Dress, diocesan executive director of Catholic Social Services. Ken Falls photo southern Ocean County, Becraft praised the outreach concept for affording St. Francis an “opportunity to collaborate with other supportive services we may not provide. Although St. Francis Center provides many services throughout southern Ocean County, if we have client need for services north of Forked River we will refer to those programs.”

A great example of that collaboration is working with the food pantry of St. Luke Parish, Toms River. “We had the good fortune to tour the facility with volunteers. They were very passionate regarding the services they provide. We shared ideas and contacts which turned out to be very helpful for our clients living in northern Ocean County.”

Passion is a word Sister Joanne uses often when describing the commitment of the social ministry volunteers throughout the Diocese. “Every parish reaches out on ways that depend on the population and the needs. … They are all really committed with a passion. For some, the focus is on housing, for some, its career transitions. They utilize their skills to help people.”

Meeting the Needs In the near future, the feedback from the Parish Social Ministry gatherings should start bearing fruit. Focus sessions on some of the critical issues – housing, food resources, employment – are apt to be held, Sister Joanne said.

Sessions on grant writing and viewing contemporary issues through the lens of Catholic social teaching are also likely to be considered.

“Talking face to face” is a way to gather good feedback and put it into action.

To see what can happen, one has only to check out the new entry on the diocesan website for Diocese of Trenton Parish Counseling Services.

Sponsored by the Diocese and Cath-

olic Charities, the short term, modestly priced, six session program operated by parishes for their members, is a direct result of such communication said Maureen Fitzsimmons, LPC, diocesan director of parish counseling.

“When Sister Joanne came to the Diocese and began to visit parishes and most specifically deanery meetings and asked: what is it that you need from us, the universal response (from the priests) was effective, inexpensive counseling from folks who are Catholic,” said Fitzsimmons.

So direct and unified was the request that a decision was taken to move in cooperation with Catholic Charities toward a collaborative plan that would offer counseling at a reasonable cost.

With 27 years at Catholic Charities, Fitzsimmons was brought on board to coordinate the program which officially launched in the fall.

The program is designed to help parishioners through difficult issues such as marital problems, raising children, eldercare, bereavement, the stress of job loss that can be successfully addressed by brief counseling support. It is not geared for those with severe or persistent mental illness.

Working from Catholic Charities sites or private offices, counselors are experienced with an array of difficulties and diverse clientele, Fitzsimmons said.

Sister Joanne points to the program as an example of how important it is to listen, to dialogue and collaborate.

She summed up this philosophy at the Coastal Monmouth Outreach meeting: “I don’t pretend to know it all but I do know how to get in touch with the people who do. … It’s very important to hear what parishes are doing and to look at unmet needs in order to expand our ability to collaborate and network and offer advocacy and service.”

State oftheDiocese Irenton

18

Pray for the success of the World Meeting of Families Join your prayers with those of families around the world, asking The Holy Family to bless the event and all who attend with grace, peace and divine joy. Make a pledge to pray for the World Meeting, or light a candle online at www.

WorldMeeting2015.org.

The following is the World Meeting of Families official prayer: God and Father of us all, in Jesus, your Son and our Savior, you have made us your sons and daughters in the family of the Church.

THE MONITOR • FEBRUARY 2015

Prepare your family

May your grace and love help our families in every part of the world be united to one another in fidelity to the Gospel.

May the example of the Holy Family, with the aid of your Holy Spirit, guide all families, especially those most troubled, to be homes of communion and prayer and to always seek your truth and live in your love.

Through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Jesus, Mary and Joseph, pray for us!

The success of the World Meeting begins today, in our homes and in our hearts. There are a variety of activities and discussions to begin with your family in the weeks and even months leading up to the World Meeting.

In addition to the Holy Hours for families hosted by the Diocese of Trenton in the coming months, the Archdiocese of Philadelphia has several events planned that center around marriage and the family. Information on those events can be found at www.

WorldMeeting2015.org.

The Archdiocese also suggests

preparing with “Love is Our Mission: The Family Fully Alive,” a Church document that teaches what Catholics believe about human purpose, marriage and the family. This document forms the basis for children’s preparatory lessons and the event programming objectives for the World Meeting of Families. All of the themes from the main theological idea that “Love is our mission, and it is by loving God and one another that we will be fully alive” were used to decide which talks, youth games and other fun activities to include at the event.

Diocese by the NUMBERS • 2014 The Diocese of Trenton, which was founded in 1881, currently serves as home to a Catholic population of more than 800,000. Within the counties of Burlington, Mercer, Monmouth and Ocean, are 107 parishes; 43 Catholic elementary and secondary schools, and a host of agencies that

provide outreach to meet the needs of people of all ages and stages in their lives. The following is an overview of the Diocese of Trenton that includes information on its people, ministries, places, programs and parishes. The statistics reported are from 2014.

 Catholic Population . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 829,535

 Religious Women. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 307

 Catholic Households. . . . . . . . . . . . . .

267,592

 Consecrated Virgins. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

 Parishes. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .107

 Member of a Secular Institute. . . . . . . . . . . . . 1

 Baptisms (includes infants, children and adults) . . 7,537

 Elementary Schools (parish and regional) . . . . . . . 35

 First Communions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8,883

 Elementary Students. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11,371

 Confirmations

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5,144

 High Schools (diocesan and parish) . . . . . . . . . . . 8

 Weddings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1,350

 Secondary Students . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5,475

 Funerals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6,194

 High School Graduates (including private high schools) . . . . . . . . . . . 1,617

 Active Priests . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 272  Deacons . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .362  Priests Ordained . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6  Transitional Deacons Ordained . . . . . . . . . . . . 4  Permanent Deacons Ordained . . . . . . . . . . . . 13  Catechumens for the Rite of Election Ceremony. . . . . . . . . . . . . .163  Religious Priests. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47  Religious Brothers. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51

 Eighth Grade Graduates. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1,320  Religious Education Students (Pre-K, elementary and secondary) . . . . . . . . . 50,111  Since the inception of the Catholic Alumni Partnership in 2013, nearly $240,000 has been raised for the Catholic schools of the Diocese.  SCHOOL TUITION ASSISTANCE Through the tuition assistance program, funded by parish co-sponsorship contributions, there were 1,104 elementary students that received assistance for a total amount of $879,846. High school students received assistance in the total amount of $526,031.

State oftheDiocese Irenton

TRENTONMONITOR.COM • FEBRUARY 2015

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19

State oftheDiocese Irenton

20

THE MONITOR • FEBRUARY 2015

Diocese of Trenton Financial Statements:

For the Years Ended June 30, 2014 and 2013 THE DIOCESE OF TRENTON StatementsSTATEMENTS of Financial Position: OF FINANCIAL POSITION

2014

JUNE 30,

INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' REPORT Most Reverend David M. O'Connell, C.M., J.C.D. Bishop of The Diocese of Trenton Most Reverend David M. O'Connell, C.M., J.C.D. Trenton, New Jersey Bishop of The Diocese of Trenton Trenton, New Jersey Most Reverend David M. O'Connell, C.M., J.C.D.

2013

Diocese of Trenton of The Report on Bishop Financial Statements Trenton, New Jersey

Report on Financial Statements AUDITORS' The Diocese of Trenton (a nonprofit We have audited the accompanyingINDEPENDENT financial statements of REPORT organization) which comprise the statements of financial position as of June 30, 2014 and 2013, and the We have audited accompanying Report onthe Financial Statementsfinancial statements of The Diocese of Trenton (a nonprofit related statements of activities and and cash flows for the years then ended, and the related notes to the organization) which comprise the statements of financial position as of June 30, 2014 and 2013, and the financial statements.

Diocese of Trenton nonprofit We haveof audited theand accompanying financial statements of The activities and cash flows for the years then ended, and the related (a notes to the related statements organization) which M. comprise the statements Most Reverend David O'Connell, C.M., J.C.D.of financial position as of June 30, 2014 and 2013, and the financial statements.

Management's Responsibility for the Financial Statements

ASSETS Cash and cash equivalents Assessments, notes and other receivables, net Pledges receivable, net Prepaid expenses Investments Property and equipment, net TOTAL ASSETS

$

8,388,007 29,623,779 728,713 2,895,903 27,853,058 26,675,966

$ 10,479,283 28,797,450 651,739 2,569,449 37,451,141 25,630,557

$ 96,165,426

$ 105,579,619

Trenton, New Jersey Management's thepreparation Financial Statements Management isResponsibility responsible forforthe and fair presentation of these financial statements in Responsibility the Financial Statements accordanceManagement's with accounting principles for generally accepted in the United States of America; this includes Management is responsible for the preparation and fair presentation of these financial statements in the design, implementation, and maintenance of internal control relevant to the preparation and fair Report on Financial Statements is responsible the preparation and in fairthe presentation of these financial statements in accordanceManagement with accounting principlesforgenerally accepted United States of America; this includes presentation of financial that aregenerally free from material misstatement, whether due fraud or with statements accounting principles accepted in the United States of America; thistoincludes the design,accordance implementation, and maintenance of internal control relevant to the preparation and fair error. Wethe Diocese of Trenton (a nonprofit have audited the accompanying financial statements of Therelevant design, implementation, and maintenance of internal control to the preparation and fair presentation of financial statements that are freeoffrom material misstatement, whether due to fraud or financial of June 30, whether 2014 anddue 2013, and the organization) which comprise the statements presentation of financial statements that are free from position material as misstatement, to fraud or error. statements of activities and and cash flows for the years then ended, and the related notes to the related Auditor's Responsibility

$

Auditor's Responsibility Auditor'sisResponsibility Our responsibility to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits. We Management's Responsibility theauditing Financial Statements conducted our audits in accordance for with standards generally accepted in the United States of Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statementsbased based on on our our audits.

Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements audits.We We America.Management Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit toaccepted obtain in reasonable assurance conducted audits in accordance with auditing standards generally the United United States isinresponsible forwith the auditing preparation and fair generally presentation of theseinfinancial statements conducted our auditsour accordance standards accepted the Statesofinof about whether the financial statements arethat free from material misstatement.

America.

Those standards require we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America; this includes America. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance the statements financial statements are free material from material misstatement. the about design, implementation, andare maintenance of internal control relevant to the preparation and fair about whether thewhether financial free from misstatement.

An audit involves performing procedures to obtain audit evidence about the amounts and disclosures in

statements related Dioceseofofactivities Trentonand and cash flows for the years then ended, and the related notes to the Bishop of The financial statements.

error. financial statements.

LIABILITIES AND NET ASSETS LIABILITIES Accounts payable and other accrued liabilities Claims payable Funds held for others Deferred revenue Postretirement benefits obligation

$

1,533,754 9,701,080 2,775,321 40,518 14,660,766

1,478,446 10,182,903 2,496,212 185,550 13,605,442

28,711,439

27,948,553

26,682,140 (9,277,406) 3,078,000 34,703,534 55,186,268

25,682,018 (6,253,356) 3,830,000 34,882,643 58,141,305

11,455,674 812,045

18,497,938 991,823

67,453,987

77,631,066

$ 96,165,426

$ 105,579,619

Total Liabilities NET ASSETS Unrestricted: Property and equipment, net Designated for insurance funds Designated for capital and financing expenditures Undesignated Total unrestricted Temporarily restricted Permanently restricted Total Net Assets TOTAL LIABILITIES AND NET ASSETS

Statements of Activities: Operating activities: Operating revenues, gains and other support: See accompanying notes. Assessments Insurance and employee benefit programs Interest and dividend income Donations and pledges Other Net Assets released from restriction: Satisfaction of program restrictions (Note 11) Total operating revenues, gains and other support Operating expenses: Grants and subsidies Seminary tuition and support Claims incurred Insurance premiums Legal and professional Provision for doubtful accounts Personnel Facilities Depreciation Administrative and other costs Total operating expenses Excess (deficiency) of operating revenues, gains and other support over operating expenses

Unrestricted

$ 9,033,889 38,195,677 626,287 2,809,000 2,379,138

521 Plymouth Road, Suite 120 • Plymouth Meeting, PA 19462-1609 • 610-279-9100 • Fax: 610-279-7100 our opinion.

2 W.audit Baltimore Avenue, Suite 210 • Media, PA 19063 • 610-565-3930 • Fax: 610-566-1040 521 Plymouth Road, Suite 120 • Plymouth Meeting, PA 19462-1609 • 610-279-9100 • Fax: 610-279-7100 www.elkocpa.com 2 W. Baltimore Avenue, Suite 210 • Media, PA 19063 • 610-565-3930 • Fax: 610-566-1040 521 Plymouth Road, Suite 120 • Plymouth Meeting, PA 19462-1609 • 610-279-9100 • Fax: 610-279-7100

www.elkocpa.com

Media, Pennsylvania October 28, 2014

www.elkocpa.com

521 Plymouth Road, Suite 120 • Plymouth Meeting, PA 19462-1609 • 610-279-9100 • Fax: 610-279-7100

YEAR ENDED JUNE 30, 2014 Temporarily Permanently Restricted Restricted

$

Elko & Associates Ltd Elko & Associates Ltd

Media, Pennsylvania October 20142 W. Baltimore Avenue, Suite 210 • Media, PA 19063 • 610-565-3930 • Fax: 610-566-1040 Media, 28, Pennsylvania

104,809 5,879,670 -

-

53,043,991

5,984,479

-

13,892,721

(13,712,943)

(179,778)

66,936,712

(7,728,464)

(179,778)

www.elkocpa.com

-

$

3 -

TOTAL

$

Unrestricted

9,033,889 38,195,677 731,096 8,688,670 2,379,138 59,028,470

$

9,143,186 36,286,371 921,302 3,406,294 2,150,943

YEAR ENDED JUNE 30, 2013 Temporarily Permanently Restricted Restricted

$

391,954 5,922,110 -

$

-

TOTAL

$

9,143,186 36,286,371 1,313,256 9,328,404 2,150,943

51,908,096

6,314,064

-

58,222,160

-

9,755,360

(9,755,360)

-

-

59,028,470

61,663,456

(3,441,296)

-

58,222,160

3,004,763 1,411,833 4,305,105 33,513,361 2,166,583 4,207,866 8,789,600 1,899,098 1,270,413 3,304,123

-

-

3,004,763 1,411,833 4,305,105 33,513,361 2,166,583 4,207,866 8,789,600 1,899,098 1,270,413 3,304,123

6,381,788 1,283,639 2,606,874 31,359,066 2,000,539 3,224,579 9,155,451 1,699,671 1,385,126 3,879,654

-

-

6,381,788 1,283,639 2,606,874 31,359,066 2,000,539 3,224,579 9,155,451 1,699,671 1,385,126 3,879,654

63,872,745

-

-

63,872,745

62,976,387

-

-

62,976,387

(4,844,275)

(1,312,931)

-

(4,754,227)

(9,483) 18,581 (331,672) (7,340,972) 2,578,046

(5,421) (228,945) 1,279,030

888,360

-

(5,421) (228,945) 2,167,390 1,800,604

3,063,967

(9,483) 18,581 (331,672) (7,340,972) 1,891,846

Total nonoperating items Change in net assets Net assets - beginning of year

(2,955,037) 58,141,305

See accompanying notes.

4

Elko & Associates Ltd

2that W. Baltimore Avenue, Suitewe 210have • Media, PA 19063 • 610-565-3930 Fax: 610-566-1040 We the audit evidence obtained is sufficient and •appropriate to provide a basis for accepted in believe the United States of America.

THE DIOCESE OF TRENTON STATEMENTS OF ACTIVITIES

Nonoperating items: Amortization of discount and change in actuarial assumption on split-interest agreements Net gain on sale of property Contribution to retirement home Contribution to charitable trusts Net realized and unrealized gains on investments Postretirement benefit changes other than net periodic postretirement benefit cost

See accompanying notes.

presentation of financial statements that are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or

An statements. audit involves performing procedures to obtain audit evidence the amounts and disclosures the financial The procedures selected depend on theabout auditor’s judgment, including inthe An audit error. involves performing procedures to obtainselected audit evidence about amounts and disclosures theoffinancial statements.

Themisstatement procedures on the the auditor’s judgment, including thein assessment the risks of material of the depend financial statements, whether due to fraud or the financial statements.

The procedures selected depend on the auditor’s judgment, including the assessment the risks of material the misstatement of the financial statements, due fraud or Responsibility error. InAuditor's making thoseof risk assessments, auditor considers internal controlwhether relevant to tothe entity’s assessmenterror. of the risks ofthose material misstatement the financial whether to fraud In making risk assessments, theofauditor considersstatements, internal control relevantdue to the entity’sor preparation and fair presentation of the financial statements in order to design audit procedures that are preparation fairto presentation the statements ininternal order to control designbased audit procedures are error. In Our making thoseand risk assessments, thefinancial auditor considers relevant to audits. thethat entity’s responsibility is express anoffor opinion on these statements on our Weof appropriateappropriate in the circumstances, but not theforpurpose offinancial expressing ananopinion on the effectiveness in the circumstances, but not the purpose expressing opinion theUnited effectiveness preparation and fairour presentation of the financial statements inof order to design audit that of are conducted audits in accordance with auditing standards generally accepted inonprocedures the States of the entity’s the internal control.

