Bishop O’Connell will be the principal celebrant and homilist for the Mass, which will be livestreamed (without a congregation) beginning at noon from the chapel of St. Joseph Church, Toms River. Bishop O’Connell will offer prayers for the intention of all workers – from the employed, unemployed and seeking work, to the retired.

Explaining the value of celebrating the Mass at this time, Bishop O’Connell said: "The priority during this pandemic has centered on stopping the spread of the virus and caring for those who are infected. And that is of course as it should be. But every family is also acutely aware of the very real stress and suffering that this crisis has inflicted on the nation’s workforce."

The livestream of the Mass can be viewed on the diocesan YouTube channel, and will be accessible across the Diocese’s digital web and social media sites. It will also be available for viewing after the event.

The Bishop also announced a second Mass in May with the special intention of honoring those individuals who are critical in caring for COVID-19 patients and keeping the general public safe and well. Set for the Feast of Our Lady of Fatima, the Mass will be celebrated in St. Joseph Church (worship site of Our Lady of Fatima Parish in Keyport) May 13 at noon. It will be livestreamed on Youtube.

During this COVID-19 crisis and until further notice, Holy Communion can only be distributed to the faithful as Viaticum for the dying in the Diocese of Trenton.