Ministry of Consecrated Life
World Day for Consecrated Life Celebrated in Parishes February 2-3, 2013
In 1997, Pope John Paul II instituted a day of prayer for women and men in consecrated life. This celebration is attached to the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord on February 2nd. This Feast is also known as Candlemas Day; the day on which candles are blessed symbolizing Christ who is the light of the world. So too, those in consecrated life are called to reflect light of Jesus Christ to all peoples. The celebration of World Day for Consecrated Life is transferred to the following Sunday in order to highlight the gift of consecrated persons for the whole Church.
Resources to help you promote World Day for Consecrated Life
Prayers of the Faithful .pdf
For those consecrated to God by the vows of chastity, poverty and obedience that they may seek to live their baptismal promises more intensely and have the grace to persevere in their commitment to the Lord and serve with open hearts and willing spirits. We pray to the Lord… For those who have responded to the prompting of the Holy Spirit to be a consecrated person that they may experience the support of the Church as they continue their growth in holiness. We pray to the Lord…
Who Are We?
We are approximately 436 canonical religious, 8 non-canonical members, 3 consecrated virgins and 1 secular institute member that minister in the four counties of the Diocese of Trenton. We represent membership in 49 male/female religious congregations who have dedicated our lives to announce and proclaim the word of the Lord.
What Do We Do?
Prior to 1970's, religious served the needs of the Church via education, health care and orphanages. Additional ministries are essential to our service today:
- Social awareness/action - Consecrated persons are involved in feeding the poor, visiting the prisoners, providing housing and support in time of crisis and offering rehab for drug/alcohol dependency
- Ecology - Some consecrated persons are actively participating in bringing about an awareness of the needs to conserve the resources of our planet
- Evangelization - Consecrated persons are taking steps to expand the Catholic faith community by extending programs to teach the fundamentals of our religion
- Retreat houses - These sites offer companions to journey with those seeking an experienced guide to help them listen to God's call
- Contemplative prayer - Sisters devote themselves to a life of prayerful silence that enriches their community and the lives of the people in the Trenton Diocese
- Education - This primary ministry develops a well-rounded individual who respects traditional faith and civic values
- Health care - Consecrated persons nurture the wounded members of society that are experiencing mental, emotional and physical handicaps and challenges
- Spanish ministries - In this global age, consecrated persons continue to reach out to those from different cultures who experience separation because of language and cultural barriers as they attempt to live in the new environment.
While the physical appearance might not be easily recognizable today, the face of God is evident in the many paths and journeys taken daily by those who have dedicated their life to further announce and proclaim the Word of God.