Accordingly, we express no such opinion.

An audit also includes evaluating entity’s internal control.but Accordingly, wepurpose express such opinion.

An audit alsoon includes evaluating thethe America.

Those standards require we plan andno perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance appropriate in the circumstances, not that for the of expressing an opinion the effectiveness of Page 2 appropriateness of accounting policies used and the reasonableness of significant accounting estimates appropriateness of accounting policies used and the reasonableness of significant accounting estimates about whether the financial statements are free from material misstatement. the entity’s internal control.

Accordingly, we express no such opinion.

An audit also includes evaluating the made by management, as well as the overall presentation of of the made by management, as evaluating well as evaluating the overall presentation thefinancial financial statements. statements. appropriateness of accounting policies used and the reasonableness of significant accounting estimates OpinionAn audit involves performing procedures to obtain audit evidence about the amounts and disclosures in made by management, as the well as evaluating overall presentation ofand theappropriate financial statements. believe that audit evidence wethe have obtained is sufficient to provide aabasis for We believe that the statements. audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient to provide basis for the We financial The procedures selected depend onand the appropriate auditor’s judgment, including the Page 2 our audit In our theopinion. referred to above present statements, fairly, in allwhether material the our auditopinion, opinion. assessment offinancial the risksstatements of material misstatement of the financial duerespects, to fraud or Page 2 We believe that the audit evidence weTrenton have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for error.

In making those risk assessments, the auditor considers internal control relevant to the entity’s The Diocese of as of June 30, 2014 and 2013, and the changes in its net financial position of Opinion our auditand opinion. preparation andflows fair presentation of the financial in order to design audit procedures are assets its cash for the years then endedstatements in accordance with accounting principles that generally Opinionappropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of in thethe United Statesstatements of America.referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the Inaccepted our opinion, financial the entity’s internalDiocese control. Accordingly, we express no such opinion.

An audit alsothe includes evaluating the of Trenton as of June 30, 2014 and fairly, 2013, and changes in its net financial position of In our opinion, theThe financial statements to the above present in all material respects, the appropriateness of accounting policiesreferred and reasonableness significant accounting estimates assets andposition its cashof flows for the years thenused ended in accordance with of accounting principles The Diocese ofas Trenton as the of June 2014 and and the changesgenerally in its net financial made by management, as well evaluating overall30, presentation of2013, the financial statements. accepted in the United States of America. assets and its cash flows for the years then ended in accordance with accounting principles generally

October 28, 2014

See accompanying notes.

Net assets - end of year

INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' REPORT INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' REPORT

(7,728,464)

(179,778)

(3,441,296)

686,200

-

(247,304)

-

-

(247,304)

1,800,604

-

-

(6,019,004)

686,200

-

(5,332,804)

2,845,268

888,360

-

(10,177,079) 77,631,066

1,532,337 56,608,968

$ 55,186,268

(7,042,264) 18,497,938 $ 11,455,674

(179,778) 991,823 $

812,045

$ 67,453,987

$ 58,141,305

(2,552,936) 21,050,874 $ 18,497,938

991,823 $

991,823

3,733,628 (1,020,599) 78,651,665 $ 77,631,066

Continued on • 21

Basis of Presentation

State Diocese Irenton

The accompanying financial statements have been prepared on the accrual basis of accounting.

Additionally, the Diocese reports information regarding its financial position and activities according to ofthe three 21 classes of net assets: unrestricted net assets, temporarily restricted net assets, and permanently

TRENTONMONITOR.COM • FEBRUARY 2015

restricted net assets.

Use of Estimates

The preparation financial statements in conformity principles generally accepted in the Diocese of Trenton Financial Statements: Forofthe Years Ended Junewith 30,accounting 2014 and 2013 United States requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported

Continued from • 20

Statements of CashOF Flow: THE DIOCESE TRENTON STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

FOR THE YEARS ENDED JUNE 30, 2014 2013 CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES Change in net assets Adjustments to reconcile change in net assets to net cash used in operating activities: Depreciation Provision for doubtful accounts Net gain on sale of property Net gain on investments Changes in assets and liabilities: Assessments and other receivables Pledges receivable Prepaid expenses Accounts payable and other accrued liabilities Claims payable Funds held for others Deferred revenue Postretirement benefits obligation

$ (10,177,079) $

(1,020,599)

1,270,413 4,207,866 (18,581) (2,578,046)

1,385,126 3,224,579 (2,167,390)

(4,952,549) (76,974) (326,454) 55,308 (481,823) 279,109 (145,032) 1,055,324

(6,665,302) 190,162 (958,848) 1,920 (232,165) (10,559) 106,114 (913,949)

(11,888,518)

(7,060,911)

(2,345,822) 48,581 13,642,605 (1,466,476) (81,646)

(1,395,356) 12,881,330 (4,577,963) (321,803)

9,797,242

6,586,208

Net Cash Used in Operating Activities CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES Purchase of property and equipment Proceeds from sale of property Proceeds from sale of investments Purchase of investments Notes and loans receivable Net Cash Provided by Investing Activities NET CHANGE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS

(2,091,276)

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS - BEGINNING OF YEAR

10,479,283

10,953,986

8,388,007

$ 10,479,283

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS - END OF YEAR

$

(474,703)

See accompanying notes.

THE DIOCESE OF TRENTON NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEARS ENDED JUNE 30, 2014 AND 2013

Notes to Financial Statements: 1. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies See accompanying notes.

General

5

The Diocese of Trenton (the "Diocese"), a nonprofit organization, is affiliated with Catholic parishes, schools and various other social service agencies in Burlington, Mercer, Monmouth and Ocean counties New Jersey, which provide services to the communities located within these counties. Funding to support the Diocese and its programs is primarily received from assessments, insurance and employee benefit program fees, donations and income on investments. The accompanying financial statements include the assets, liabilities, net assets, revenues and expenses of the Diocese of Trenton Operating Fund, Trust Funds, Seminary Funds, Plant Fund, Insurance Funds, Custodial Funds and Annual Catholic Appeal Fund which are not separately incorporated under civil law.

Certain organizations within the Diocese are not included in the accompanying financial statements because they operate independent of the Diocese, maintain separate accounts and operate their own services and programs. Some of these organizations are as follows: Priests' and Lay Retirement Funds Catholic Charities Health Care Facilities Cemeteries Parish and Diocesan Schools Campus Ministries Special Catholic Ministries Diocesan Parishes Diocesan Charitable Trusts The Diocese has financial transactions with these organizations consisting primarily of grants, subsidies for operations, new equipment, certain receivables and is a guarantor for certain notes and mortgages payable by these organizations (see Note 7).

Basis of Presentation The accompanying financial statements have been prepared on the accrual basis of accounting.

Additionally, the Diocese reports information regarding its financial position and activities according to three classes of net assets: unrestricted net assets, temporarily restricted net assets, and permanently restricted net assets.

Use of Estimates The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the financial statements and accompanying notes. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

Cash and Cash Equivalents All highly liquid investments with maturity dates of three months or less when purchased are considered

in the financial statements and accompanying notes. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

THE DIOCESE OF TRENTON NOTES TO FINANCIAL THE DIOCESE OF STATEMENTS TRENTON FOR THE YEARS JUNE 30, 2014 AND 2013 NOTES TO ENDED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Cash and Cash Equivalents THE DIOCESE TRENTON FOR THE YEARS ENDED OF JUNE 30, 2014 AND 2013 NOTES FINANCIAL THETO DIOCESE OF STATEMENTS TRENTON All highly liquid investments with maturity dates of three months or less when purchased are considered FOR THE YEARS JUNE 30, 2014 AND 2013 NOTES TO ENDED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS cash equivalents.

1. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (continued) FOR THE YEARS ENDED JUNE 30, 2014 AND 2013 1. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (continued)

1. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (continued) Allowance for Doubtful Accounts 1.

Summaryfor ofDoubtful Significant Accounting Policies (continued) Allowance Accounts The Diocese provides allowances for each type of receivable reported in its financial statements. These allowances are maintained at a for level management considers adequate to provide for subsequent The Diocese provides allowances each type of receivable reported in its financial statements.

These6 Allowance for Doubtful Accounts adjustments and maintained potential uncollectible The considers allowance is increased provisions charged to allowances are at a levelaccounts. management adequate to by provide for subsequent Allowance Doubtful Accounts The Diocesefor provides allowances for each type receivable reported in its financial statements.

These the statements ofpotential activities and reduced by theof amount of receivables written-off.

Management has adjustments and uncollectible accounts.

The allowance is increased by provisions charged to allowances are maintained at a reduced level management considers adequate to party, provide for subsequent determined the allowance byand considering the type of receivables, responsible historical collection the statements of activities by theof amount of reported receivables written-off.

Management has The Diocese provides allowances for each type receivable in its financial statements.

These adjustments and potential uncollectible allowance is increased by provisions charged to patterns andthe comparative aging. estimates reviewed adequate periodically ashistorical changes become determined allowance byatconsidering the type The ofare receivables, responsible party, collection allowances are maintained a These level accounts. management considers toand provide for subsequent the statements ofpotential activities and reduced by the amount of receivables written-off. has necessary, they are chargeduncollectible or credited to operations in periods in which theyand become known. patterns and comparative aging.

These estimates arethe reviewed periodically as Management changes become adjustments and accounts.

The allowance is increased by provisions charged to determined the allowance byor considering the ofinreceivables, responsible historical necessary, they are charged credited to operations the of periods in whichwritten-off. theyparty, become known.collection the statements of activities and reduced by ttype he amount receivables Management has patterns and comparative aging.

These estimates are reviewed periodically and as changes become determined the allowance by considering the type of receivables, responsible party, historical collection necessary, they are chargedaging. or credited to operations in the periods in which theyand become known. become patterns and comparative These estimates are reviewed periodically as changes Investments necessary, they are charged or credited to operations in the periods in which they become known.

Investments The Diocese carries investments in equity securities with readily determinable fair values and all investments debt securities at their values in the statements financial position.

Realized The Diocesein carries investments in fair equity securities with readilyofdeterminable fair values andand all Investments unrealized gains and securities losses are at included in the statements of activities.ofPurchases and salesRealized of securities investments in debt their fair values in the statements financial position. and Investments The Diocese carries investments in Interest equity readily determinable fairsales values and are all are recorded on a trade-date income is with recorded on the accrual and basis.

Dividends unrealized gains and losses arebasis. included in the securities statements of activities.

Purchases of securities investments inon debt securities at their fair values in the financial Realized recorded on the date theinvestments dividends are are recorded a trade-date basis.

Interest income is statements recorded onofdeterminable the accrualposition. basis.

Dividends are The Diocese carries in payable. equity securities with readily fair values andand all unrealized gains and securities losses areat included in the statements of activities.ofPurchases and salesRealized of securities recorded on the date the dividends are payable. investments in debt their fair values in the statements financial position. and Investment income earned on permanently restricted net assets and certain temporarily restricted net are recorded on and a trade-date basis.

Interest is recorded on the accrual and basis.

Dividends are unrealized gains losses are included in the income statements ofunrestricted activities.

Purchases sales of securities assets is restricted asearned to use. other investment income as to use.

Investment onAllpermanently restricted netis assets and certain temporarily restricted net recorded on income the the dividends are Interest payable. are recorded ondate a trade-date basis. income is recorded on the accrual basis. Dividends are assets is restricted as to use. All other investment income is unrestricted as to use. recorded onincome the dateearned the dividends are payable.

Investment on permanently restricted net assets and certain temporarily restricted net assets is restricted asearned to use.onAllpermanently other investment income unrestricted as to use.

Investment income restricted netisassets and certain temporarily restricted net Property and Equipment assets is restricted as to use.

All other investment income is unrestricted as to use.

Property and Equipment Real estate development sites have been purchased for future parishes, schools and similar purposes, and carried at cost. Carrying such non-operating propertiesschools are expensed.

When such Realare estate development sites havecosts beenonpurchased for future parishes, and similar purposes, Property and Equipment properties are transferred to recipients, treats suchproperties transfers as grants in cases and are carried at cost. Carrying costs the on Diocese such non-operating are outright expensed.

When such Property and Equipment Real estate development have beenthe purchased future parishes, schools similar purposes, where such amounts willsites not be reimbursed by thefor Diocesan organization.

Alland other property and properties are transferred to recipients, Diocese treats such transfers as outright grants in cases and are carried at carried cost.willsites Carrying such properties are expensed.

When such equipment are also at cost. where such amounts not be costs reimbursed by non-operating thefor Diocesan organization.

All other property and Real estate development have beenonpurchased future parishes, schools and similar purposes, properties are transferred to recipients, Diocese treats suchproperties transfers are as outright grants in cases equipment are also carriedCarrying at cost. and are carried at cost. costs the on such non-operating When such Depreciation is calculated onnot a straight-line basis over theDiocesan estimatedorganization. useful lives ofexpensed. the other assets,property as follows: where such amounts will be reimbursed by t he All and properties are transferred to recipients, the Diocese treats such transfers as outright grants in cases Depreciation isalso calculated on acost. straight-line basis over the estimated useful lives of the assets, as follows: equipment carried at where suchareamounts willand not be reimbursed by the Diocesan organization. All other property and Buildings improvements 5 - 74 years equipment are carried at cost.

Depreciation is also calculated on a straight-line basis over the estimated Furniture 35 -- 10 Buildings and and equipment improvements 74 years yearsuseful lives of the assets, as follows: Furniture and - 10 yearsuseful lives of the assets, as follows: Depreciation is calculated on aequipment straight-line basis over the3estimated Buildings and improvements 5 - 74 years Furniture and equipment 35 -- 10 Buildings and improvements 74 years years Donations and Pledges 3 - 10 years Donations and Furniture Pledges and equipment Donations received, including unconditional promises to give, are recognized as revenue in the period received at received, fair The Diocese reports gifts of cashtoand other as restricted revenue if they are Donations including unconditional promises give, areassets recognized as revenue in the period Donations andvalue.

Pledges received donor stipulations that limit thegifts use of cash the donated assets.

When a donor revenue restrictionif expires, received with at fair value.

The Diocese reports and other assets as restricted they are Donations andaPledges Donations received, including unconditional promises to give, are recognized revenue in temporarily theexpires, period that is, when stipulated time restriction ends restriction is accomplished, received with donor stipulations that limit the use of or the purpose donated assets.

When aas donor restriction received at fair value.

The Diocese reports gifts of cash and other assets asis revenue ifactivities they are restricted net assets are reclassified to unrestricted net assets and reported inrestricted the that is, when a stipulated time restriction ends or purpose restriction accomplished, temporarily Donations received, including unconditional promises to give, are recognized asstatements revenue inof the period received with donor stipulations that reports limit thegifts use of of cash the assets.

When a donor restriction expires, as net assets released from restrictions.

Support, asdonated well other as any related investment income, thatare is restricted assets are reclassified to unrestricted net assets and reported in the statements ofifactivities received atnet fair value.

The Diocese and assets as restricted revenue they THE DIOCESE OF TRENTON that is, assets when a stipulated time restriction ends or purpose restriction is accomplished, temporarily restricted by the donor is from reported as an increase unrestricted net if the restriction expires in the as net released restrictions.

Support, as well asassets. anyassets related investment income, that is received with donor stipulations that limit the use ofinthe donated When a donor restriction expires, NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS DIOCESE OFassets TRENTON restricted net assets areisthe reclassified toTHE unrestricted and therestriction statements of activities reporting period which support recognized. restricted by the reported asis an increase innet unrestricted netreported assets is ifinthe expires in the that is, when aindonor stipulated time restriction ends or purpose restriction accomplished, temporarily THE DIOCESE OF TRENTON FORrestrictions.

THE YEARS ENDED JUNE 30,as2014 AND 2013 NOTES TOSupport, FINANCIAL STATEMENTS as net assets released as well any related income, that is reporting period in which the support is recognized. restricted net assets are from reclassified to unrestricted net and reported ininvestment the statements of activities THE DIOCESE OFassets TRENTON NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE ENDED JUNE 30, 2014 AND 2013 restricted by thereleased donor is from reported asYEARS an increase in unrestricted net assets if the restriction expiresthat in the as net assets restrictions.

Support, as well as any related investment income, is NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE is YEARS ENDED JUNE 30, 2014 AND 2013 reporting whichisthe support recognized. restricted period by the in donor reported asYEARS an increase in unrestricted net assets if the restriction expires in the FOR THE ENDED JUNE 30, 2014 AND 2013 reporting period in which the Accounting support is recognized.

1. Summary of Significant Policies (continued) 1. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (continued) The Diocese reports gifts of land, buildings and equipment as unrestricted support unless explicit donor 1. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (continued) stipulations how donated assets be used.

Gifts of long-lived assetsexplicit with explicit 1.

Summary of Significant Policies (continued) The Diocesespecify reports gifts the ofAccounting land, buildings andmust equipment as unrestricted support unless donor The Diocese reports gifts ofthe land, buildings equipment as of unrestricted support unless explicit donor restrictions that specify how assets are toand bemust used andused. gifts cash of or other assets that must used stipulations specify how the donated assets be Gifts long-lived assets with be explicit 7 The Diocese reports gifts of land, buildings and equipment as unrestricted support unless explicit donor stipulations specify how thethe donated assets used.

