A vocation to the priesthood is a special call from God that is both challenging and rewarding. Discernment of a priestly vocation requires specialized guidance to navigate the spiritual formation and academic demands of the seminary. Our diocese has been blessed in recent years with an increased number of vocations and, thanks be to God, we presently have 21 seminarians studying for the priesthood. A large portion of our seminarians’ education is being funded by the Bishop’s Annual Appeal, for which they are extremely grateful.  Your gift also supports a wide array of diocesan programs that foster vocations and provide ongoing formation for those called to both ordained and lay leadership roles within the Church.  Your generosity also ensures that our retired priests who have served so faithfully receive the care they deserve in their later years. 

Deepening faith and building relationships in community is the heart of the Catholic Center at Rutgers University mission. The impact and success of the Catholic Center is relational outreach to students, a distinct approach for college campus ministry. The staff includes religious from the Sisters of Jesus Our Hope and the Brotherhood of Hope, as well as, the Associate Director of Vocations for the Diocese of Metuchen and several interns. They are out on campus meeting and interacting with students where they live their lives and also reach them using the tools of technology. Thanks to your gift to the Bishop’s Annual Appeal, the Catholic Center offers a safe haven where students are able to grow in their knowledge and practice of the faith, experience a meaningful sense of service to the community, and come to a deeper understanding of their call to discipleship.

The shelters operated by Catholic Charities—Ozanam Inn in New Brunswick and Ozanam Family in Edison—remained fully staffed during the Covid-19 pandemic and provided lodging, meals, crisis counseling and case management services to the residents who would otherwise be homeless. Last year, our shelters provided 34,000 bed nights serving 475 individuals. This is just one example of the more than 100 programs in 20 sites throughout Middlesex, Somerset, Hunterdon and Warren counties reaching out with Works of Mercy to those struggling with the hardships of life.  Your gift to the Bishop’s Annual Appeal makes it possible for Catholic Charities to provide quality services to the poor, vulnerable and all people in need, especially those suffering from the pandemic and in the aftermath of Hurricane Ida.  Thanks to your generosity and sacrifice, Catholic Charities is responding in even greater and more imaginative ways so that no one is left homeless, hungry, or without emotional support in these extremely difficult times.