Editor’s Note: Deacon Jerry Jablonowski is the former and founding executive director of VITALity Catholic Healthcare Services of the Diocese of Camden.
Shortly after his arrival to the Diocese of Camden, Bishop Dennis Sullivan had the vision to create a ministerial department to administer a broad array of health and well-being related services and programs that would address the needs of the elderly and those persons with disabilities. He recognized their ever-increasing challenges of aging and saw the Diocese as a vehicle of mercy to assist.
Having seen that the then-existing system of healthcare services within the Diocese was limited to the ownership and operation of long-term care facilities that were struggling with financial instability, he commissioned an advisory group to look into their sustained viability and determine a course of action.
After a year of study and analysis, it was determined that the Diocese should relinquish its ownership of these facilities. Through negotiations with potential buyers, Bishop Sullivan was able to sell the long-term care facility assets and maintain their operation as Catholic facilities under a stewardship agreement.
He envisioned a transformation into a diocesan healthcare ministry of parish and community-based systems of care by creating the Healthcare Foundation of the Diocese of Camden with the proceeds from the sale. The Healthcare Foundation would provide the financial support for the newly created system of care delivered within the community.
Bishop’s vision came to fruition. His enthusiasm to care for these most vulnerable populations within their homes and through their parish communities, became the driving force in the creation of VITALity Catholic Healthcare Services of the Diocese of Camden in December 2015.
Through the ongoing support of Bishop Sullivan, VITALity now aids in the care and well-being of thousands of people each year. Further, all these services are provided free of charge. The funding to deliver services within VITALity comes through the Foundation as well as through support from the annual South Jersey Catholic Ministries Appeal.
Throughout the six-county Diocese, seniors are able to access nurse care coordinators who guide them through the complexities of needed assistive and medical care as they age, often assisting with gaining access to federal and state healthcare payment sources such as Medicare and Medicaid. Throughout its first eight years of operation, VITALity has helped more than 8,000 elderly individuals with assistance to either remain in their homes and receive care, or provide them guidance to transition into assisted living.
Meeting others where they’re at
Realizing the need for a more comprehensive model of chaplaincy care within all hospitals of South Jersey, Bishop Sullivan also has shown tremendous leadership in his support of VITALity’s Hospital Chaplaincy program. Dedicated priest chaplains, along with deacons and well-trained lay ministers, serving as associate chaplains, now better coordinate the pastoral care and sacramental needs of our hospitalized Catholic patients. In every hospital within the Diocese, all patients have the opportunity to encounter our VITALity chaplains, who help them through their spiritual healing, which is essential to their physical and mental well-being.
In addition, as Bishop Sullivan oversaw the development of VITALity programs, he knew it was essential to better incorporate individuals, families and children with physical, developmental and behavioral challenges into the life of the Church.
With diocesan programs for Masses celebrated in American Sign Language; adaptive sacramental preparation and religious education; and Masses of Welcome and Inclusion for those with behavioral and intellectual challenges, VITALity can further support these individuals and families in celebrating their faith and building community.
Combating isolation, loneliness
Since active parish-based ministry is the life blood of every diocese, Bishop Sullivan has supported the incorporation, under the umbrella of VITALity, of several health and well-being programs within our parishes. With 36 parish nurse ministries, 19 parishes with Stephen Ministries, and four parishes with Senior Social Day Centers, VITALity can help spread health of body, mind and soul, through the fine work of pastors and parish volunteers.
In particular, the parish Senior Social Day Centers serve to combat social isolation and loneliness. Frequently visiting these centers, Bishop Sullivan has brought new life into the hearts and spirits of those who have formed new communities of friends through these dynamically run programs, which offer socialization, exercise, good nutrition and spiritual enrichment into the lives of its members.
With such successes under Bishop Sullivan’s leadership, the Diocese of Camden has become a model for other dioceses across the region and country to follow in developing a community and parish-based ministerial approach to health and well-being.
VITALity is such a wonderful example of a bishop’s love and care for his flock. Thank you, Bishop Sullivan, for having the vision to create and the will to support VITALity as it continues to grow as a ministry of care and compassion for the most vulnerable among us. Your vision of healthcare and well-being lives on in South Jersey.
Deacon Jerry Jablonowski, who retired as VITALity’s executive director in 2024, serves as a deacon in Saint Clare of Assisi Parish, Swedesboro.
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