Gifts long-lived assets withbe explicit to acquire long-lived assets are reported as support. donor stipulations about restrictions that specify how assets are to restricted bemust used be and gifts ofAbsent cash of orexplicit other assets that must used 7 stipulations specify how the donated assets must be used.

Gifts of long-lived assets with explicit restrictions that long-lived specify how the aremaintained, to restricted be usedthe and gifts ofAbsent cash orexplicit other assets must beabout used how long those assets must be Diocese reports expirations ofthat donor restrictions to acquire long-lived assets are assets reported as support. donor stipulations restrictions that specify how the assets are to be used and gifts of cash or other assets that must be used to acquire long-lived assets are reported as restricted support.

Absent donor about 7 when the those donated or acquired long-lived are placed in service. how long long-lived assets must beassets maintained, the Diocese reportsexplicit expirations of stipulations donor restrictions to acquire long-lived assets are reported as restrictedthe support. Absent donorofstipulations about how long those long-lived assets must beassets maintained, reportsexplicit expirations donor restrictions when the donated or acquired long-lived are placedDiocese in service. how long-lived assets must beassets maintained, the Diocese reports expirations of donor restrictions7 whenlong the those donated or acquired long-lived are placed in service. when the donated or acquired long-lived assets are placed in service.

Fair Value Measurements Fair Value Measurements Fair defined as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an Fair value ValueisMeasurements orderly transaction market at the measurement date.

Accounting a Fair Value value isMeasurements definedbetween as the price thatparticipants would be received to sell an asset or paid to transferstandards a liability set in an Fair value isfordefined as the price that would be received to sell an asset paid to transfer a liability in an framework measuring fair value using a three-tier based onorthe extent to which inputs set used orderly transaction between market participants at thehierarchy measurement date.

Accounting standards a Fair value is defined as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. standards a in measuring value arefair observable in the market. framework forfair measuring value using a three-tier hierarchy based on the Accounting extent to which inputs set used orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. Accounting standards set a framework forfair measuring value using a three-tier in measuring value arefair observable in the market. hierarchy based on the extent to which inputs used Level 1: Quoted prices in active for identical assets or on liabilities. framework forfair measuring fair value using a three-tier hierarchy based the extent to which inputs used in measuring value are observable in markets the market. in measuring areprices observable in markets the market.

Levelfair 1: value Quoted in active for identical assets or liabilities.

Level 2: Observable inputs other than Level 1 prices such as quoted prices for similar assets or Level 1: Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities. liabilities, quoted prices prices in active markets that Level are or inputs (interestprices rates,for currency Level 1: Quoted in fornot identical or quoted liabilities.

2: Observable inputs othermarkets than 1 active, pricesassets such as similar exchange assets or Level 2: Observable inputs other Level 1 active, prices such as quoted prices similar assets or rates, commodity rates yieldthan curves) that are observable or corroborated by observable liabilities, quoted prices inand markets that are not or inputs (interest rates,for currency exchange Level 2: Observable inputs other than Level 1 prices such as quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities, quoted prices in markets that are not active, or inputs (interest rates, currency exchange marketcommodity data for substantially full curves) term of the or liabilities.or corroborated by observable rates, rates andthe yield thatassets are observable liabilities, quoted prices markets that are not active, or inputs (interest rates, currency exchange rates, commodity ratesinand yield that are observable market data for substantially the full curves) term of the assets or liabilities.or corroborated by observable Level Inputs that are and not the observable and reflect or management’s about rates, commodity rates yield thatmarket are observable corroborated judgment by observable market3: data for substantially full curves) term in of the the assets or liabilities. the assumptions that are market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability. judgment about market for substantially full term in of the market assets or liabilities.

Level 3:data Inputs that not the observable the and reflect management’s Level 3: Inputs that not participants observable in the market and reflect management’s the assumptions that are market would use in pricing the asset or liability. judgment about Level 3: Inputs that not observable the market and reflect management’s the assumptions thatare market participantsin would use in pricing the asset or liability. judgment about the assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability.

Tax Status Tax Status The Diocese qualifies as an organization described in Internal Revenue Code Section 501(c)(3) and, Tax Status accordingly, exempt as from taxes on income.in The Diocese is also exempt from501(c)(3) state income Tax Status The Dioceseisqualifies anfederal organization described Internal Revenue Code Section and, The Dioceseisqualifies anfederal organization described Internal Revenue Code Section and, taxes. accordingly, exempt as from taxes on income.in The Diocese is also exempt from501(c)(3) state income The Diocese isqualifies an federal organization Internal Revenue Code Section and, accordingly, exempt as from taxes described on income.in The Diocese is also exempt from501(c)(3) state income taxes. accordingly, is exempt from federal taxes on income. The Diocese is also exempt from state income taxes. taxes.

Insurance Funds Insurance Funds The Diocese maintains Insurance Funds which are unrestricted net assets and account for the financial Insurance Funds The activity theseand funds consists primarily of activity of its two insurance programs Note Insurance Funds The Diocese maintains Insurance Funds(see which are9). unrestricted net in assets account for the financial The Diocese Insurance Funds which are9). unrestricted net in assets account for the financial insurance employee benefit program fees from affiliated organizations, investment income, cost of The activity theseand funds consists primarily activity of and its maintains two insurance programs (see Note The Diocese maintains Insurance Funds which are unrestricted net assets and account for the financial 9).affiliated Theassets activity these funds consists primarily of activity of and its two insurance programs (see Note insurance, claims incurredbenefit and administrative fees.

The ofinthe Insurance Funds are currently insurance employee program fees from organizations, investment income, cost of 9).affiliated The activity in these investment funds primarily activity of designated its two insurance programs (see Note insurance and employee benefit program fees from organizations, cost of of internally to the insurance programs and are for consists any income, other insurance, claims incurred and administrative fees.

Thecurrently assets ofnottheavailable Insurance Funds are Diocesan currently insurance and employee benefit program from affiliated organizations, investment income, cost insurance,designated claims incurred and administrative fees.

Thecurrently assets of the Insurance Funds are currently purposes.

Claims are recognized in programs thefees accompanying financial statements at the loss of is internally to the insurance and are not available forthe anytime other Diocesan insurance, claims incurred and administrative The assetsofofnot theavailable Insurance Funds are currently internally designated to for the insurance programs areestimate currently forthe any other Diocesan incurred.

The provision claims isinbased on fees. theand best ultimate cost of the claims which purposes.

Claims are recognized the accompanying financial the statements at time the loss is internally to claims the insurance programs and are currently not available at for anytime otherthe Diocesan purposes.

Claims are recognized thenot accompanying financial statements loss is includes adesignated provision for incurred but incurred.

The provision for claims is in based onrecorded the best (IBNR). estimate of the ultimate costthe of the claims which purposes.

Claims are recognized in the accompanying financial statements at the time the loss is incurred.a The provision for claims is based onrecorded the best (IBNR). estimate of the ultimate cost of the claims which includes provision for claims incurred but not incurred.

The provision for claims is based on the best estimate of the ultimate cost of the claims which includes a provision for claims incurred but not recorded (IBNR). includes a provision for claims incurred but not recorded (IBNR).

Continued on • 22

State oftheDiocese Irenton

22

Diocese of Trenton Financial Statements: Continued from • 21

THE DIOCESE OF TRENTON NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEARS ENDED JUNE 30, 2014 AND 2013

Notes to Financial Statements:

THE MONITOR • FEBRUARY 2015

THE DIOCESE OF TRENTON

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS For the Years Ended June 30, 2014 and 2013 FOR THE YEARS ENDED JUNE 30, 2014 AND 2013

3. Assessments, Notes and Other Receivables Assessments, notes and other receivables consist of the following: 2014

2 . Fair Value Measurements The following table sets forth by level, within the fair value hierarchy, the Diocese's financial instruments carried at fair value: June 30, 2014 Level 1 Investments: Mutual funds Equity International equity Fixed income Common stocks Consumer goods and services Business products and services Capital goods Energy Financial Real estate Other International U.S. government agency issues Certificates of deposit Total

$

2,339,048 2,410,660 15,683,736

Level 2

$

274,495 437,834 125,608 20,944 181,127 11,240 17,250 74,793 $

21,576,735

4,550,752 -

Total

$

6,276,323

Less allowance for doubtful accounts

$

Activity in the allowance for doubtful accounts for notes and loans is as follows: 2014

27,853,058

Investments: Mutual funds Equity $ 6,514,284 $ 5,933,296 International equity 3,127,627 Fixed Income 18,357,361 Common stocks Consumer goods and services 663,523 Business products and services 256,120 Capital goods 295,956 Energy 47,276 Financial 153,784 Real estate 20,541 Other 48,373 International 140,450 U.S. government agency issues THE DIOCESE OF TRENTON 900,441 Certificates of deposit 992,109 NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEARS ENDED JUNE 30, 2014 AND 2013 Total $ 29,625,295 $ 7,825,846

Total

$

4,198,310 208,812 -

$

4,407,122

4 . Investments 4 . Investments A summary of investments by type is reported below: A summary of investments by type is reported below: June 30, 2014 June 30, 2014 Cost Fair Value Cost Fair Value Mutual funds: $ 4,530,660 $ 6,889,800 Equity Mutual funds: International equity Equity $ 1,795,655 4,530,660 $ 2,410,660 6,889,800 Fixed incomeequity 14,784,703 15,683,736 International 1,795,655 2,410,660 Common stocks 733,305 1,143,291 Fixed income 14,784,703 15,683,736 Common stocks agency issues 733,305 1,143,291 U.S. government 900,000 900,315 Certificates of deposit 825,256 825,256 U.S. government agency issues 900,000 900,315 Certificates of deposit 825,256 825,256 $ 23,569,579 $ 27,853,058 $ 23,569,579 $ 27,853,058

12,447,580 3,127,627 18,357,361 663,523 256,120 295,956 47,276 153,784 20,541 48,373 140,450 900,441 992,109

2013

Balance - beginning of year THE DIOCESE OF TRENTON $ 4,407,122 $ Increase in allowance for NOTES specific notes and loans 18,000 TO FINANCIAL THE DIOCESE OF STATEMENTS TRENTON Decrease in allowance specific notes and loans (88,978) FORfor THE YEARS ENDED JUNE 30, 2014 AND 2013 NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEARS ENDED JUNE 30, 2014 AND 2013 Balance - end of year $ 4,336,144

Level 2

$ 28,797,450

Notes and loans receivable are funds advanced to parishes and other affiliates for various purposes.

Interest on interest bearing notes and loans is recognized over the term of the note or loan and is calculated monthly using the simple-interest method on principal amounts outstanding. Generally, the notes and loans are not considered past due or delinquent. Management considers the notes and loans to be impaired when the note or loan, or a portion of the note or loan, is deemed uncollectible based on: the Diocese's historical collection patterns, the borrower's failure to repay the note or loan, adverse situations that may affect the borrower's ability to repay, the estimated value of underlying or potential collateral, and current economic conditions.

June 30, 2013 Level 1

2013

$ 12,883,178 $ 10,977,035 21,200,585 19,497,418 10,501,527 10,540,065 5,675,754 5,555,569 1,259,627 1,278,275 2,243,215 831,562 86,202 124,587 2,778,408 2,790,668 56,628,496 51,595,179 (27,004,717) (22,797,729) $ 29,623,779

274,495 437,834 125,608 20,944 181,127 11,240 17,250 74,793 900,315 825,256

900,315 825,256 $

6,889,800 2,410,660 15,683,736

Assessments Due from participating organizations for insurance Notes Loans Seminary tuition Due from charitable trusts Accrued interest Other

June 30,

June 30, 2013 June 30, 2013 Cost Fair Value Cost Fair Value $ 10,268,855 2,935,579 $ 10,268,855 17,606,888 2,935,579 1,119,337 17,606,888 1,119,337 900,000 992,109 900,000 992,109 $ 33,822,768 $ 33,822,768

$ 12,447,580 3,127,627 $ 12,447,580 18,357,361 3,127,627 1,626,023 18,357,361 1,626,023 900,441 992,109 900,441 992,109 $ 37,451,141 $ 37,451,141 11

Pledges receivable - The carrying amount approximates fair value because the unconditional promises to give have been recognized at net realizable value.

Net unrealized gain on investments of $655,106 in 2014 and net unrealized gain on investments of $1,431,917 in 2013 in netofrealized and in unrealized gains investments theinvestments statements of Net unrealized gainare onincluded investments $655,106 2014 and net on unrealized gaininon and and $28,336 for thegains years June 30, 2014 and 2013, activities. expense $1,431,917Investment in 2013 are includedofin$28,354 net realized unrealized onended investments in the statements of respectively, are included in legalofand professional fee expense the statements of activities. $28,354 and $28,336 for thein years ended June 30, 2014 and 2013, activities. Investment expense respectively, are included in legal and professional fee expense in the statements of activities.

These investments are exposed to various risks such as market volatility, interest rate and credit risks.

Due to investments the level of risk investments, it isasatmarket least reasonably possiblerate thatand changes the These are associated exposed towith various risks such volatility, interest credit in risks. values will occur in investments, the near termit and changespossible could materially affect Due to of thethese level securities of risk associated with is at that leastsuch reasonably that changes in the amounts in the statements position. values ofreported these securities will occurofinfinancial the near term and that such changes could materially affect the amounts reported in the statements of financial position.

5. Property and Equipment 5. Property and Equipment A summary of property and equipment is as follows: A summary of property and equipment is as follows: June 30, 2014 June 30, 2013 2014 2013 Real estate development sites $ 14,456,931 $ 14,481,911 Land, buildings and improvements Real estate development sites $ 18,426,524 14,456,931 $ 16,376,013 14,481,911 Furniture and equipment 5,956,757 6,055,114 Land, buildings and improvements 18,426,524 16,376,013 Deposits 9,170 Furniture and equipment 5,956,7576,055,114 Deposits 9,170 38,840,21236,922,208 38,840,212 36,922,208 THE DIOCESE DIOCESE OF OF TRENTON TRENTON THE Less accumulated depreciation (12,164,246) (11,291,651) NOTES TO TO FINANCIAL FINANCIAL STATEMENTS STATEMENTS NOTES Less accumulated FOR depreciation (12,164,246) (11,291,651) FOR THE YEARS ENDED JUNE 30, 2014 AND 2013 THE YEARS ENDED JUNE 30, 2014 AND 2013 Property and equipment, net $ 26,675,966 $ 25,630,557 Property and equipment, net $ 26,675,966 $ 25,630,557

Investments - The fair values of investments are as follows:

6. Annual Annual Catholic Catholic Appeal Appeal Fund Fund 6.

$

37,451,141 9

2. Fair Value Measurements (continued) The following methods and assumptions were used to estimate the fair value of each class of financial instruments: Cash and cash equivalents, accounts payable and other accrued liabilities, and funds held for others The carrying amount approximates fair value because of the short-maturity of those instruments.

Assessments and other receivables, net - The carrying amount of assessments and other receivables, net approximates fair value because of the short-maturity of those instruments.

The carrying amount of interest bearing notes and loans receivable approximate fair value because these notes and loans receivable are based on current rates and terms.

Fair value for non-interest bearing notes and loans is estimated by discounting the future cash flows, using the current rates at which similar loans would be made to borrowers with similar credit ratings and for the same remaining maturities, of such loans. The estimated fair value of the non-interest bearing notes and loans receivable was approximately $265,000 and $258,000 less than the carrying value at June 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively.

Mutual funds - Valued at the net asset value of shares held by the Diocese at year-end.

The net asset value of the Equity index fund (Level 2) is calculated based on a compilation of comparable observable market information.

Common stocks - Shares in companies traded on national securities exchanges are valued at the closing price reported in the active market in which the individual securities are traded.

U.S. government agency issues - are based on institutional bond quotes and evaluations based on various market and industry inputs.

Certificates of deposit - Fair value of fixed-maturity certificates of deposit are estimated using rates currently offered for deposits of similar remaining maturities.

Claims payable - The carrying amount represents fair value as it is estimated based on the amount the insurance adjuster and management believes the Diocese may be liable for in the future.

Postretirement benefits obligation - The carrying amount represents fair value as it is determined by calculating the present value of future benefit payments expected to be paid using the assumptions disclosed in Note 15.

The Diocese Diocese conducts conducts its its Annual Annual Catholic Catholic Appeal Appeal each each year year beginning beginning in in January January and and ending ending in in The December. The The proceeds proceeds of of the the Appeal Appeal are are used used to to support support various various social social service service and and other other programs programs December.

2014 and and 2013 2013 Appeals Appeals was was to to administered by by the the Diocese Diocese and and affiliated affiliated organizations. organizations. The The goal goal of of the the 2014 administered raise $8,000,000 $8,000,000 each each year. year. Each Each parish parish receives receives 15% 15% of of its its goal goal ifif its its goal goal is is reached, reached, and and an an additional additional raise 50% of of the the amount amount realized realized in in excess excess of of its its target target goal. goal.

