Since the mid-19th century, Millville’s Catholic families have sought a place to practice their beliefs and find fellowship to grow stronger together on the faith journey.
With the town’s Parish of All Saints recently achieving their Catholic Strong goals, the tradition will continue for future generations.
As of Feb. 20, the parish had reached 118 percent of its $695,000 goal, with a grand total of $818,255.
Seventy percent of All Saints’ total funds raised to the goal will go toward their own parish projects, with 30 percent going to the Diocese of Camden and its outreach to the six counties of South Jersey. As well, 80 percent raised above the parish’s goal will return to Millville.
“The response has been extraordinary,” said Father Peter Idler, the parish pastor, delighted that his congregation “knocked it out of the park.”
He said those in the pews “bought into the vision” of what is planned for the parish, such as roof repair for the church and school; the creation of a parish hall; and the building of a daily Mass chapel.
The Parish of All Saints was born in Dec. 2010, out of the merger of parishes Saint John Bosco, and Saint Mary Magdalen. Today, Father Idler is “humbled” by the sacrifices his parishioners made together, such as the woman who donated $10,000, after undergoing major surgery.
“It was her way of thanking God for a successful surgery,” he said.
Father Idler’s flock is “taking ownership of their church, and they are excited” for the future, he is happy to say.