Catholic Charities of South Jersey will hold its 21st annual Dinner & Awards Ceremony on Oct. 16 at Resorts Hotel in Atlantic City, to honor the extraordinary service of individuals who demonstrate commitment to social justice and the needs of the underserved and vulnerable, while also raising funds that allow the organization to provide direct assistance to those it serves.
Eustace W. Mita, chairman and CEO of ICONA Resorts, Achristavest and Caritas Construction, will receive the Saint John Neumann Award that evening for “his tireless dedication to faith and service” as an individual who has spent decades “improving lives … through spiritual and leadership and humanitarian efforts,” according to Catholic Charities of South Jersey.
As the first lay president of the Papal Foundation – whose mission is to serve the Holy Father and the Roman Catholic Church through faith, energy and financial resources – Mita has championed grants exceeding $230 million to support the world’s poor, sick and displaced. Those grants have funded hospitals, shelters and disaster relief in more than 80 countries.
Mita also leads the Our Lady of Kibeho Cathedral Basilica project in Rwanda, a spiritual beacon for the region, and co-founded ManUp Conferences in Philadelphia, New Jersey and New York, the largest men’s spirituality gatherings in their areas.
Mita’s leadership helped bring Pope Francis to Philadelphia for the 2015 World Meeting of Families, where he and his wife, Susanne, were awarded the Benemerenti Medal by the Holy Father. Together, they have built orphanages in Kenya and a food center in Ethiopia, offering hope to countless children and families.
Dr. Maria Elena Hallion, executive director of Catholic Charities of South Jersey, praised Mita for his priority to service and commitment to his work. “He cares about his employees, and wants his staff to bring the same care, dignity and respect to those they serve.”
In addition to presenting the Saint John Neumann Award, Catholic Charities of South Jersey will also honor ministries and individuals who make it their mission to serve the most vulnerable in the Diocese of Camden.
These Disciples of Mercy were recently selected by a committee, hailing from each of the Diocese’s five deaneries.
Dr. Hallion called them shining examples “who are making, over and above, long-term commitments to those in need. We want to bring attention to their good work so others are inspired to do the same.”
These Disciples of Mercy are as follows:
Deanery 1
Mary and Adam Pascale
For the past 20 years, Mary and Adam Pascale have dedicatedly served with the Saint Vincent de Paul Ministry at Saint Peter Parish in Merchantville. As leaders of the ministry, they have guided their fellow volunteers in not only providing food to those struggling, but also financial and emergency assistance when called upon. They also oversee the weekly preparation of food boxes, as well as the turkeys and hams collected and purchased during the holiday season.
“Mary and Adam’s dedication to the needy on the local level has been extraordinary,” said their nominating pastor, Father Timothy Byerley.
Deanery 2
The Parish Quilting Ministry and Saint Anthony’s Women’s Ministry of Christ the Redeemer, Atco
Representing the women of their parish who tirelessly “share their special gifts and talents for the grace of God,” according to their nominating pastor, Father Joseph Wallace, the Parish Quilting Ministry and Saint Anthony’s Women’s Club have strived to serve others through their actions, led by the efforts of Marge Midure and Linda Richter, respectively.
The Saint Anthony’s Women’s Ministry is a fellowship of women striving to serve others, while the quilting ministry creates handmade quilts for any concern, with each stitch lovingly prayed over.
Deanery 3
The Ginny Project of Church of the Holy Family, Sewell
Named in honor of the much-beloved parishioner Ginny Licata, who died last year, the Ginny Project, supported by the parish’s Saint Vincent de Paul Society, continues her love and attention to the poor.
In putting Catholic social teaching into action, the group, guided by Steven Annucci and Robert Sullivan, donates sandwiches, fruit, snacks and men’s clothing to the Volunteers of America shelter in Camden.
Virginia “Ginny” Licata was a parish minister, teacher, lector and artist who also led parish retreats and days of reflection. She worked or volunteered at numerous parishes and schools in the Diocese. She died in August 2024.
Deanery 4
Community Service and Leadership
For the past 12 years, Jennifer LaRosa has been a true servant leader at various high schools throughout the Diocese of Camden, helping young adults become the heart of Jesus.
She has guided the young Church in helping the lonely, sick, displaced and often-forgotten feel the compassion and love of Jesus, through service opportunities at Cathedral Kitchen, the Ronald McDonald House and Joseph’s House. As well, she has helped her students build their faith and deepen their spirituality through retreat experiences, religious celebrations and Mass attendance.
Deanery 5
The Food Pantry of Our Lady of the Angels Parish, Cape May Court House
Under the guidance of volunteer-coordinators Michael and Ellen Barrett, and Mary Balchaitis, the Food Pantry of Our Lady of the Angels has dedicatedly served the area’s hungry. Through generous food donations from parishioners and community partnerships with local businesses, the pantry distributed food to more than 3,000 local families in 2025, consisting of over 7,500 individuals, with the pantry procuring and distributing more than 122,100 pounds of food to those in need.
Every dollar raised at the annual Dinner & Awards Ceremony goes directly to assist the poor and vulnerable in the Diocese of Camden.
Stacy Napolitano, diocesan director of development, said the dinner’s ongoing success is due to “the generous sponsors, donors and ticket purchasers who support it. It’s so uplifting to see many individuals and companies return for the dinner each October. These supporters enable Catholic Charities of South Jersey to help those in need.”
Catholic Charities of South Jersey’s 21st annual Dinner & Awards Ceremony will be held at Resorts Hotel, Atlantic City, on Thursday, Oct. 16 beginning at 5:30 p.m. The evening includes cocktails and hors d’oeuvres, dinner, the awards presentation, and coffee and dessert. Tickets and sponsorships are available for the annual dinner at CatholicCharitiesCamden.org/CCAD.
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