50% 2014, the the Diocese Diocese raised raised 2014 2014 Appeal Appeal pledges pledges of of approximately approximately $6,300,000 $6,300,000 of of which which As of of June June 30, 30, 2014, As $729,000 remained remained unpaid unpaid at at that that date. date. As As of of June June 30, 30, 2013, 2013, the the Diocese Diocese raised raised 2013 2013 approximately $729,000 approximately Appeal pledges pledges of of approximately approximately $6,400,000 $6,400,000 of of which which approximately approximately $652,000 $652,000 remained remained unpaid unpaid at at that that Appeal 2014 and and 2013 2013 are are reported reported at at net net realizable realizable value value which which is is the the date. Pledges Pledges receivable receivable at at June June 30, 30, 2014 date.

12 amount the the Diocese Diocese expects expects to to collect. collect. amount 12 7. Commitments Commitments and and Contingencies Contingencies 7.

The Diocese Diocese is is aa guarantor guarantor of of debt debt represented represented by by certain certain bonds, bonds, notes, notes, mortgages mortgages and and letters letters of of credit credit of of The parishes and and other other Catholic Catholic agencies agencies and and institutions institutions with with various various financial financial institutions institutions with with maturities maturities up up to to parishes 20 years. years. The The Diocese Diocese would would be be obligated obligated to to perform perform under under these these guarantees guarantees ifif the the parishes parishes and and other other 20 Catholic agencies agencies failed failed to to pay pay principal principal and and interest interest payments payments to to the the financial financial institutions institutions when when due, due, meet meet Catholic debt service service coverage coverage ratios ratios or, or, in in the the case case of of construction construction projects, projects, would would fail fail to to have have sufficient sufficient funds funds to to debt • 23 Continued on 2014, the the Diocese Diocese has has not not been been required required to to perform perform under under these these complete the the projects. projects. As As of of June June 30, 30, 2014, complete 2014. The The Diocese Diocese is is guarantees. Such Such guarantees guarantees approximated approximated $79,000,000 $79,000,000 in in principal principal at at June June 30, 30, 2014. guarantees. also aa limited limited guarantor guarantor for for one one of of its its Catholic Catholic agencies' agencies' construction construction projects. projects. These These amounts amounts are are not not also included in in the the accompanying accompanying financial financial statements. statements. included

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEARS ENDED JUNE 30, 2014 AND 2013

Permanently restricted net assets are restricted to investment in perpetuity for the following purposes and amounts: June 30, 2014 2013

State oftheDiocese Irenton

6. Annual Catholic Appeal Fund

The Diocese conducts its Annual Catholic 2015 Appeal each year beginning in January and ending in TRENTONMONITOR.COM • FEBRUARY December. The proceeds of the Appeal are used to support various social service and other programs administered by the Diocese and affiliated organizations. The goal of the 2014 and 2013 Appeals was to raise $8,000,000 each year. Each parish receives 15% of its goal if its goal is reached, and an additional 50% of the amount realized in excess of its target goal.

Trust Funds: Underprivileged children Catholic missions Senior citizens Others

$

21,467 296,037 267,668 585,172

$

Seminary Diocese of Trenton Financial Statements: ForFunds: the Years Ended June 30, 2014 and226,873 2013 Education of Diocesan seminarians

As of June 30, 2014, the Diocese raised 2014 Appeal pledges of approximately $6,300,000 of which approximately $729,000 remained unpaid at that date. As of June 30, 2013, the Diocese raised 2013 Appeal pledges of approximately $6,400,000 of which approximately $652,000 remained unpaid at that date. Pledges receivable at June 30, 2014 and 2013 are reported at net realizable value which is the amount the Diocese • 22 to collect.

Continued from expects

$

812,045

179,778 21,467 296,037 267,668 764,950

23

226,873 $

991,823

7. Commitments and Contingencies

11. Net Assets Released from Restriction

The Diocese is a guarantor of debt represented by certain bonds, notes, mortgages and letters of credit of parishes and other Catholic agencies and institutions with various financial institutions with maturities up to 20 years. The Diocese would be obligated to perform under these guarantees if the parishes and other 7.

Commitments and Contingencies (continued) Catholic agencies failed to pay principal and interest payments to the financial institutions when due, meet debt service coverage ratios or, in the case of construction projects, would fail to have sufficient funds to complete the projects. As of June 30, 2014, the Diocese has not been required to perform under these guarantees. Such guarantees approximated $79,000,000 in principal at June 30, 2014. The Diocese is also a limited guarantor for one of its Catholic agencies' construction projects. These amounts are not included in the accompanying financial statements.

Net assets were released from donor restrictions by incurring expenses to satisfy the restricted program purposes as follows:

Notes to Financial Statements:

8. Notes Payable to Bank The Diocese has a bank line of credit in the amount of $2,000,000 which expires on April 30, 2015. The bank has a security interest in the Diocese deposit accounts and investments with the bank. The interest charged equals the lesser of the bank's prime rate less 1.5%, which was 1.75%, or LIBOR plus 1.25%, which was 1.41% at June 30, 2014. The Diocese had no amounts outstanding at June 30, 2014 under this line of credit.

9. Insurance Funds The Diocese's Insurance Funds consist of the following: Loss Payment Fund: The Diocese has a modified protected liability and casualty, workers' compensation and property self-insurance program for affiliated organizations described as a "loss payment fund." Under this program, the Diocese has obtained insurance coverage of $40,000,000 for most liability and casualty claims with a deductible of $250,000 per occurrence during the policy period. The Diocese has insurance coverage for property claims to a blanket limit of $75,000,000 per occurrence, with a deductible of $500,000 per occurrence. Actual claims not covered by insurance are funded by the affiliated organizations' contributions and the assets of the loss payment fund.

The Diocese is involved in several pending legal matters. In the opinion of the Diocese's management, the final resolution of these matters will not have a material adverse effect on the Diocese's financial position. To the extent a liability has been determined, a reserve has been accrued at June 30, 2014 and 2013.

THE DIOCESE OF TRENTON Medical Fund: The Diocese's medical benefit planSTATEMENTS provides reimbursement for the cost of medical NOTES TO FINANCIAL expenses, subjectFOR to various limits, ENDED for Diocesan andAND lay 2013 employees. The Diocese has THE YEARS JUNE clergy 30, 2014 obtained insurance coverage for these medical costs. The plan also includes a provision for life insurance benefits of $2,000, plus modest disability and dental benefits for Diocesan clergy. The benefits paid by these funds and the insurance premiums are funded by assessments to the 9. Insurance Fundsorganizations. (continued) participating Revenues and expenses for the years ended June 30, 2014 and 2013 and deficit in net assets at June 30, 2014 and 2013 for the loss payment fund and the medical fund, which include the other post-retirement benefit obligation costs (see Note 15), are as follows: 13 Loss Payment Fund Operating and nonoperating: Revenues Expenses Deficit in net assets

$

2014 Medical Fund

Loss Payment Fund

2013 Medical Fund

8,228,400 $ 30,296,507 $ 7,565,031 $ 29,352,323 9,326,708 6,052,655 32,222,249 28,565,226 (4,783,056) (4,494,350) (2,568,608) (3,684,748)

10. Temporarily Restricted and Permanently Restricted Net Assets Temporarily restricted net assets are restricted for the following purposes and amounts: June 30, 2014 Trust Funds: Underprivileged children Catholic missions Senior citizens Education Others

$

Annual Catholic Appeal: Apostolic ministry and priestly support Evangelization and family life Catholic education Charitable works and parish needs Other

8,283 2,596,866 1,005,564 3,610,713

2013

$

1,733,000 1,367,000 2,510,000 1,481,000 105,116 7,196,116

356,178

323,708

Operating Funds: THE DIOCESE OF TRENTON Priests' retirement 126,144 NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 290,000 Catholic schools FOR THE YEARS ENDED JUNE 30, 2014 AND 2013 Morris Hall/Villa Neumann 7,426 423,570

257,433 290,000 207,809 755,242

Seminary Funds: Education of Diocesan seminarians

Permanently restricted net assets are restricted to investment in perpetuity for the following purposes and amounts: June 30, 2014 2013 $

Seminary Funds: Education of Diocesan seminarians

21,467 296,037 267,668 585,172

$

226,873 $

812,045

179,778 21,467 296,037 267,668 764,950

14

226,873 $

7,453,465 6,100,531 331,672 7,053

$

3,041,954 6,477,618 228,946 6,842

$ 13,892,721

$

9,755,360

$

During the year ended June 30, 2014, the Diocese contributed $7,340,972 from certain of its trust funds to the Diocese of Trenton Charitable Trust for Catholic Education and Religious Formation. The contribution included transferring $7,161,194 temporarily restricted and $179,778 permanently restricted net assets, which have been reported as net assets released from restriction in the accompanying statement of activities for the year ended June 30, 2014.

THE DIOCESE OF TRENTON THETO DIOCESE OF TRENTON NOTES FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 12. Endowment Funds THE OFSTATEMENTS TRENTON NOTES TODIOCESE FINANCIAL FOR THE YEARS ENDED JUNE 30, 2014 AND 2013 THE DIOCESE OF TRENTON NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS THE YEARS ENDED JUNE 30, 2014 AND 2013 Accounting standards for FOR the classification and disclosure of endowments of not-for-profit organizations THE DIOCESE OF STATEMENTS TRENTON NOTES TO FINANCIAL FOR THE YEARS ENDED JUNE 30, 2014endowment AND 2013 funds for a not-for-profit provide guidance on the net asset classification of donor-restricted NOTES TO ENDED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEARS JUNE 30, 2014 AND 2013 organization that is subject to THE an enacted the Uniform Management of Institutional FOR YEARSversion ENDEDofJUNE 30, 2014Prudent AND 2013 12. Endowment (continued) Funds Act of 2006Funds (UPMIFA) and require additional disclosures about an organization's endowment funds.

12.

Endowment Funds (continued) The state of New Jersey hasNew adopted UPMIFA. followingthe disclosures areofmade as value required by Management has Funds interpreted Jersey UPMIFA The as requiring preservation the fair of the 12. Endowment (continued) accounting standards.

The endowment ofUPMIFA the Diocese of Trenton of approximately 15 donor12.

Endowment Funds (continued) Management interpreted New as requiring the consists preservation of the fairstipulations value of the original gift ashas of the gift date of the Jersey donor-restricted endowment funds absent explicit donor to 12.

Endowment Funds (continued) restricted funds established for UPMIFA various purposes.

Management has interpreted Jersey as requiring the as preservation of donor the fair value of the original giftendowment asAs of the gift date ofNew the donor-restricted endowment funds absent explicit stipulations to the contrary. a result of this interpretation, the Diocese classifies permanently restricted net assets Management has interpreted New Jersey UPMIFA as requiring the preservation of the fair value of the original gift as ofvalue gift date of the Jersey donor-restricted endowment funds absent explicit donor stipulations to the contrary.

As athe result of this interpretation, the Diocese classifies permanently net assets (a) the original of gifts donated to theUPMIFA permanent endowment, (b) the original value of subsequent Management has New as requiring the as preservation of restricted the fair value of the original gift as As ofvalue theinterpreted gift of the donor-restricted endowment funds absent explicit donor stipulations to thethe contrary. result of this interpretation, the Diocese classifies permanently restricted net assets (a) of date gifts donated to the(c) permanent endowment, (b) the original value of subsequent gifts tooriginal theaspermanent endowment and accumulations to theas permanent made in original gift ofaa the gift date of interpretation, the donor-restricted endowment funds absent explicitendowment donor stipulations to the contrary.

As result of this the Diocese classifies as permanently restricted net assets (a) contrary. the value of gifts donated to the(c)permanent (b) the original value of subsequent gifts to original the with permanent endowment and accumulations to the permanent endowment made in accordance direction ofinterpretation, the applicable donor gift endowment, instrument atas the time the accumulation is assets added the Asvalue athe result of this the Diocese classifies permanently restricted net (a) thetooriginal of gifts donated toand the (c) permanent the original value of subsequent gifts thewith permanent endowment accumulations to the permanent endowment made accordance the direction of theofapplicable donor gift endowment, instrument at(b) the time the accumulation is addedin to the fund.

The remaining portion the donor-restricted endowment that is original not classified in permanently (a) the original value of gifts donated to the permanent endowment, (b) the value of subsequent gifts the The permanent endowment anddonor-restricted (c) donor accumulations to the permanent endowment made in accordance the is direction of the applicable gift instrument at the time accumulation is added to theto fund. remaining portion the endowment that is notthe classified in appropriated permanently restricted netwith assets classified asoftemporarily restricted net assets until those amounts are gifts to the permanent endowment and (c)donor accumulations to the permanent endowment made in accordance the direction of the applicable gift instrument atuntil the time the accumulation is added to the fund.

The remaining portion the donor-restricted endowment that isprudence not classified permanently restricted netwith assets is classified asaof temporarily restricted net assets those amounts areinappropriated for expenditure by the Diocese in manner consistent with the standard of prescribed by New accordance with the direction of the applicable donor gift instrument at the time the accumulation is added to the fund.

The remaining portion of the donor-restricted endowment that is not classified in permanently restricted net assets classified temporarily restricted netthe assets until those amounts are appropriated for expenditure by theisDiocese in as a manner consistent with standard of prescribed

by New Jersey UPMIFA. to the fund. remaining portion the donor-restricted endowment thatthose isprudence notamounts classified permanently restricted netThe assets is classified asaof temporarily restrictedwith net assets until areinappropriated for expenditure by the Diocese in manner consistent the standard of prudence prescribed

by New Jersey UPMIFA. restricted net assets isDiocese classified as temporarily restricted netthe assets until of those amounts are appropriated for expenditure by the in a manner consistent with standard prudence prescribed by Newa In accordance with New Jersey UPMIFA, the Diocese considers the following factors in making Jersey UPMIFA.by for expenditure theNew Diocese in aUPMIFA, manner consistent withconsiders the standard of prudence prescribed

by New 15 Jersey UPMIFA. In accordance with Jersey the Diocese the following factors in making a determination to appropriate or accumulate donor-restricted endowment funds, Jersey UPMIFA. In accordance with New Jersey UPMIFA, the Diocese endowment considers the following factors in making a determination to appropriate or accumulate donor-restricted funds, In accordance New Jersey UPMIFA, donor-restricted the Diocese thefunds, following factors in making a (1)towith the duration and preservation of the fund considers determination appropriate or accumulate endowment In accordance with New Jersey UPMIFA,donor-restricted thethe Diocese following factors in making a determination tothe appropriate or accumulate endowmentthe funds, (1) duration and preservation of fund considers determination(2) tothe appropriate or endowment funds, fund purposes ofaccumulate the Diocesedonor-restricted and the fund donor-restricted endowment (1) the duration and preservation of the (1) preservation of the (2) the duration purposesand of the Diocese and thefund donor-restricted endowment fund (1) and preservation of the (3) general economic conditions (2) the the duration purposes of the Diocese and thefund donor-restricted endowment fund (2) purposes of theconditions Diocese and the donor-restricted endowment fund (3) the general economic (2) purposes of theconditions donor-restricted endowment fund (4) possible effect ofDiocese inflationand andthe deflation (3) the general economic (3) economic (4) general the possible effect conditions of inflation and deflation (3) economic (5) the total conditions return from and income and the appreciation of investments (4) general the expected possible effect of inflation deflation (4) of inflation deflation (5) the possible expectedeffect total return from and income and the appreciation of investments (4) effect of deflation (6) other resources of return theinflation Diocese (5) the the possible expected total fromand income and the appreciation of investments (5) expected total from income and the appreciation of investments (6) the other resources of return the Diocese (5) the expected total return from income and the appreciation of investments (7) investment policies of the Diocese (6) other resources of the Diocese (6) resourcespolicies of the Diocese (7) other the investment of the Diocese (6) resourcespolicies of the Diocese (7) other the investment of the Diocese (7) the investment policies of the Diocese investment policies of theofDiocese Endowment (7) net the assets composition by type fund as of June 30, 2014 is as follows: Endowment net assets composition by type of fund as of June 30, 2014 is as follows: Endowment net assets composition by type of fund as of June 30, 2014 is as follows: Endowment net assets composition by type of fund as Temporarily of June 30, 2014 is as follows: Permanently Endowment net assets composition by type of fund asTemporarily of June 30, 2014 is as follows: Total Permanently Restricted Restricted Temporarily Permanently Restricted Restricted Total Temporarily Total Restricted Permanently Restricted Permanently $Temporarily 2,009,130 $ 812,045 $ 2,821,175 Donor-restricted endowment funds Restricted Restricted Total Total $ Restricted 2,009,130 $ Restricted 812,045 $ 2,821,175 Donor-restricted endowment funds Donor-restricted endowment funds $ 2,009,130 $ 812,045 $ 2,821,175 Donor-restricted endowment funds $ 2,009,130 $ 812,045 $ 2,821,175 $ 2,009,130 $ 812,045 $ 2,821,175 Donor-restricted endowment funds

Donor-restricted endowment funds

$ 11,455,674 $ 18,497,938 10. Temporarily Restricted and Permanently Restricted Net Assets (continued)

