ATLANTIC CITY – For the hundreds gathered to honor those committed to compassion and dignity, the message was clear: “Do not forget the poor.”
“Love for the Lord and love for the poor are one,” Bishop Joseph Williams said during the 21st annual Catholic Charities of South Jersey Annual Dinner & Awards Ceremony celebrated Oct. 16 in Atlantic City. “What a lesson we get tonight.”
Indeed, that lesson was exemplified in the individuals and organizations recognized during the dinner held at Resorts Hotel. A record-breaking 519 supporters came together to celebrate Catholic Charities’ work, its staff and volunteers, and those in South Jersey who live the organization’s mission to serve the most-vulnerable with care and justice.
Bishop Emeritus Dennis Sullivan; Dr. Maria Elena Hallion, executive director of Catholic Charities of South Jersey; and Father Jon Thomas, the Diocese’s vicar general, were among the clergy, religious, parishioners, Catholic school staff and students, family and friends to attend the dinner, which raised $225,000 – the most ever collected in the event’s 21-year history. Every dollar raised goes directly to assist the poor and vulnerable in the Diocese of Camden.
Eustace W. Mita, chairman and CEO of ICONA Resorts, Achristavest and Caritas Construction, received the Saint John Neumann Award for his decades of improving lives through his spiritual leadership and humanitarian efforts.
“The poor cannot wait,” said Mita, who accepted the award with gratitude and humility. “Jesus needs us today to become part of the rescue mission,” which includes healing and converting hearts.
Mita, co-founder of ManUp Conferences in Philadelphia, New Jersey and New York, is 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. He also leads the Our Lady of Kibeho Cathedral Basilica project in Rwanda.
In addressing the crowd, Mita explained how he began truly living his mission almost 20 years ago, after a humbling moment praying in front of the Blessed Sacrament.
“I thought about what a good businessman I was, and right then and there, I hear a voice in my head: ‘Don’t you think that any action you have as a businessman comes from you. Everything you have comes from me, and I want you to use it glorify me, your thoughts and your words, everything you do.’”
Local Heroes
In a similar way, those who put their faith into action in their local communities were recognized as Disciples of Mercy. Hailing from each of the Diocese’s five deaneries, their “diverse work embodies the very nature of Catholic Charities’ mission,” Dr. Hallion said. “They are inspirational in making a difference in their own creative, unique ways.”
Among those to receive an award was Jennifer LaRosa from Deanery 4, who is well-known for community service and leadership in helping high school students become the heart of Jesus. “What gives me the spark to keep going every day is seeing how much need is out there,” she said.
Two ministries from Christ the Redeemer Parish in Atco – Deanery 2 – received awards: the Parish Quilting Ministry and Saint Anthony’s Women’s Club.
“We do these things from our heart. … The most rewarding part is knowing how much people treasure these quilts,” said Marge Midure, a leader in the Quilting Ministry.
Parishioner Linda Richter, of the Saint Anthony’s Women’s Club, explained that their work includes a Giving Tree every Advent season, and awards to high school seniors demonstrating excellence in service. “I’m very honored to receive this, not for me, but for those of our ministry who have passed on, and those who couldn’t make it today. They’ve accomplished so much over the years to serve God.”
Father Timothy Byerley, pastor of Saint Peter Parish, Merchantville, was in attendance to support his parishioners, Deanery 1’s Mary and Adam Pascale. They were named Disciples of Mercy for their decades-long work with the Saint Vincent de Paul Ministry, which helps provide food, and emergency and financial assistance.
“What great apostles of charity they are, all hours of the day and night,” he said.
Representing Deanery 5 was Mary Balchaitis and Michael and Ellen Barrett, volunteer coordinators with the Food Pantry at Our Lady of the Angels Parish, Cape May Court House.
“It’s nice to he recognized, but I like to think of myself like Mother Teresa did [of herself]: ‘We’re little pencils in God’s hand, and I’m hoping we write the right love letter God want us to,’” Balchaitis said.
From Deanery 3, Steven Annucci and Robert Sullivan accepted the award given to the Ginny Project at Church of the Holy Family, Sewell. The ministry is named after their beloved friend, Ginny Licata, who passed away in 2024.
“We owe the award all to her,” Annucci said, also thanking parishioners who have donated clothing and food to help serve their community.
Inspiring the Youth
Jennifer Mauro, managing editor for the Catholic Star Herald, served as Master of Ceremonies for the evening. She recounted the good work she’s seen first-hand as a journalist reporting on Catholic Charities over the years.
“I can’t help but think of the words from the Gospel of Matthew: ‘For I was hungry, and you gave me food; I was thirsty, and you gave me drink; I was a stranger, and you welcomed me,’” she said. “That isn’t just Scripture for Catholic Charities – it’s a job description. And every person here tonight is part of that same calling.”
Students from the Diocese of Camden’s Catholic schools heard that message, saying they were ready to emulate the honorees’ work in building up the Kingdom of God.
“I’m excited to be here in the same space with people who do God’s work,” said Gabriel Ortiz, an eighth-grader at Our Lady Star of the Sea Regional School, Atlantic City. “I’m inspired by all of them.”
Sarah Deacon, an eighth-grader at Christ the King Regional School in Haddonfield, agreed. “I’m grateful for what the Lord has given me, so I have to give it back.”
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