NEWFIELD – For more than 41 years, the greens and herbs cultivated, grown and packaged at Dan Graiff Farms has brought sustenance to households across the Northeast, Midwest and Canada.
Part of that Graiff family history: inviting Bishop Dennis Sullivan to celebrate Mass on its grounds every summer.
“It’s wonderful to have the Bishop here,” 79 year-old Doris Graiff, a longtime Catholic, said during the Aug. 16 Mass celebrated by Bishop Sullivan. Roughly 50 people were in attendance for the Mass, one of the annual Farm Masses that are a mission for Our Lady of the Blessed Sacrament Parish. During these celebrations, blessings are bestowed on the farm, its workers and the parish community gathered.
“We bring the Church to [the parish’s farming families],” said Father Ariel Hernandez, pastor of the Newfield parish. This summer, Father Hernandez has celebrated Mass at nearby Pinedo Farms, Marolda Farms, Castelli Family Farms and Ed Cheli Farms.
Father Hernandez, who concelebrated the bilingual Mass, praised the laborers who “administrate God’s greatest gifts in nature.”
“The family has been a wonderful testimony [of faith] and generous to the community” in its bountiful donations to the parish and local food pantries throughout the years, he said. Currently, the 250-acre farm employs from 75 to 90 year-round employees, comprising family members and individuals from countries including Mexico, Puerto Rico and Colombia.
Addressing those gathered before him in lawn chairs, Bishop Sullivan referenced the day’s Gospel reading of the young man who approached Jesus asking how to inherit eternal life, and the Savior’s response to “sell what you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.” (Matthew 19:21)
In understanding what prevents a person from loving and knowing God, one can make the decision to have faith, “follow Jesus, and love God and neighbor,” the Camden prelate said.
It is this faith, and dedication to family and community, that have guided the Graiffs these last four decades, the family said. Doris and Dan Graiff were married in Saint Michael Church, Minotola, now part of Our Lady of the Blessed Sacrament. Today, Doris Graiff – who has worn many hats with the business, working in the fields, attending produce auctions and taking care of payroll and taxes – works along her son, Jamie. He now owns the farm.
“We’ve become a close-knit family,” he said of the community. “We enjoy the Bishop’s visits.”
Clorinda Blasse, longtime friend and cook for the evening, agreed.
“I haven’t missed [a farm Mass] in eight years,” she said.
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