Trust Funds: Underprivileged children Catholic missions Senior citizens Others

Trust Funds Annual Catholic Appeal Operating Fund Seminary Funds

2013

Changes in endowment net assets for the year ended June 30, 2014 are as follows: Changes in endowment net assets for the year ended June 30, 2014 are as follows: Changes in endowment net assets for the year ended June 30, 2014 are as follows: Changes in endowment net assets for the year ended June 30, 2014 are as follows: Temporarily Permanently Changes in endowment net assets for the year ended Temporarily June 30, 2014 Permanently are as follows: Restricted Restricted Total Temporarily Permanently Restricted Restricted Total Temporarily Permanently Restricted Permanently Restricted Total Endowment net assets, beginning of year $Temporarily 2,992,150 $Restricted 991,823 $ 3,983,973 Restricted Total Restricted Restricted Total Endowment net assets, beginning of year $ 2,992,150 $ 991,823 $ 3,983,973 THE DIOCESE OF TRENTON Interest and dividend income 26,549 26,549 Endowment net beginning of FINANCIAL year $ 2,992,150 991,823 Interest andassets, dividend incomeTO 26,549 $ - $ 3,983,973 26,549 NOTES STATEMENTS Net realized and unrealized Endowment net assets, beginning ofDIOCESE year $OF2,992,150 $ 991,823 $ 3,983,973 THE TRENTON Interest and dividend income 26,549 26,549 FOR THE YEARS ENDED JUNE 30, 2014 $AND991,823 2013 -- $ 3,983,973 Endowment net assets, beginning of year $ 2,992,150 Net realized and unrealized 376,777 376,777 appreciation Interest and dividendNOTES incomeTO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 26,549 26,549 Net realized and unrealized 376,777 -376,777 appreciation Interest and dividend income 26,549 26,549 Amounts appropriated for expenditure FOR THE YEARS ENDED JUNE 30, 2014 AND 2013 Netappreciation realized and unrealized 376,777 376,777 Amounts appropriated for expenditure Net realized and unrealized (1,386,346) (179,778) (1,566,124) (Note 11) 376,777 376,777 appreciation Amounts foryear expenditure $ (1,386,346) (Note 11)appropriated 376,777 $ (179,778) - $ (1,566,124) 376,777 appreciation Endowment net assets, end of 2,009,130 812,045 2,821,175 12. Endowment Funds (continued) Amounts appropriated for expenditure (1,386,346) (179,778) (1,566,124) (Notenet 11) Amounts foryear expenditure $ (1,386,346) Endowment assets, end of 2,009,130 $ (179,778) 812,045 $ (1,566,124) 2,821,175 (Note 11)appropriated 12. Endowment Funds (continued) Endowment net(Note assets June 30, 2013 as follows: $ (1,566,124) Endowment net assets, end by of type year of fund as of $ (1,386,346) 2,009,130 $ is(179,778) 812,045 2,821,175 11)composition Endowment net assets, end of year $ 2,009,130 $ 812,045 $ 2,821,175 Endowment net composition assets, end of $ is 812,045 Endowment net assets by year type of fund as $of 2,009,130 June 30, 2013 as follows:$ 2,821,175 Temporarily Permanently Restricted Restricted Total Temporarily Permanently Total Restricted Restricted $ 2,992,150 $ 991,823 $ 3,983,973 Donor-restricted endowment funds

1,324,338 8,642 2,226,457 5,722,288 941,147 10,222,872

1,710,000 1,330,000 2,460,000 1,470,000 95,213 7,065,213

June 30, 2014

991,823

11. Net Assets Released from Restriction Net assets were released from donor restrictions by incurring expenses to satisfy the restricted program purposes as follows:

$ 2,992,150

$

991,823

16 16 16 16 16

$ 3,983,973

Changes in endowment net assets for the year ended June 30, 2013 are as follows: Changes in endowment net assets for the year ended June 30, 2013 are as follows: Temporarily Permanently Total Restricted Restricted Temporarily Permanently Restricted Restricted Total Endowment net assets, beginning of year $ 2,601,231 $ 991,823 $ 3,593,054 Interestnet andassets, dividend income of year 82,670 $ 991,823- $ 3,593,054 82,670 Endowment beginning $ 2,601,231 Net realized and unrealized Interest and dividend income 82,670 82,670 387,044 387,044 depreciation Net realized and unrealized Amounts appropriated for expenditure (78,795) -(78,795) 387,044 387,044 depreciation Endowment netappropriated assets, end of Amounts foryear expenditure $ 2,992,150 (78,795) $ 991,823- $ 3,983,973 (78,795) Endowment net assets, end of year $ 2,992,150 $ 991,823 $ 3,983,973 Funds with Deficiencies

Continued on • 24

Funds withthe Deficiencies At times, fair value of assets associated with individual donor-restricted endowment funds may fall below the level that the donor requires the Diocese to retain as a fund of perpetual duration. There were At times, the fair value of assets associated with individual donor-restricted endowment funds may fall

Temporarily Restricted $ 2,992,150

Donor-restricted endowment funds

Permanently Restricted $

24

Diocese was not subject to any surcharges from either plan for the years ended June 30, 2014 and 2013.

2014 and Diocese was not subject to any surcharges from either plan years June 30,based The Diocese's contributions to the Priest Plan were over 5%forofthe total planended contributions upon2013. the The Diocese's contributions Priest were over 5% of total plan contributions based upon the 2013 andPlan 2012. plans' years ended Decemberto 31,the plans' years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012.

15. Other Postretirement Benefit Plans 15. Other Postretirement Benefit Plans In addition to the Diocese's defined benefit pension plan, the Diocese sponsors an unfunded defined In addition to care the Diocese's defined benefits benefit pension plan, the Diocese sponsors defined THE • unfunded FEBRUARY 2015 benefit health and life insurance plan to retired priests who MONITOR have been an incardinated prior to benefit health careand andhave life insurance planattained to retired whoin have been prior to their 65th birthday worked 10benefits years and agepriests 70 while service withincardinated the Diocese.

The their is 65th birthday and have worked 10 years and attained while in serviceand withcoinsurance. the Diocese. The The plan noncontributory and contains cost-sharing features age such70as deductibles plan is noncontributory and contains cost-sharing features such as written deductibles and are coinsurance.

The accounting for the plan anticipates future cost-sharing changes to the plan that consistent with accounting forexpressed the plan anticipates future cost-sharing changes to the plan that are consistent with the Diocese's intent to increase the cost-sharing annually forwritten the expected general inflation rate thethat Diocese's expressed intent to increase the the cost-sharing annually for the in expected inflation for year. The Diocese's policy is to fund cost of medical benefits amountsgeneral determined at rate the for that year.

The Diocese's policy is to fund the cost of medical benefits in amounts determined at the discretion of management. discretion of management.

The annual measurement date is June 30 for other postretirement benefits. The following tables provide The annual measurement is Junepostretirement 30 for other postretirement further information about thedate Diocese's benefit plans: benefits. The following tables provide further information about the Diocese's postretirement benefit plans: Obligations and Funded Status Obligations and Funded Status June 30, June 30, 2014 2013 2014 2013

Total

State oftheDiocese Irenton

991,823

$ 3,983,973

Changes in endowment net assets for the year ended June 30, 2013 are as follows: Temporarily

Permanently

Restricted Restricted Total Diocese of Trenton Financial Statements: Endowment net assets, beginning of year

$ 2,601,231

$

ContinuedInterest from •and 23dividend income 82,670 THE DIOCESE OF TRENTON

991,823 -

Net realized and unrealized NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 387,044 depreciationFOR THE YEARS ENDED JUNE 30, 2014 AND 2013 Amounts appropriated for expenditure (78,795) Endowment net assets, end of year $ 2,992,150 $ 991,823

Notes to Financial Statements:

$ 3,593,054 82,670 387,044 (78,795) $ 3,983,973

12. Endowment Funds (continued) Endowment net assets composition by type of fund as of June 30, 2013 is as follows: Funds with Deficiencies At times, the fair value of assets associated with individual donor-restricted endowment funds may fall Permanently below the level that the donor requires the Diocese toTemporarily retain as a fund of perpetual duration. There were Restricted Total no such deficiencies of this nature as of June 30, 2014 Restricted and 2013.

Return Objectives and Risk Parameters $ 2,992,150 $ 991,823 $ 3,983,973 Donor-restricted endowment funds The Diocese has adopted investment and spending policies for endowment assets that attempt to provide a predictable stream of funding to programs supported by its endowment while seeking to maintain the purchasing power of the endowment assets. Endowment assets include those assets of donor-restricted funds that the Diocese must hold in perpetuity. The primary long-term management objective is the Changes in endowment net assets for the year ended June 30, 2013 are as follows: preservation of principal, both in nominal and real terms.

Strategies Employed for Achieving Objectives

Temporarily Permanently To satisfy its long-term rate of return objectives, the Restricted Diocese reliesRestricted on a total returnTotal strategy in which investment returns are achieved through both capital appreciation (realized and unrealized) and current yield (interest and dividends). a minimum, the investment performance of endowment assets should Endowment net assets, At beginning of year $ 2,601,231 $ 991,823 $ 3,593,054 achieve an annual return of at least inflation (as measured by the Consumer Price Index [CPI]) plus four Interest and dividend income 82,670 82,670 (4) percentage points. This should beTHE averaged over rolling three-year periods.

DIOCESE OF TRENTON Net realized and unrealized NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Spending Policy and How FOR the Investment Objectives to Policy 387,044 387,044 depreciation THE YEARS ENDEDRelate JUNE 30,Spending 2014 AND 2013 Amounts appropriated for expenditure (78,795) (78,795) The Diocese has a spending policy that is primarily demand driven. In determining the amounts Endowment net assets,the end of yearconsiders the $ 2,992,150 991,823 $ 3,983,973 appropriated for expenditure, Diocese accumulated$ earnings on each of the endowment gifts. In establishing this policy, the Diocese considers the long-term expected return on its endowment.

12. Endowment Funds (continued) The target spending rate is that which, as part of total return, satisfies these conditions - (a) permits Funds with Deficiencies reinvestment of enough total return to preserve the real purchasing power of current funds, (b) permits a At times, the fair value of assets associated with individual donor-restricted endowment may fall level of consistency and stability in the programs of the Diocese, (c) is sustainable over timefunds regardless of 17 below the level thatinthe Diocese retain a fund ofthat perpetual duration.may There were periodic variations thedonor levels requires required the to satisfy (a),toand (d) as recognizes circumstances preclude no such deficiencies of this nature as of June 2014 and 2013. achievement of all three objectives in any one 30, year.

Return Objectives and RiskPlan Parameters 13.

Defined Contribution The Diocese has adopted and spending for endowment assets thatto attempt to provide Full-time employees hiredinvestment after the effective date policies of October 1, 2005, are eligible participate in a a predictable stream of funding to programs supported endowment while seekingdollar to maintain Section 403(b)(7) Pension Trust and can contribute up to by theits Internal Revenue Service's limit set the by purchasing of the endowment assets.

Endowment includewho those assets of donor-restricted 2014 and 2013.assets Participants have completed one year of law, which ispower $17,500 for each of the years funds that the must hold incontributions perpetuity. The primary long-term objective is the employment areDiocese eligible for matching by the Diocese of up tomanagement 5% of the participant's gross preservation principal,contributions both in nominal andplan real was terms. salary.

Total of employer to the approximately $44,000 and $32,000 for the years ended June 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively.

Strategies Employed for Achieving Objectives 14. Multiemployer Pension Plans To satisfy its long-term rate of return objectives, the Diocese relies on a total return strategy in which investment are achieved through employer both capital appreciation (realized and unrealized) andpension current The Diocesereturns of Trenton is a participating in two separate multiemployer defined benefit yield (interest dividends). a minimum, thepriest investment performance of endowment assets should plans providingand benefits for layAtemployees and personnel.

The Pension Plan of The Diocese of achieve an return of at least inflation (as (Lay measured the21-0634970 Consumer Plan: Price 001 Index [CPI]) four Trenton, Its annual Churches, Institutions and Agencies Plan) by EIN: and The plus Diocese (4)Trenton percentage points.

This averaged three-year periods. of Pension Plan for should Priestsbe (Priest Plan)over EIN:rolling 21-0634970 Plan: 003 qualify as church institutions under the Internal Revenue Code and are, therefore, not subject to the provisions of the Employee Spending Policy and How the Investment Objectives Relate to Spending Policy Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA), nor are the Plan’s benefits guaranteed by the Pension Benefit Guarantee information not publicly available.

The Diocese has Corporation. a spendingPlan policy that is is primarily demand driven. In determining the amounts appropriated for expenditure, the Diocese considers the accumulated earnings on each of the endowment The Lay Plan is a defined benefit pension plan covering substantially all lay employees of the Diocese. gifts. In establishing this policy, the Diocese considers the long-term expected return on its endowment.

Prior service costs are amortized over a period of twenty-five years. The Lay Plan provides for 100% vesting of benefits after five years of credited service. The Diocese's policy is to fund pension costs currently. The Lay Plan provides retirement benefits to eligible lay personnel based on employee’s compensation and years of service. Effective October 1, 2005, the Lay Plan was frozen for, and excludes, employees hired on or after the effective date.

17

For the Years Ended June 30, 2014 and 2013

Benefit obligation $ 14,660,766 $ 13,605,442 Benefit obligation $ 14,660,766 THE DIOCESE DIOCESE OF OF TRENTON TRENTON Fair value of plan assets - $ 13,605,442 THE Fair value of plan assets NOTES TO TO FINANCIAL FINANCIAL STATEMENTS STATEMENTS NOTES THE DIOCESE OF TRENTON FOR THE YEARS ENDED JUNE 30, 2014 AND 2013 THE DIOCESE OF TRENTON FOR THE YEARS ENDED JUNE 30, 2014 AND 2013 Funded status - reported as postretirement benefits NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS THE DIOCESE OF TRENTON NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Funded status - reported as YEARS postretirement benefits $ (14,660,766) obligation in the statements of financial position FOR THE ENDED JUNE 30, 2014 AND 2013 $ (13,605,442) NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS THE YEARS ENDED JUNE 30, 2014 AND 2013 $ (13,605,442) $ (14,660,766) obligation in theFOR statements of financial position FOR THE YEARS ENDED JUNE 30, 2014 AND 2013 15.

Other Postretirement Benefit Plans (continued) Employer contributions $ 454,971 $ 482,676 15. Other Postretirement Benefit Plans (continued) Employer contributions $ 454,971 $ 482,676 Participant contributions - consist Amounts recognized in the statements of activities for the years ended June 30, of: 15.

Other Postretirement Benefit Plans (continued) Amounts recognized in the statements of activities for the years ended(454,971) June 30,- consist(482,676) of: Participant contributions 15. Benefits Other Postretirement Benefit Plans (continued) paid Benefits paid 15.

