Whether it is helping parishes refresh churches and meeting spaces, supporting seminarians in their education or assisting diocesan Hispanic ministry programs, contributions made to the annual South Jersey Catholic Ministries Appeal are making a significant impact across the Diocese of Camden.
“The generous and wholehearted support of the faithful goes far beyond the economic sphere,” said Father Ricardo Lozano, parochial vicar of Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish Shrine, Lindenwold. “The annual appeal is also a strong sign that thousands of people are devoutly praying for vocations.”
Father Lozano spent six years as a seminarian for the Diocese of Camden before being ordained a priest in May. He said that the financial support provided through the appeal helps seminarians fully focus on their formation.
“Investing in seminarians provides the terrain for the candidates to fully ‘consecrate’ themselves, so to speak, to their daily commitments and responsibilities regarding formation,” he said. “I am grateful for witnessing to the fruits of this program and encourage all people to continue to support our seminarians in any way possible.”
The South Jersey Catholic Ministries Appeal supports essential ministries on both the diocesan and parish levels, including vocations, faith formation, Hispanic and Black Catholic ministries, youth and young adults, Catholic education and more. Parishes that reach their monetary goal receive a 10 percent rebate; they receive 75 percent of every dollar raised over goal for their needs. This year’s campaign kicked off in February.
“The South Jersey Catholic Ministries Appeal is a campaign that provides not only help but also hope to thousands of people,” said Msgr. Louis Marucci, pastor of Saint Andrew the Apostle, Gibbsboro, whose parish has seen the appeal support some of its more than 100 ministries.
“The dollars raised meet some of the greatest needs of people in South Jersey,” he continued, citing ministries that help in areas like health and addiction. “The generosity of parishioners supporting this campaign helps build the Kingdom of God in the Diocese of Camden.”
Last year’s appeal raised close to $6.5 million in the Diocese of Camden, with more than 14,000 parishioners supporting the campaign and 27 parishes reaching their goal.
“The more we give, the more we are blessed,” said Jennifer Lon, associate director of the Diocese’s Office of Development. “The Catholic community grows from the spiritual knowledge that we are alive not for ourselves, but for one another.”
Though the Diocese has seen steady contributions as of late, the number of donors remains an area of much-needed growth. Staff are hopeful more faithful will support the campaign to reach annual goals. They also encourage parishes to share the Bishop’s annual appeal video, regularly post information in bulletins, connect with major donors and make pledge cards consistently available for collection.
“Parishes that reach their goal are keeping the appeal in the conversation with their parishioners,” Lon said.
Father William Kelly, who recently retired as pastor of Saint Brendan the Navigator, Avalon, said his parish regularly exceeded its fundraising goals because parishioners knew what they were supporting.
“They know it helps the formation of our seminarians, the formation of our deacons and with the Catholic schools,” he said. “They know it helps with our retired priests, with Catholic Charities – all of the things that the Bishop mentions in the video.”
Father Kelly would also share with parishioners why he personally supported the appeal, including the work of hospital chaplains. “When you have a loved one in the hospital, that makes all the difference in the world.”
In Our Lady of Hope Parish, Blackwood, the appeal has allowed the community to expand its security system, add lighting in the parking lot, refresh the youth ministry room and refinish church pews.
“Our parish has benefitted from this campaign through firstly, the blessing that comes from God when we are generous,” said Father Joseph Szolack, pastor. In addition, “Seeing Jesus in the poor allows our parishioners to express their devotion and care for Jesus in his poor disguise. … We are a large family in the Diocese of Camden, and I cannot imagine anyone ever turning their back on their family.”
One area the campaign supports on the diocesan level is Hispanic ministries, including the annual Hispanic Diocesan Celebration and Instituto de Minisiterio Eclesial de Camden – the three-year Diocesan Lay Ministry Formation program offered in Spanish.
“Approximately one-third of the population in South Jersey is Latino,” said Andrés Arango, the Bishop’s Delegate for Hispanic Ministry and Director of Evangelization. “The appeal is essential for us to be able to offer opportunities for spiritual enrichment to the Latino community in their own language and based on their religious and cultural traditions.”
Father Joshua Nevitt, diocesan associate director of vocations, said he is grateful for the funds that help subsidize the budget for his office.
“The generosity of donors to the South Jersey Catholic Ministries Appeal allows the diocesan Office of Vocations to run programs, retreats and discernment meetings that have the goal of helping young men to hear God’s call,” he said. “A gift to the South Jersey Catholic Ministries Appeal is an investment into the spiritual and sacramental life of all parishioners in South Jersey.”
The 2024 South Jersey Catholic Ministries Appeal is underway, and faithful can learn more and provide their support by visiting www.camdendiocese.org/sjcma. To watch the Bishop’s 2024 appeal video, visit youtube.com/camdendiocese.
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