I grew up in Philadelphia’s inner city, a dense, working-class, ethnically diverse neighborhood within the city’s core. Our home was surrounded by row homes with postage stamp-size cement yards. There were very few trees, and the only open spaces were vacant lots created when homes crumbled and were torn down by the city.
The closest I had to seeing greenery was the grass growing between pavement blocks, or the occasional fig tree growing in an Italian neighbor’s yard. So when people speak using farming terminology, I find it difficult to relate.
As an adult, I remember making a business call to a large farm in Vineland. The growing season had come to an end, but there were lots and lots of tomatoes rotting on the vines. Not being picked, the tomatoes had gone bad and were no longer fit to eat. It seemed like such a waste that these tomatoes were not picked earlier, sold and enjoyed for their taste and nutritional value. I asked my client why so much potential profit had been wasted. His answer was simple: “There weren’t enough workers to pick all that needed to be picked.”
The farmer’s response had an impact, and I recall it every time I hear Jesus’ words, “The harvest is abundant but the laborers are few; so ask the master of the harvest to send out laborers for his harvest.” (Mt 9:37-38)
Over time, it has become obvious to me that the harvest represents all of the people who need to hear Jesus’ message of hope, love and salvation. But sadly, there are not enough of us, the laborers, who are willing and able to share His message.
To address this growing need, the eighth annual ManUp South Jersey Men’s Spirituality Conference has adopted the theme, “Becoming Laborers for God’s Harvest.” The theme challenges Catholic men to answer a call rooted in baptism: that is to share the Gospel with everyone we encounter in our homes, parishes, workplaces and communities.
The mission of sharing the Gospel, the Good News, does not belong to clergy alone. Priests and deacons have an indispensable role in the life of the Church, but every baptized Christian is called to bear witness to Christ. For the men who will gather Nov. 14 for ManUp 2026, the theme is an invitation to see discipleship not as a private devotion, but as a way of life expressed in prayer, service, family leadership, friendship and public witness.
The conference theme also reflects Bishop Joseph Williams’ ongoing call for more holy laborers in the Diocese of Camden. For example, in an Aug. 8, 2025, column in the Catholic Star Herald, Bishop Williams emphasized the important role of the laity, whose witness has been essential to the Church from its earliest days. He pointed to Priscilla and Aquila, the married missionary companions whom Saint Paul called “my co-workers in Christ Jesus.” (Rom 16:3) Their example shows how laypeople can strengthen the Church through hospitality, evangelization and faithful partnership in mission.
Bishop Williams has said that South Jersey needs such witnesses today. For Catholic men, this can begin with ordinary acts of faithfulness such as praying with family members, inviting someone to Mass, mentoring younger men, serving a neighbor, supporting parish life, or speaking openly about the joy and hope that comes when Christ is at the center of your life.
ManUp 2026 and its theme presents a clear summons to pray for laborers, to recognize that each baptized person is a laborer, and to courageously step forward as missionary disciples. I may have grown up surrounded by concrete instead of crops, but I have come to understand that the harvest is still waiting.
Deacon Anthony Cioe serves at Saints Peter and Paul Parish, Turnersville.
If You Go
What: Eighth annual ManUp South Jersey Men’s Spirituality Conference
When: 8:15 a.m.-3:30 p.m., Nov. 14; Mass at 7 a.m., followed by registration and breakfast
Where: Paul VI High School Conference Center, 901 Hopkins Road #B, Haddonfield
More Information: manupsouthjersey.com
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