Other Postretirement Benefit Plans (continued) Amounts recognized in the statements of activities for the years ended (454,971) June 30, consist(482,676) of: Amounts recognized in the statements of activities for the years ended June 30, consist of: 2014 2013 Amounts recognized in the statements of activities for the years ended 2014 June 30, consist 2013 of: 2014 2013 Net (gain) (gain) loss loss 342,572 $$ (1,649,882) (1,649,882) 2014 2013 Net $$ 342,572 2014 2013 Amortization of of prior prior service service cost cost and and net net gain gain (95,268) (150,722) Amortization (95,268) (150,722) Net (gain) loss $ 342,572 $ (1,649,882) NetTotal (gain)postretirement loss 342,572 $ (1,649,882) benefit changes other than periodic periodic $ Amortization of prior service cost and net gain (95,268) (150,722) Total postretirement benefit changes other than Net (gain) loss $ 342,572 247,304 (1,800,604) postretirement benefit cost Amortization of priorbenefit servicecost cost and net gain (95,268) $ (1,649,882) (150,722) 247,304 (1,800,604) postretirement Total postretirement benefit changes other periodic 19 Amortization of prior service cost and net gain than (95,268) (150,722) Net periodic periodic postretirement benefit cost 1,262,991 1,369,331 Total postretirement benefit changes other than periodic Net postretirement benefit cost 1,262,991 1,369,331 19 247,304 (1,800,604) postretirement benefit cost $ 1,510,295 $ (431,273) Total postretirement benefit changes other than periodic 247,304 (1,800,604) postretirement benefit cost $ 1,510,295 (431,273) Net periodic postretirement benefit cost 1,262,991 $ 1,369,331 247,304 (1,800,604) postretirement benefit cost Net periodic postretirement benefit cost 1,262,991 $ 1,369,331 $ 1,510,295 (431,273) Net periodic postretirement benefit cost $ 1,262,991 1,510,295 $ 1,369,331 (431,273) 1,510,295 net $ (431,273) Net loss loss and and net net prior prior service service cost cost recognized recognized as as changes changes in in$unrestricted unrestricted Net net assets but but not not yet included included in in net net periodic periodic benefit benefit cost: cost: assets Net loss and yet net prior service cost recognized as changes in unrestricted net Net loss net included prior service recognized as changes in unrestricted net assets butand not yet in net cost periodic benefit cost: Net loss and net prior service cost recognized as net assets but not yet included in net periodic benefit cost: changes in unrestricted 2014 2013 2014 2013 assets but not yet included in net periodic benefit cost: 2014 2013 Net loss loss 1,260,972 951,997 2014 2013 Net $$ 1,260,972 $$ 951,997 2014 2013 Prior service cost 335,485 397,156 Prior service cost 335,485 $ 397,156 Net loss $ 1,260,972 951,997 NetAmounts loss $ 1,260,972 $ 951,997 previously recognized in in unrestricted unrestricted net net Prior service cost 335,485 397,156 Amounts previously recognized Net 951,997 assets, not yet recognized recognized as as periodic postretirement postretirement $ 1,260,972 Priorloss service not costyet 335,485 $ 397,156 assets, Amounts previously recognized periodic in unrestricted net Prior service cost 335,485 397,156 $ 1,596,457 $ 1,349,153 benefit cost Amounts previously recognized in unrestricted net $ 1,596,457 $ 1,349,153 benefit assets, cost not yet recognized as periodic postretirement Amounts previously recognized in unrestricted net assets, not yet recognized as periodic postretirement $ 1,596,457 $ 1,349,153 benefit cost assets, not yet recognized as periodic postretirement $ 1,596,457 $ 1,349,153 benefit cost The estimated net loss, and prior service cost that will be amortized from changes changes in unrestricted unrestricted net net $ 1,596,457 $ 1,349,153 benefitnet cost The estimated loss, and prior service cost that will be amortized from in 2015 are $32,138 and $61,671, respectively. assets to net periodic benefit cost in 2015 are $32,138 and $61,671, respectively. assets to net periodic benefit cost in The estimated net loss, and prior service cost that will be amortized from changes in unrestricted net The estimated net loss, and cost priorinservice cost that will be amortized from changes in unrestricted net 2015 $32,138 andTRENTON $61,671, respectively. assets to net periodic benefit THEare DIOCESE The estimated net loss, and cost priorinservice cost that OF will amortized from changes in unrestricted net 2015 are $32,138 andbe $61,671, respectively. assets to net periodic benefit Assumptions: Assumptions: areFINANCIAL $32,138 andSTATEMENTS $61,671, respectively. assets to net periodic benefit costNOTES in 2015TO THE DIOCESE OF benefit TRENTON THE YEARS ENDED JUNE 30, 2014 2013 and 3.78% for the years The discount discount rate rate used used to toFOR determine the postretirement postretirement cost AND was 4.47% 4.47% Assumptions: The determine the benefit cost was and 3.78% for the years NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Assumptions: 2014 and 2013, respectively. ended June 30, 2014 and respectively. ended June 30, FOR THE YEARS ENDED JUNE 30, 2014 2013 and 3.78% for the years Assumptions: The discount rate used to2013, determine the postretirement benefit cost AND was 4.47% The rate used to determine the was 4.47% and 3.78% for thefor years The discount discount rate used to2013, determine the postretirement postretirement benefit benefit cost obligation was 4.05% 4.05% and 4.47% 4.47% the 2014 and respectively. ended June 30, The discount rate used to determine the postretirement benefit obligation was and for the The discount rate used to determine the postretirement 2014 and 2013, respectively. ended JunePostretirement 30, 15.

Other Benefit Plans (continued) benefit cost was 4.47% and 3.78% for the years 2014 and 2013, respectively. years ended June 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively. years ended June 30, 2014 andto2013, respectively. ended June 30, The discount rate used determine the postretirement benefit obligation was 4.05% and 4.47% for the The discount rate used to rates determine the postretirement benefitcost obligation was covered 4.05% and 4.47% The Other health care cost trend used to measure the expected expected of benefits benefits by the the plan for arethe as 2014 and 2013, respectively. years ended June 30, 15.

Postretirement Benefit Plans (continued) The health care cost trend rates used to measure the cost of by plan are as The discount rate used to determine the postretirement benefit obligation wascovered 4.05% and 4.47% for the 2014 and 2013, respectively. years ended June 30, Cash Flows: 2015 and 2016 7%, 2017 and thereafter 4.5%. follows: fiscal year 2015 and 2016 - 7%, 2017 andthe thereafter - 4.5%. follows: fiscal year 2014 and 2013, respectively. years ended June 30, The health care cost trend rates used to measure expected cost of benefits covered by the plan are as The health care cost trend rates used to measure expected costpostretirement of benefits covered the plan are as $547,000 to- 4.5%. the benefitby plans in the next The Diocese expects to and contribute 2015 2016 -approximately 7%, 2017 andthe thereafter follows: fiscal year Cash Flows: The care cost trend rates used to measure expected cost of benefits covered by the plan are as 2015 and 2016 - 7%, 2017 andthe thereafter - 4.5%. follows: fiscal year fiscalhealth year.

2016 - approximately 7%, 2017 and$547,000 thereafterto- 4.5%. follows: fiscal expects year 2015 The Diocese to and contribute the postretirement benefit plans in the next The following benefits, which reflect expected future service, as appropriate, are expected to be paid for fiscal year. the years ending June 30: The following benefits, which reflect expected future service, as appropriate, are expected to be paid for the years ending June2015 30: $ 547,000

The Priest Plan provides retirement benefits to priest personnel for life based on age and years of service.

Contributions to the Lay and Priest Plans are made by the parish or organization that employs the lay employee or to which the priest is assigned. The plans are managed by the Diocese. The total pension and retirement plan expense included in these financial statements for these plans was approximately THE DIOCESE OF TRENTON $758,000 and $822,000 for the years ended June 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively.

THE DIOCESE OFOF TRENTON NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS THE DIOCESE TRENTON NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS The risks of participating in these multiemployer defined benefit pension FOR THE YEARS ENDED JUNE 30, 2014 AND plans 2013 are different from singleNOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS THE YEARS ENDED 30,30, 2014 AND 2013 employer plans because:FOR (a) assets contributed toJUNE the multiemployer plan by one employer may be used FOR THE YEARS ENDED JUNE 2014 AND 2013 to provide benefits to employees of other participating employers and (b) if a participating employer stops contributing to the plan, the unfunded obligations of the plan may be required to be borne by the Diocese 14. Multiemployer Pension Plans (continued) and the remaining participating employers.

There is currently no provision in the plans to recognize an 14.

Multiemployer Pension Plans (continued) employer withdrawal.

14. (continued) The Multiemployer following table Pension presents Plans information about the Diocese’s multiemployer pension plans as of and for The following tableJune presents information about the Diocese’s multiemployer pension plans as of and for and 2013: the years ended 30, 2014 The following and 2013: about the Diocese’s multiemployer pension plans as of and for the years endedtable Junepresents 30, 2014 information the years ended June 30, 2014 and 2013:

2016 2015 2017 2016 2018 2017 2019 2018 2020 to 2024 2019 2020 to 2024 Total

$

603,000 547,000 686,000 603,000 764,000 686,000 818,000 764,000 4,780,000 818,000 4,780,000 8,198,000

$

8,198,000

$

20 20 20 20 TheFunctional costs of providing the Diocese's programs and activities have been summarized on a functional basis 20 16.

Expenses below. Accordingly, certain costs have been allocated among the programs and supporting services The costs of providing the Diocese's programs and activities have been summarized on a functional basis benefited. below. Accordingly, certain costs have been allocated among the programs and supporting services benefited.

For the Years Ended June 30, 2014 2013 Total contributions from all For the Years Ended June 30, contributions employers in the from Planall for the Present value of accumulated Total plan assets as of Contributions for the Total 2014 2013 Total contributions from in the Plan for theall Present value of accumulated Contributions for the assets as of years ended December 31, plan benefits as of January 1, Total plan December 31, years ended June 30, employers Program Services $ 52,422,847 $ 51,683,537 ended in December years ended June benefitsvalue as of of January 1, December employers the Plan31, for the planPresent accumulated Total plan31, assets as of Contributions for30, the years Pension years ended December 31, plan benefits as of January 1, December 31, years ended June 30, Pension Management and General 10,133,294 9,938,429 Fund 2014 2013 2013 2012 2014 2013 2013 2012 Program Services $ 52,422,847 $ 51,683,537 Fund 2014 2013 2013 2012 2014 2013 2013 2012 Pension Fundraising 1,316,604 1,354,421 Fund 2014 2013 2013 2012 2014 2013 2013 2012 Management and General 10,133,294 9,938,429 LayPlan Plan 592,723 $ 620,357 $ 620,357 $ 13,471,640 $ 13,471,640$ 15,339,101 $ 15,339,101$ 198,257,293 $ 198,257,293 $ 188,314,607 $ 181,635,698 $ 152,368,179 Lay $ $592,723 $ 188,314,607 $ 181,635,698 $ 152,368,179 Fundraising 1,316,604 1,354,421 Priest Plan $165,302 165,302 $202,090 202,090 $1,614,000 1,614,000 $1,311,000 1,311,000 19,386,166 19,386,166 20,342,037 20,342,037 16,053,084 16,053,08414,502,469 14,502,469 Total Operating Expenses Priest Plan Lay Plan 592,723 620,357 13,471,640 15,339,101 $ 198,257,293 $ 188,314,607 $ 181,635,698 $ 152,368,179 $ 63,872,745 $ 62,976,387 Priest Plan

165,302

202,090

1,614,000

1,311,000

19,386,166

20,342,037

16,053,084

14,502,469

Thefunding fundingratio ratioforforthe theLay Lay Plan January 1, 2014 2013, respectively.

The Plan asas of of January 1, 2014 andand 2013, waswas 92%92% and and 81%,81%, respectively.

The The 18 2013, 71%, respectively.

The funding ratiofor forthe the Priest Plan 1,1,2014 andand 2013, waswas 83%83% and and 71%,81%, respectively.

The The funding ratio Plan asas of January 1, 2014 The funding ratio forPriest the Lay Plan asof ofJanuary January 2014 and 2013, was 92% and respectively.

2014 and 2013.

Diocesewas wasnot notsubject subject any surcharges from the years ended 30, 2014 and 2013.

Diocese toto any surcharges from either planplan for for the years ended June 30, 2014 and 2013, was 83% andJune 71%, respectively.

The funding ratio for the Priest Plan as of January 1,either The contributions the Priest Plan were over 5%5% of planplan contributions upon the2013.

TheDiocese's Diocese's contributions to the Priest Plan were over of contributions based upon the and Diocese was not subject to to any surcharges from either plan fortotal thetotal years ended June based 30, 2014 2013 and 2012. plans' years December 31, 2013 and 2012. plans' yearsended ended December The Diocese's contributions to31, the Priest Plan were over 5% of total plan contributions based upon the 2013 and 2012. plans' years ended December 31,Plans 15.

Postretirement Benefit 15.Other Other Postretirement Benefit Plans 15.

Other Postretirement Benefit Plans In totothe defined benefit pension plan, the the Diocese sponsors an unfunded defined In addition addition theDiocese's Diocese's defined benefit pension plan, Diocese sponsors an unfunded defined benefit health care and lifelife insurance benefits plan to retired priests whowho havehave beenbeen incardinated prior prior to to benefit health care and insurance benefits plan to plan, retired priests In addition to the Diocese's defined benefit pension the Diocese sponsors anincardinated unfunded defined their birthday and have worked 1010 years andand attained ageage 70 while in service with with the Diocese.

The The their65th 65th birthday worked years 70 while service the Diocese. benefit health care and and have life insurance benefits planattained to retired priests whoinhave been incardinated prior to plan and cost-sharing features such as deductibles and coinsurance.

The The planis65th isnoncontributory noncontributory andcontains contains features such deductibles their birthday and have worked 10cost-sharing years and attained age 70 as while in service and with coinsurance. the Diocese. The accounting for future cost-sharing changes to the written planplan that that are consistent with with accounting forthe theplan plananticipates anticipates future cost-sharing changes to as the written are consistent plan is noncontributory and contains cost-sharing features such deductibles and coinsurance. the expressed intent to to increase thethe cost-sharing annually for the expected general inflation rate The theDiocese's Diocese's expressed intent increase cost-sharing annually the expected general inflation rate accounting forThe the Diocese's plan anticipates future cost-sharing changes to thefor written plan that are consistent for that year. policy is to fund the cost of medical benefits in amounts determined at theatwith for Diocese's that year. expressed The Diocese's policy is to fund the cost of medical benefits in amounts determined the the discretion of management.intent to increase the cost-sharing annually for the expected general inflation rate discretion of management. for that year.

The Diocese's policy is to fund the cost of medical benefits in amounts determined at the The annualofmeasurement date is June 30 for other postretirement benefits. The following tables provide discretion management.

The annual measurement date is June 30 for other postretirement benefits. The following tables provide further information about the Diocese's postretirement benefit plans: further information about the Diocese's benefit plans:benefits. The following tables provide The annual measurement date is June postretirement 30 for other postretirement Obligations and Funded Status further information about the Diocese's postretirement benefit plans: Obligations and Funded Status June 30, June 30, Obligations and Funded Status 2014 2013 June 30, 2014 2013

Total 16. Functional Expenses

Total Operating Expenses 17. Related Entities

$ 63,872,745

$ 62,976,387

TheRelated DioceseEntities and the Diocese of Trenton Charitable Trust for Catholic Education and Religious Formation 17. share a common purpose of supporting the religious education programs of the Diocese. In 2014 and The andcontributed the Diocese$122,000 of Trenton Charitable Trustrespectively, for Catholic Education and Religious Formation 2013,Diocese the Trust and $2,600,000, to the Diocese for education and share a common ofadministered supporting the education programs of the Diocese. In 2014 and religious formationpurpose programs by religious the Diocese.

2013, the Trust contributed $122,000 and $2,600,000, respectively, to the Diocese for education and 18. Financial Instruments of Credit Risk religious formation programs- Concentrations administered by the Diocese.

As of June 30,Instruments 2014, the Diocese held financialofinstruments, 18.

Financial - Concentrations Credit Riskwhich exceeded federally insured deposits by THEinstruments DIOCESE OF TRENTON approximately $8,615,000. The financial consist primarily of savings and checking accounts As of June 30, 2014, held financial instruments, which exceeded federally insured that deposits by TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS which are insured by the the Diocese FederalNOTES Deposit Insurance Corporation and money market accounts are not approximately $8,615,000.

The THE financial instruments consist of savings andnot checking accounts FOR YEARS ENDEDCorporation.

JUNE 30,primarily 2014 AND 2013 has federally insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance The Diocese experienced any which insured by theinstruments.

Federal Deposit Insurancebelieves Corporation and money market accounts are not lossesare in such financial Management the Diocese is not exposed to anythat significant federally the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation. The Diocese has not experienced any credit riskinsured related by to cash equivalents. losses in such financial instruments. Management believes the Diocese is not exposed to any significant 19.

Subsequent credit risk related Events to cash equivalents.

In preparing these financial statements, management has evaluated events and transactions for potential recognition or disclosure through October 28, 2014, the date the financial statements were available to be issued.

21 21

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State oftheDiocese Irenton

TRENTONMONITOR.COM • FEBRUARY 2015

Endowment campaign plans for future Continued from • 14

and canon lawyers to ensure those trusts meet legal requirements, and that they are structured in such a way that the funds are protected.

Each trust within the Faith to Move Mountains endowment will have a board of trustees appointed by the Bishop, consisting of clergy and laity, to ensure the funds will be used for the intended purposes. The board will hire an accounting manager and investment advisor and will adhere to the Uniform Prudent Management of Institutional Funds Act of New Jersey. The trust will be subject to an annual audit with a report to the diocesan Finance Council with the oversight of the Bishop, and investment strategies will be in conformance with the guidelines recommended by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops.

Rollout of the campaign began in July, 2014, in six pilot parishes: St. John, Allentown; St. Mary, Barnegat; Sacred Heart, Bay Head; Holy Innocents, Neptune; St. Peter, Point Pleasant Beach, and St. David the King, Princeton Junction. These parishes, three of which have reached their respective goals, have achieved 85 percent of the combined campaign goals thus far, Nicholl reported. The remaining parishes in the Diocese will conduct their campaigns in four six-month campaign blocks over the next two years. The campaign solicitation is anticipated to conclude during the winter of 2016.

Each Catholic family in the Diocese will be asked to make a gift to the endowment campaign via cash, check, credit card or automatic

withdrawal from their bank account. Stock or other non-cash gifts are acceptable, as are matching gifts from employers.

Nicholl distinguished the Faith to Move Mountains campaign from the ongoing Annual Catholic Appeal, pointing to the distinct differences in what they will support. “We must continue to operate and fund the current needs of the Diocese while recognizing that there will be expanding needs and costs in the future,” Nicholl explained. Any gifts given to the endowment campaign are over and above what families can give to the ACA, he noted.

Mariann Gilbride, associate director of development, explained the relationship between the two campaigns, saying, “We spend money to feed our children every day, yet save money for their education and wedding down the road.”

Funds generated through the endowment campaign will be allocated accordingly: Thirty percent of funds collected by a parish will remain with the parish for its own ministerial, service or project needs. Once a parish reaches the goal it is given, 70 percent of the amount collected over the goal will remain with the parish.

The remaining funds will be set up in restricted endowment accounts, the interest from which will be used to support the needs listed below. The principal of the endowment accounts will never be “pierced” or utilized.

