2023 Bishop's Annual Appeal
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In the Eucharist, the Lord is present to us in a most intimate way; and yet we know that he is also present to us in a way that binds us together as one body, the Body of Christ. The Eucharist is the lifeblood of the Church, a gift that was meant to be shared. What we receive from God, we are called to give to others. We give good public witness of our love for Christ in the Eucharist through our acts of charity, thereby keeping Christ’s presence alive in our world today.
Together we are reflecting the love of Christ as we provide assistance to the poor and counseling for those struggling with the hardships of life through the services of Catholic Charities. We bring Christ’s loving presence and offer comfort to those who are sick or in prison through our hospital and prison chaplains. Among many other vital needs, funds from the appeal help provide the spiritual and educational formation of our seminarians, the future shepherds of our parishes.
Download the 2023 Brochure
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Your Gift Will Support:
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Catholic CharitiesLast year alone, Catholic Charities, Diocese of Metuchen served over 63,000 individuals throughout Middlesex, Somerset, Hunterdon and Warren counties. So many are still feeling the ripple effects of the pandemic and Hurricane Ida. Some are experiencing long-term health issues and others need assistance to recover or replace storm-damaged property.
Inflation is another factor bringing more people to our doors, especially struggling, working parents and seniors on a fixed income. With your help, Catholic Charities distributed over 193,000 pounds of food last year and gave $600,000 in rental assistance. Others are being helped with transitional housing, affordable childcare or counseling services. Dedicated to upholding the fundamental Catholic Social Teaching principle that all human beings, created in the image and likeness of God, have by their very existence inherent worth, Catholic Charities makes it a priority to treat every person who comes to its doors with dignity and respect. Thanks to your gift to the Bishop’s Annual Appeal, Catholic Charities continues to be an effective witness of Christ’s love in the world.
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Renewed and Sent on Mission by the Eucharist DONATE TODAY
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Seminarian Formation
A priest enters and serves in his ministry, not for himself but for others. The role of the priest is central in bringing the real presence of Christ in the Eucharist to the faithful and to the world.
In the Diocese of Metuchen there are approximately 200 priests, 90 parishes and over 600,000 Catholics. That is a large number of faithful to be served by a small number of priests. There is always a concern that the number of anticipated ordinations will not be enough to offset the rate of priestly retirements in the future.
We are blessed to have 21 men who are discerning the Lord’s call in their lives here in the Diocese of Metuchen. Along with the blessing of an increased number of seminarians comes the challenge of meeting the expenses involved. Providing quality formation for our seminarians—one that prepares them to attend to the spiritual and pastoral needs of the faithful—requires a sizeable investment. Your gift to the Bishop’s Annual Appeal will help defray the costs of tuition, room and board, health care and other expenses for our seminarians. Your gift will also assist us in inviting more men to consider the priesthood.
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Hospital and Prison Chaplains
Ministering to those experiencing pain, confusion and fear, and those preparing for death is the role of the clergy assigned to Hospital Ministry. There are 12 hospital chaplains who respond to calls at every hour of the day and night providing sacramental and pastoral presence when it is needed most. Whether it is the critical care unit, same-day surgery or the emergency room, the hospital environment can be emotionally erratic, ranging from quiet and somber to absolutely chaotic. At all times, the presence of the clergy and the grace of the sacraments bring the compassionate love of Christ to those who are facing difficult and often frightening times.
The Diocese of Metuchen also has 2 priests assigned as Prison Chaplains who go to where Pope Francis calls “the uncomfortable zone” and minister to some of the most outcast members of society, the prisoners. Even though their own families may forget them, the Catholic Church does not forget. Through prayer, the sacraments and by the presence of the clergy, we offer them the grace, peace, loving concern and the forgiveness of Christ.
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