Jesus “stays with us” in an intimate way in the Eucharist. We want to share His love with those we meet along the way, accompanying them on the path of life, as Jesus did on the Road to Emmaus. One important way we can share our faith, encourage and assist our fellow travelers is by participating in the Bishop’s Annual Appeal. Through our shared support, we touch the lives of thousands of people each year through the tangible services and programs we offer. Together we walk side by side with those who are suffering today, those who are ill or fearful, and those who are poor and vulnerable. Through our ministries, we bring them the reassuring presence of the Lord.
One of the key ministries supported by the Annual Appeal is Seminarian Formation. We are blessed to have 21 men currently studying for the priesthood in the Diocese of Metuchen. It is a blessing that brings with it the responsibility of providing for their education.
Quality formation is essential for our future priests who will be the sacramental presence of the Lord in the midst of our parishes, nourishing and healing with Word and sacraments the people they are called to serve. We need men who are capable of fostering spiritual life, preaching the Gospel and directing the pastoral activities in our parishes and other special ministries. Your gift to the Bishop’s Annual Appeal helps to defray the costs of forming the future shepherds of our Church.
Just as the two disciples on the road “set out at once” to share their experience of the Risen Lord with others, we too are inspired to go out into the world and tell everyone we meet of His love and grace.
Your gift to the Bishop’s Annual Appeal supports a number of diocesan ministries dedicated to faith formation. Through Discipleship Formation for Children and our Catholic schools, Youth & Young Adult Ministry, Campus Ministry at Rutgers, and the Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults, we are reaching out to children, teens, young adults and older adults new to our Catholic Church. These ministries help people of all ages 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.
Your gift to the Bishop’s Annual Appeal also supports the work of the Secretariat for Evangelization and Communication. Responsible for our website, social media platforms, videos, podcasts, and written content about our Catholic faith, the Evangelization & Communication ministry is essential to how we expand our effort to share the Gospel message and make His love known to all. More and more, we have come to understand that these tools are necessary for reaching people where they live and work.
Central to our understanding of Christian stewardship is the concept of accountability. The Office of Stewardship & Development and the Office of the Bishop recently set up the Bishop’s Annual Appeal Foundation. The Foundation operates exclusively for the benefit of the Diocese, its parishes, schools, and affiliates. Donations to the Foundation exclusively support the activities and mission of the Diocese.