Diocesan assistance fund for parishes ($7.5 million)

From the D epartment

of

The Diocese spends more than $1 million annually for parishes who encounter unexpected and unavoidable expenses, noted Gilbride.

“So many parishes run into emergency situations over the years,” she noted. “They might think they need to choose between the day-today payroll for their staff or make that repair of a roof or boiler.” Nicholl added, “Expenses are rising and we need to be sure that we have the funds to help the parishes when they need us.”

Catechesis and evangelization ($5 million) Bolstering parish programs, enabling more catechists to earn diocesan certification, and empowering every parish community to deepen the spiritual lives of its people will be addressed.

Catholic schools ($15 million) Three major programs under the auspices of the diocesan Catholic schools will be promoted. The Foundation for Student Achievement will generate funds to help schools bridge the gap between the tuition and the cost to educate a child. Our Diocese’s three mission schools (Our Lady of Mount Carmel, Asbury Park; Trenton Catholic Academy, Hamilton; and Pope John Paul II Regional, Willingboro) which serve underprivileged children will be supported. The Catholic Alumni Partnership will be promoted to establish a stronger connection between alumni and their alma maters, encouraging financial support for the Catholic schools in the Diocese that choose to participate.

Ordained ministry ($20 million) Nicholl noted that 44 percent of priests in

e vangelization

27

the Diocese will reach retirement age in the next 10 years. “We need the money to take care of them, to pay their health care, housing and other support,” he said. Additionally, the Diocese will use the funds to support the education and formation of seminarians who will eventually fill the shoes of these faithful servants.

Social services ($5 million) In collaboration with the diocesan Office of Catholic Social Services and partnering social service agencies, the fund will enable the Diocese to further develop the parish-level counseling service and other community outreach programs.

In his letter to the faithful, Bishop O’Connell reminded them, “Jesus tells us that even the smallest seed of faith - like the tiny mustard seed of the Gospel - can move mountains. But that little seed of faith needs good soil, ample light, plentiful water to take root. No seed can grow - indeed, can move mountains - all alone or without them.

“We are calling this initiative ‘Faith to Move Mountains’ because that is what we need to do if the faith handed on to us is to endure and grow,” he concludes, “Now, more than ever, the mountains loom large. Only your faith and generosity will move them as, together, we continue to believe that ‘nothing is impossible’ with God.” Informational materials, including a brochure and video on the endowment campaign, will soon be available on the diocesan website. The Faith to Move Mountains campaign office can be reached at 609-406-7417.

C ateChesis

anD

Are you someone in active ministry in your parish or Catholic School whose work would benefit from your earning a Masters in Theology or Religious Education?

Are you someone who recently transitioned from a secular job to a job within the Church, such as a Parish Business Administrator?

Are you someone without a college degree who would benefit from a college-level Practical Certificate in your area of ministry?

ENT

SE

N

O

F

TR

O

O

CE

EDUCATIONAL

DI

“Faith and reason are like two wings on which the human spirit rises to the contemplation of truth; and God has placed in the human heart a desire to know the truth- in a word, to know himself- so that, by knowing and loving God, men and women may also come to the fullness of truth about themselves” • St. John Paul II

If you answered yes to any of the above questions, then the Educational Advancement Program may be for you.

Advancement P

R

O

G

R

A

M

For more information, contact: Eileen Hart, Coordinator of Educational Advancement 609-403-7185 • ehart@dioceseoftrenton.org

State oftheDiocese Irenton

28

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THE MONITOR • FEBRUARY 2015

Summit intends to help strengthen marriages Continued from • 4

in the plan that Bishop O’Connell will present.

“For those involved in ministry, the summit will provide them with the vision of the plan, and it will offer specific approaches, tools and strategies for implementing it in their parish and their school communities,” said Arriola.

Peg Hensler, associate director of the Department of Youth, Marriage and Family Life and coordinator of marriage ministries and Natural Family Planning, said the Marriage Summit is intended to bring together all who have a stake in building strong Catholic marriages.

Those invited to attend the summit include priests and deacons, as well as parish catechetical leaders, staff members, catechists , pastoral associates, Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults coordinators and team

members, sacramental preparation teams, youth ministers and parish secretaries, and ministry volunteers from both the English-speaking and Spanish-speaking communities.

She reiterated that the program will not offer direct ministry for married couples, but will instead focus on providing tools to those who are involved in ministering or interested in becoming involved in such activities.

“We invite all who are concerned about marriage in our Diocese and in our world to join us at the Marriage Summit, where you will be inspired to assist your parish or school community to build strong marriages and make a difference,” said Hensler.

For more information and to register for the Diocesan Marriage Summit, visit www.DOTMarriageSummit.org.

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TURN YOURSELF IN! You remember your days in Catholic school like they were yesterday . . . It was one big family; a place where you belonged.

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At Stuart, we love and nurture our girls.

As a kindergartener in the Lower School, Poppy is given the confidence to explore, create and discover—from technology to the arts, she takes ownership of her learning. Poppy also knows what it means to be a part of the larger Stuart community by showing respect, compassion and kindness to others.

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TURN YOURSELF IN

Accepting Applications for Fall 2015

For more information, contact the Catholic Alumni Partnership at 609-403-7218; CAP@dioceseoftrenton.org.

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State oftheDiocese Irenton

TRENTONMONITOR.COM • FEBRUARY 2015

29

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State oftheDiocese Irenton

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THE MONITOR • FEBRUARY 2015

Appeal bolsters ministries Continued from • 15

than 300 men and women who are brought into full initiation with the Catholic faith through the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults.

Appeal support will offer the more than 17,000 students that attend our Catholic elementary and secondary schools a broader range of services and resources to achieve higher educational plateaus and become active members of their parish communities. Professional development for educators, tuition assistance fund management, alumni support, curriculum and performance standards are all enabled by the appeal.

Needs of the poor and suffering, first addressed by pastors and their ministry teams, are addressed by a network of parish social service programs bolstered by regional programs such as those offered by Catholic Charities and other agencies. The appeal invites donors to partner with the Diocese to provide these essential services through

ACT

grant programs, disaster and recovery efforts, parish of counseling programs and the Mount Carmel Guild’s services.

An array of ministry of programs in parishes nurture families at all stages of life.

Contributions to the appeal enable the Diocese to provide support for youth events, young adult gatherings, bereavement ministry, respect life programs, campus ministry and programs enrichDOING UNTO OTHERS • In this mash-up of scenes from the 2015 Annual Catholic Appeal video which illustrates the myriad ways we practice our faith through service, Bishop David M. O’Connell, ing the lives of all those who C.M., reminds his flock that, “From Sunday to Sunday, we see the Church alive, and we connect with reside in our four counties. the living God and with one another.”

Finally, 15 percent of the amount collected by the number of donors overall increased 1.2 ment and other needs. appeal goes back to the parishes who percent rising to a total of 330,321 conreach their goal and 50 percent of Participation Is Key tributors to last year’s campaign, Nichany amount over the parish’s goal is oll said. To achieve this increase, the returned to the faith community for The 2014 appeal reached a total of Diocese relied upon its pastors for both repair and restoration projects, new $7.2 million, with 59 parishes exceedleadership and personal donations, and areas of growth or ministry developing their individual stated goals. The a letter sent to non-donors requesting at least $25 yielded 2,300 new contributors with an average gift of $48.

“Seventeen parishes received an increased rebate of five percent because they made their goal and increased their donors by 10 percent,” Nicholl noted, “and 24 parishes increased their donors by more than 10 percent.”

The needs of the Diocese and its parishes are greater than ever before, he said, urging all people of faith to contribute to this year’s appeal. “We again are looking for an increase in the number of donors to the appeal,” Nicholl stated. “Participation is key.”

In the appeal video, the Bishop concludes, “Your generous support [in the Annual Catholic Appeal] makes it possible for “our Diocese to truly journey with you as you live out your call, from Sunday to Sunday, to be the hands, the feet, the face of Christ in each corner of the Diocese.” (The video may be found on the diocesan website at dioceseoftrenton.org/catholicappeal.)

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State oftheDiocese Irenton

TRENTONMONITOR.COM • FEBRUARY 2015

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Diocese of TrenTon kicks off Annual

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• The application deadline is March 3, 2015.

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State oftheDiocese Irenton

THE MONITOR • FEBRUARY 2015

Auditions

for the 2015-16 Season

Hosts, On-Location Interviewers, Studio Guests High School Ages 13-19

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Contact Marianne Hartman @ (609)406-7402 or mhartm@dioceseoftrenton.org

TRENTONMONITOR.COM • FEBRUARY 2015

State oftheDiocese Irenton

To whom should we go?

Catholic social services assure assistance Within the Diocese of Trenton, several charities provide myriad social services to residents of the Diocese’s four counties: ADDICTION SERVICES Project Free (Catholic Charities) – Mercer, Monmouth

BEHAVIORAL HEALTH SERVICES

SERVICES FOR HOMELESS PREGNANT MOTHERS Good Counsel Homes – Residential and Community Services

YOUTH SERVICES

COUNSELING SERVICES

Collier Group Home, Red Bank Collier House (women 18-21), Keyport Collier High School – education and therapeutic support Catholic Youth Organization (CYO) Mercer – before and after school programs, youth athletic leagues Mercy Center Sister’s Academy Middle School, Asbury Park

DEVELOPMENTALLY DISABLED Visitation Home, Yardville

DOMESTIC VIOLENCE SERVICES

Providence House (Catholic Charities)

CHILDREN AND FAMILY SERVICES Catholic Charities Mercy Center, Asbury Park St. Francis Community Center, LBI

EDUCATIONAL SUPPORT SERVICES

Contact information: Catholic Social Services • Catholic Charities 609-394-3202 or 800-360-7711 www.CatholicCharitiesTrenton.org/cc3/index.php?page=contact-us Email: info@cctrenton.org

St. Francis Community Center – adult and youth, LBI

• Beacon House 1410 6th Ave., Neptune, NJ 07753; 732-502-9245

EMERGENCY AND COMMUNITY SERVICES

• El Centro Family Resource Center 327 S. Broad St., Trenton, NJ 08608; 609-394-2056

Catholic Charities – Delanco, Trenton Providence House (Catholic Charities) St. Francis Community Center, LBI Mount Carmel Guild, Trenton Mercy Center, Asbury Park Project PAUL, Keansburg St. Vincent de Paul Society, parishes

HOUSING

Supportive Housing (Catholic Charities) Beacon House – transitional housing, Neptune Linkages – transitional housing for homeless families (Catholic Charities), Tinton Falls

LATINO POPULATION SERVICES

Strengthening Families Program (Catholic Charities) St. Francis Community Center, LBI

PRE-SCHOOL PROGRAMS

Catholic Youth Organization (CYO) Mercer – sites in Trenton, Hamilton, Ewing St. Francis Community Center, LBI

SENIOR SERVICES

Home Health Nursing Services (Mount Carmel Guild) St. Francis Community Center, LBI Caregiver Information and education (St. Francis) Adult Day Care (St. Francis)

SUMMER CAMP PROGRAMS

Catholic Youth Organization (CYO) Mercer Summer Camps – sites in Trenton (2), Yardville, Ewing Kateri Environmental Center – Collier Services, Wickatunk

HARVEST OF HOPE • Volunteers working under the direction of Eco coordinator Jeanine Rogers reap the rewards of the crops planted in the half-acre foodbank garden. Sandy survivors who come to stock up once a month at the VRC take away produce like cucumbers, tomatoes, lettuce and beets. John Batkowski file photo

Kateri Day Camp – Collier Services, Wickatunk; Kateri Extended School Year – Collier Services, Wickatunk St. Francis Community Center, LBI

Catholic Charities – Burlington, Mercer

Monmouth Counseling Services (Catholic Charities) St. Francis Community Center – Individual, Family and Group Counseling, LBI

S-1

• Linkages 4261 Route 33, Tinton Falls, NJ 07753; 732-922-0400 • Monmouth Counseling Program 145 Maple Ave., Red Bank, NJ 07701 732-747-9660 ext. 113; 800-360-7711 hotline • Project Free Monmouth: 238 Neptune Blvd., 2nd Floor Suite 1A, Neptune, NJ 07753; 732-897-7701 Mercer: 10 Southard St., Trenton, NJ 08609; 609-396-4557 • Providence House Burlington: 950A Chester Ave., Delran, NJ 08075; Hotline: 1-877-871-7551 (toll-free); Office: 609-871-7551; Outreach Office: 856-824-0599 Ocean: 88 Schoolhouse Rd., Suite 1, Whiting, NJ 08759; Hotline: 1-800-246-8910; Office: 732-244-8259; Outreach Office: 732-350-2120 • Supportive Housing, other Housing Assistance http://www.catholiccharitiestrenton.org/cc3/index. php?page=housing-residential-services • Collier Services www.CollierServices.com Collier Youth Services: 160 Conover Rd., Wickatunk, NJ 07765; 732-946-4771; Email: info@collieryouthservices.org Collier High School: School Office, 732-946-7832 Admissions/Social Services: Bob Szafranski, Director of Social Services, 732-946-4771 x240; Email: bszafranski@collieryouthservices.org Collier Middle School: School Office, 732-946-7832; Director, Cynthia D’Arcy, 732-946-4771 x207; Email: cdarcy@ collieryouthservices.org Kateri Environmental and Summer Programs: 732-946-9694; Email: pheaney@collieryouthservices.org

Collier Group Home: 180 Spring St., Red Bank, NJ 07701; 732842-8337; Email: GroupHome@collieryouthservices.org Collier House: 386 Maple Place, Keyport, NJ 07735; 732-2643222; Email: CollierHouse@collieryouthservices.org • CYO Mercer County www.CYOMercer.org CYO South Broad Street Center: 920 South Broad St., Trenton, NJ 08611; 609-396-8383 Yardville Branch: 453 Yardville-Allentown Rd., Yardville, NJ 08620; 609-585-4280 Ewing Branch: 320 Hollowbrook Dr., Ewing, NJ 08638; 609-883-1560 CYO East State Street Center: 794 East State Street, Trenton, NJ 08609; 609-989-8143 • Good Counsel Homes P.O. Box 6068, Hoboken, NJ 07030 Pregnancy assistance: 800-723-8331; Administrative office, Silvana Cowden: 201-795-0637 www.GoodCounselHomes.org • Mercy Center 1106 Main St., Asbury Park, NJ 07712 Sister Carol Ann Henry, Executive Director, 732-774-9397 www.MercyCenterNJ.org • Mount Carmel Guild 73 North Clinton Ave., Trenton, NJ 08609 609-392-5159 (opt. 3); emergency assistance: 609-392-3402 or 609-392-5159 (opt. 1) Email: information@mtcarmelguild.org www.mcgtrenton.org • Project PAUL 211 Carr Ave., Keansburg, NJ 07734; 732-787-4887 Email: projpaul@aol.com www.projpaul.org • St. Francis Community Center 4700 Long Beach Blvd., Long Beach Twp., NJ 08008; 609-494-8861 www.StFrancisCenterLBI.org • Visitation Home P.O. Box 11242; Hamilton, NJ 08620 Denise Reil, Executive Director, 609-585-2151 ext. 101; Email: denise@visitationhome.org www.VisitationHome.org

State oftheDiocese Irenton

TRENTONMONITOR.COM • FEBRUARY 2015

{2015

}

S-2 & S-3

Save the DATE

The following diocesan events and observances have been announced: FEBRUARY 2-19  LOVE IS OUR MISSION sponsored by the Department of Youth, Marriage and Family Life will be held in St. Joan of Arc Church, 100 Willow Rd., Marlton, in the Arc room from 7 to 9 p.m.

The event is for spiritual formation based on the preparatory Catechesis for the World Meeting of Families 2015. Facilitator will be Father Jorge Bedoya, parochial vicar of the parish and spiritual director for World Youth Day 2016, who will speak on the topic “Mission of Love.” The event is free. Registration is required. To register, visit www.dioceseoftrenton.org/loveisourmission.

2-19  SPANISH ANNULMENT INFORMATION EVENING for Burlington County will be held in Christ the Redeemer Church, 426 Pine St., Mount Holly, from 7:30 to 9 p.m. Hosted by the office of Canonical Services, which has designed a lecture to teach what annulment is and clarify the many misconceptions about the annulment process. This is open to all who are considering annulment and for anyone who would like to know more about this ministry.

For more, contact Roseimelda Moore at 609-406-7434.

2-22  RITE OF ELECTION will be held in St. Mary of the Assumption Cathedral, 151 N. Warren St., Trenton, at 3 p.m. The Rite of Election closes the period of the catechumenate in the RCIA process. All unbaptized persons who will be initiated at the 2015 Easter Vigil and their godparents will participate. All are welcome at this solemn Rite. For more, contact Eileen Hart at 609-403-7185; ehart@dioceseoftrenton.org.

2-25  ANNULMENT INFORMATION EVENING for Mercer County will be held in St. Gregory the Great Church, 4620 Nottingham Way, Hamilton Square, from 7:30 to 9 p.m. For more, see Feb. 19.

2-27 to 3-1  RACHEL’S VINEYARD RETREAT will be held in the Upper Room Spiritual Center, 3455 West Bangs Ave., Neptune, from Feb. 27 at 6:30 p.m. to March 1 at 3 p.m. The retreat offers a supportive, confidential and non-judgmental environment where women and men can express, release and reconcile painful post-abortive emotions and begin the process of healing.

Discussions, spiritual exercises, the Sacrament of Reconciliation, a Memorial Service and a Mass of Entrustment are included. Participation is confidential. The cost is $130 and includes meals, private room, and all retreat materials. Financial assistance is available.

For more, call Judy Warenkiewicz at 732-536-6871.

MARCH 3-4  ANNULMENT INFORMATION EVENING for Monmouth County will be held in St. Denis Church, 90 Union Ave., Manasquan, from 7:30 to 9 p.m. For more, see Feb. 19.

3-7  TO TRUST AGAIN will be hosted by Our Lady of SorrowsSt. Anthony Parish, Hamilton Twp., from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on the campus of Our Lady of Sorrows, 3816 E. State Street Ext. This marriage preparation program is designed to meet the needs of couples in which one or both persons are marrying after the loss of a spouse through death or divorce. The cost is $150 per couple. For more, contact Jossie Ruiz at 609-403-7151; jruiz@dioceseoftrenton. org.

3-7 & 14  “BUILDING INTERCULTURAL COMPETENCY FOR MINISTRY” SPANISH WORKSHOPS sponsored by the Diocesan Pastoral Planning-Hispanic Ministry Initiatives March 7 and 14 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the St. Anthony of Padua Church, 251 Franklin St., Hightstown. For more, see Feb. 21.

3-12  ANNULMENT INFORMATION EVENING for Burlington County will be held in Corpus Christi Church, 63 Sylvan Way, Willingboro, from 7:30 to 9 p.m. For more, see Feb. 19.

3-14  ANNUAL DIOCESAN RESPECT LIFE MASS AND WITNESS will be held in St. Anthony of Padua Church, 121 Bridge Ave., Red Bank, from 9 a.m. to noon. Following Mass will be a procession to pray the Rosary at Planned Parenthood in Shrewsbury.

Light refreshments will be served in the parish center after the Rosary. The winning entries for the annual Respect Life Poster/ Essay/Video Contest will be on display with a presentation of the awards to winners. For more, call Donna Goodwin at 609-4037192; respectlife@dioceseoftrenton.org.

3-16  SPANISH ANNULMENT INFORMATION EVENING for Mercer County will be held in St. Anthony of Padua Church, 251 Franklin St., Hightstown, from 7:30 to 9 p.m. For more, see Feb. 19.

3-21  MASS FOR ALL IN CATECHETICAL MINISTRY will be celebrated in St. Robert Bellarmine Church, 61 Georgia Rd., Freehold, at 9 a.m. Hosted by the Department of Evangelization and Catechesis, the Mass is for all in catechetical ministry. Msgr.

Thomas N. Gervasio, vicar general, will celebrate Mass. A presentation by Jared Dees, creator of “The Religion Teacher,” will follow Mass. Registration fee is $10 per person and includes coffee, light breakfast, and lunch. Registration deadline is March 13. To register, visit www.dioceseoftrenton.org/JaredDees. For more, contact Doreen Gallway, dgallw@dioceseoftrenton.org; 609-403-7144.

3-21  GOOD COUNSEL HOMES, RIVERSIDE will celebrate its 30th anniversary with a Mass in the Cathedral Basilica of the

Sacred Heart, 89 Ridge St., Newark, at 11 a.m. Luncheon to follow at 1 p.m. in the Archdiocesan Youth Retreat Center, 499 Belgrove Drive, Kearney. For more, contact JoAnn DiNoia at 609-387-2928; Joann_dinoia@goodcounselhomes.org.

3-22  DIOCESAN YOUTH CELEBRATION for all teens in grades eight through 12 at Notre Dame High School, 601 Lawrenceville Rd., Lawrenceville, from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. The day will include presentations, live music, Adoration and Mass. Registration is $20 per person. To register or view last year’s video, visit www.dotyouth.org. For more, call Rudy Gomez at 609-406-7440; dotyouth@dioceseoftrenton.org.

3-25  ANNULMENT INFORMATION EVENING for Ocean County will be held in St. Aloysius Church, 935 Bennetts Mills Rd., Jackson, from 7:30 to 9 p.m. For more, see Feb. 19.

3-26  “BECAUSE…I’M WORTH IT!” is an event for teens on healthy relationships co-sponsored by the Diocesan Respect Life Ministry, Department of Pastoral Care, Department of Youth, Marriage, and Family Life, and the Ministry of Evangelization and Catechesis. The event will be held March 26 from 7 to 8:30 p.m. in St. Robert Bellarmine Church, 61 Georgia Rd., Freehold, for teens in grades eight to 12. The cost is $10 per family. Guest speaker Pam Stenzel, who combines her pregnancy counseling experience and her personal story, will educate teens about the consequences of sexual activity outside of marriage. Parents are welcome. To register, visit www.dioceseoftrenton.org/PamStenzel.

3-28  WALK OF HOPE sponsored by Catholic Charities will be held in Mercer County Park, 1638 Old Trenton Rd., West Windsor, beginning with checkin at 9 a.m., walk from 10 a.m. to noon, followed by a celebration ceremony and refreshments.

All funds raised will be used to reduce poverty, promote recovery and strengthen families in Burlington, Mercer, Monmouth and Ocean counties. To register, visit www.walkofhopenj.org. For more contact, Jennifer Leip at 609-394-5181, ext. 1137; jleip@cctrenton.org.

3-30  ANNUAL CHRISM MASS will be celebrated in St. Robert Bellarmine Church, 61 Georgia Rd., Freehold, at 7:30 p.m. All diocesan priests will renew their priestly vows and the sacramental holy oils used during the coming year in all parishes of the Diocese are blessed

by Bishop David. M. O’Connell, C.M. Parishioners throughout the Diocese are invited to gather for the annual celebration during Holy Week. For more, call Carolyn Norbut, Office of Worship at 609-403-7171; cnorbu@ dioceseoftrenton.org.

APRIL 4-7  16th ANNUAL MASS OF LAW ENFORCEMENT (BLUE MASS) will be held in St. Mary of the Assumption Cathedral, 151 N. Warren St., Trenton, at 10:30 a.m., followed by a luncheon in the church hall. The Mass will praise and thank God for the work of those in federal, state, city and municipal protective services. A special remembrance will be offered for those who have died in the line of duty. For tickets, contact Jennifer Britton, Office of Communications at 609-403-7199 or visit http://www.dioceseoftrenton.org/bluemass.

include a list of recommendations for each parish. The pastoral plan will provide support for the totality of marriage, including preparation for the marital vocation starting in adolescence and early adulthood, sacramental preparation for marriage, pastoral care of marriage in every stage, and pastoral care for the divorced and those seeking remarriage. Recommendations will be practical and actionable. For more, contact Peg Hensler at 609-403-7156; phensl@dioceseoftrenton.org.

5-14  26th ANNUAL GUARDIAN ANGEL DINNER DANCE KICK-OFF RECEPTION will be held in the Hyatt Regency, 102 Carnegie Center, Princeton, from 6 to 8 p.m. For more, call 609394-5181, ext. 1159; smacken@cctrenton.org.

5-16  TRANSITIONAL DEACON ORDINATION will be in St. Mary of the Assumption Cathedral, 151 N. Warren St., Trenton, at 10 a.m. Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M., is expected to ordain the seminarians of the Diocese of Trenton who have completed their college and theological studies to the Order of Deacons. For more, contact Carolyn Norbut, Office of Worship at 609-403-7171; cnorbu@dioceseoftrenton.org.

5-17  20th ANNUAL NJ CATHOLIC YOUTH RALLY co-hosted by the Department of Youth, Marriage and Family Life will be held at Great Adventure Theme Park, Jackson, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. The Diocese of Trenton will host the opening ceremony. The day is for teens and their families, youth groups, school groups and is open to all. For more, call Kelly McCormack at 609-403-7410; kmccor@ dioceseoftrenton.org.

5-21  CYO 5K RACE/WALK will be held at 6 p.m. in Veteran’s Park, Hamilton. For more, contact Patrick Hardiman at 609-5854280, ext. 102; phardiman@cyomercer.org.

5-28  LOVE IS OUR MISSION sponsored by the Office of Youth, Marriage and Family Life will be held in the Diocese of Trenton Pastoral Center, 701 Lawrenceville Rd., Trenton, from 7 to 9 p.m. For more, see Feb. 19.

JUNE 6-6  PRIEST ORDINATION will take place in St. Mary of the Assumption Cathedral, 151 N. Warren St., Trenton, at 10 a.m. Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M., will be the principal celebrant.

6-6  WILL YOU WALK FOR ME? A walk-a-thon for Good Counsel Homes South Jersey will be held at various locations in counties of Burlington, Gloucester, Cape May and Camden beginning with registration from 8:30 to 10 a.m. followed by the walk from 9 a.m. to noon. For more, registration forms or to sponsor a walk visit http:// www.goodcounselhomes.org/walkfrome or contact JoAnn DiNoia at 609-387-2928; joann_dinoia@goodcounselhomes.org.

6-8  FOURTH ANNUAL BISHOP JOHN C. REISS MEMORIAL GOLF OUTING to benefit the Charitable Trust for the Aged, Infirmed and Disabled Priests will be held at Spring Lake Golf Club, 901 Warren Ave., Spring Lake Heights. For more, visit www.dioceseoftrenton.org/golf.

6-12 to 14  RACHEL’S VINEYARD RETREAT will be held in the Upper Room Spiritual Center, 3455 West Bangs Ave., Neptune, from June 12 at 6:30 p.m. to June 14 at 3 p.m. For more, see Feb. 27.

4-18  DEDICATION OF NEW BUILDING for Mount Carmel Guild’s Emergency Assistance Program will be held from 1 to 4 p.m. at 79 North Clinton Ave., Trenton. For more, contact Marie A. Gladney at 609-392-5159; mgladney@mtcarmelguild.org.

6-13  SPIRITUAL RENEWAL RALLY sponsored by the Diocese of Trenton Catholic Charismatic Renewal, including English-speaking, Hispanic, Filipino, and Haitian Catholic Charismatic Communities will be held in the Great Auditorium, 54 Pitman Ave., Ocean Grove, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The rally consists of music, speakers, witness talks, and Mass. A variety of prayer experiences, including a sunrise service at the beachfront and healing prayers will be part of the day. All Catholics of all ages and ethnicities are welcome. For more, contact Sandra Lopez, 609-403-7138; slopez@dioceseoftrenton.org.

4-18 & 25  “BUILDING INTERCULTURAL COMPETENCY FOR MINISTRY” WORKSHOPS sponsored by the Diocesan Pastoral Planning-Hispanic Ministry Initiatives April 18 and 25 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. in St. Anthony Church, 121 Bridge Ave., Red Bank. For more, see March 7.

6-19  15th ANNUAL GIFT AUCTION will be held at Georgian Court University, Lakewood, from 5 to 10 p.m., details forthcoming. Proceeds will benefit Providence House Domestic Violence Services of Catholic Charities. For more, call 732-350-2120; mfishkin@cctrenton.org.

4-24  FAITHFUL FRIENDS GALA hosted by the Board of Directors of Visitation Home, Hamilton, will be held at Stone Terrace by John Henry’s, 2275 Kuser Rd, Trenton, from 7 to 11 p.m.

Tickets are $125 per person, $200 per couple or $1,000 per table.

To register, contact Morgan Tylus at 609-585-2151, ext. 101 or Morgan@visitationhome.org. Donations can be mailed to P.O. Box 11242, Hamilton, NJ 08620.

MAY 5-8 to 9  DIOCESAN MARRIAGE SUMMIT will be held at Georgian Court University, 900 Lakewood Ave., Lakewood Twp. The purpose is to launch a pastoral plan to strengthen marriage in the Diocese of Trenton in support of Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M.’s pastoral priority for marriage. The plan will

6-25  HOLY HOUR FOR FAMILIES will be held in St. John Neumann Church, 560 Walton Ave., Mount Laurel. The Holy Hour will consist of Scripture reading, silent prayer, music, intercessions and personal testimonies, in preparation for the 2015 World Meeting of Families in Philadelphia. For more, visit www. dioceseoftrenton.org/wmf2015/ or call 609403-7155.

JULY 7-13  VISITATION HOME’S ANNUAL GOLF OUTING will be held at Mercer Oaks Golf Course, 725 Village Road West #1, West Windsor Township. Registration and lunch begin at 11 a.m. with a shotgun start at 1 p.m. The cost is $175 per golfer and $700 for a foursome. To register, email Morgan@visitationhome.org.

7-23  HOLY HOUR FOR FAMILIES will be held in St. Joseph Church, 685 Hooper Ave., Toms River, at 7 p.m. For more, see June 25.

7-29 to 30  SPLASH 2015 is an overnight service and justice retreat to be held in Precious Blood Church, 72 Riverdale Ave., Monmouth Beach, for eighth through 12th graders and their youth ministers. Participants have the opportunity for prayer, service, community and fun. It concludes with Mass on the beach. For more, call Rudy Gomez, 609-406-7440; dotyouth@ dioceseoftrenton.org.

AUGUST 8-13  LOVE IS OUR MISSION sponsored by the Office of Youth, Marriage and Family Life will be hel d in St. Peter Church, 406 Forman Ave., Point Pleasant Beach, in Upper Colby Hall, from 7 to 9 p.m. For more, see Feb. 19.

SEPTEMBER 9-3  HOLY HOUR FOR FAMILIES will be held by Christ the King Parish, Long Branch, and held in the worship site of Our Lady Star of the Sea Church, 101 Chelsea Ave., Long Branch, at 7 p.m. For more, see June 25.

9-24  CYO GOLF CLASSIC will be held at Mountain View Golf Club, West Trenton, at noon. For more, contact Patrick Hardiman at 609-585-4280, ext. 102; phardiman@cyomercer.org.

OCTOBER 10-3  26th ANNUAL GUARDIAN ANGEL DINNER DANCE will be held in the Hyatt Regency, Princeton from 5 to 10 p.m., details forthcoming. For more, tickets or sponsorship, call 609394-5282, ext. 1159; smacken@cctrenton.org.

10-11  BISHOP’S ANNIVERSARY BLESSING for Mercer and Burlington counties in St. Mary of the Assumption Cathedral, 149 North Warren Street, Trenton, from 3 to 5 p.m. for all couples celebrating their first, 25th, 50th or more than 50 years of marriage. Following the Mass light refreshments will be available. Couples must register through their parish. For more, contact Mary Ann Romagna at 609-403-7158; mroma@ dioceseoftrenton.org or Peg Hensler at 609-403-7156; phensl@ dioceseoftrenton.org.

10-14  21st ANNUAL TASTE OF BURLINGTON COUNTY will be held in the Merion, Cinnaminson, from 6 to 10 p.m., details forthcoming. All proceeds will benefit Providence House Domestic Violence Services of Catholic Charities. For more, call 856-824-0599; mfishkin@cctrenton.org.

10-16  MOUNT CARMEL GUILD’S ANNUAL FALL GALA AND DINNER will be held in the Trenton Country Club, 201 Sullivan Way, Trenton. The event features honorees in service to the Catholic Community. All proceeds benefit the Guild’s Emergency Assistance and Home Health Nursing programs. For more, contact Marie A. Gladney at 609-392-5159; mgladney@ mtcarmelguild.org.

10-25  BISHOP’S ANNIVERSARY BLESSING for Monmouth and Ocean counties will be held in St. Robert Bellarmine Church, 61 Georgia Rd., Freehold, from 3 to 5 p.m. For more, see Oct. 11.

NOVEMBER 11-7  DIOCESAN PILGRIMAGE TO WASHINGTON to visit the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception. For more, call Carolyn Norbut, Office of Worship at 609-403-7171.

11-7  CYO BASKETBALL OPENING DAY MASS/AWARDS PRESENTATION will be held in the Yardville CYO, 453 YardvilleAllentown Rd., Yardville, at 9 a.m. For more, call Quincy Walzer at 609-396-8383, ext. 14; q_walzer@cyomercer.org.

11-12  LOVE IS OUR MISSION sponsored by the Office of Youth, Marriage and Family Life will be held in St. Paul Church, 214 Nassau St., Princeton, in the auditorium, from 7 to 9 p.m. For more, see Feb. 19.

11-14  ANNUAL DEACON MEMORIAL MASS details to come.

MONTHLY EVENTS THEOLOGY ON TAP sponsored by Diocesan Department of Youth, Marriage, and Family Life’s Youth and Young Adult Ministry are designed to inform, entertain and promote worship among young adults. Held the first Tuesday of the month, they are hosted by St. Paul Parish, Princeton, contact Katie Mayer at 609-524-0511; kmayer@stpaulsofprinceton.org; on the second Tuesday of the month hosted by St. Joseph Parish, Toms River, contact Father Garry Koch at 732-349-0018, ext. 2219, and on the third Tuesday of the month hosted by Sacred Heart Parish, Riverton, contact Katie Anderson; YAM@ shcriverton.org.

For up dates and new event information throughout the year, go to www.DioceseofTrenton.org and click on Media & Events/Event Calendar

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