In 2014, when Bishop Dennis Sullivan was pursuing a sustainable initiative to care for the elderly and those with disabilities throughout South Jersey, one of the first people he contacted was Deacon Jerry Jablonowski.
At the time, the Bishop was a year into his ministry in the Diocese of Camden, and Deacon Jablonowski was a permanent deacon coming off 36 years of clinical practice, education and administrative leadership in the healthcare sector.
“I thought this [role] would be two years,” recalled Deacon Jablonowski, who at the time was serving in Church of the Holy Family in Sewell. He had been a physical therapist, educator, commissioned officer for U.S. Public Health Service, and president and CEO of New Jersey hospitals. He had a comprehensive understanding of the financial workings of the healthcare system and the nuances of practice – and how both affected lives.
So with the deacon’s input, and that of others, Bishop Sullivan led the creation of a new diocesan model of parish and community-based care systems – VITALity Catholic Healthcare Services of the Diocese of Camden, with Deacon Jablonowski as its executive director.
Two years became 10, and now, after guiding VITALity and its dedicated lay and clergy staff in its myriad programs for the healing of mind, body and soul, Deacon Jablonowski has retired, with June 7 being his last day in the office.
“It’s been a great ride,” he said, adding that he will miss “the collegial and joy-filled attitude” of his colleagues, which he considers the lifeblood of VITALity. “This is truly work of the heart.”
Coordinating health & faith
A native of Philadelphia, Deacon Jablonowski attended Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary Parish and school in the city’s Port Richmond section, going on to study at Saint Joseph’s Preparatory School. He credits the latter’s Jesuit education in playing a part in his future vocation.
“The Ignatian training of cura personalis [care for the person] and being ‘A Man for Others’ was vital,” he explained. “There was a constant sense I had of wanting to be able to help people in the medical healing arts.”
After obtaining a degree in physical therapy from the University of Pennsylvania, Deacon Jablonowski became a commissioned officer in physical therapy at the U.S. Public Health Service in Norfolk, Va., which kicked off a 46-year career in healthcare. He taught physical therapy at Philadelphia College of Pharmacy and Science. He served as vice president and CEO of Memorial Hospital Burlington County, Mount Holly; as president and CEO of Saint Francis Medical Center in Trenton, and in his own clinical practice.
As part of Bishop Sullivan’s advisory team in 2014, he and others decided that the Diocese’s system of healthcare ministry was not financially feasible, and its three existing care facilities were sold (under a stewardship agreement, the new owners would maintain their Catholic identity) and VITALity was created.
Today, with its rich array of services that include ministry to seniors, the deaf and the disabled; hospital chaplaincy; care coordination; parish nursing, and the Stephen Ministry, VITALity’s staff have helped thousands, guided by the philosophy to: “Help the people who ask for help.
Find the people who need help. Offer whatever you can.”
Through “helping individuals find answers for insurance issues, helping them qualify for government aid, or guiding them through [related] stress and anxiety, VITALity has met people where they are at with compassion and impacted their lives positively,” Deacon Jablonowski said.
A steadfast leader
Those who have worked with Deacon Jablonowski said they will remember a leader who recognized their gifts and challenged them to grow.
Natasha Sauls, call center coordinator for VITALity, said she was grateful for Deacon Jablonowski’s exemplary leadership and dedication. Over the past 10 years working together at the Diocese’s Pastoral Center in Camden, “He’s always provided an atmosphere of belonging and genuine compassion. We are as good as we are because of his leadership.”
Nicole Keefer, director of parish nursing since 2018, called Deacon Jablonowski a “phenomenal mentor and guide [who] didn’t always tell you the answers to problems; he helped you find the answer and fostered your skills and ministry.”
Most of all, she said, “He lived a life of encounter to us and those we served.”
Father Robert Hughes, the Diocese of Camden’s Vicar General and Moderator of the Curia, is also Deacon Jablonowski’s former pastor at Church of the Holy Family. “As a deacon and former hospital administrator, Jerry brought skills and insight to the mission of delivering healthcare services and assistance through our parishes,” he said.
“Having worked with chaplains, he knew how to organize laity and clergy to ensure that all of the hospitals in our Diocese are served by teams who care for the sick and their families,” Father Hughes said. “I am grateful to him for creating a strong foundation for a ministry that will flourish for years to come. I wish him all the best in retirement.”
For the future, Deacon Jablonowski said he is looking forward to ministering further to the faithful at his assigned parish, Saint Clare of Assisi in Swedesboro; more Phillies games at Citizens Bank Park, and spending time with his wife Patty, four children and eight grand-children.
“My family, over the last 46 years, with my work and long hours, has sacrificed a lot,” he said. “I’m thankful that I can retire with my good health. Now is the time I can give back to them. They’ve always been there for me.”
He said he was grateful to have worked at the intersection of spirituality and health here, especially through events such as the autism and centenarian Masses, and parish nurse retreats. “Those are the things I’ll miss.”
He is confident that the organization he helped begin 10 years ago will remain a compassionate refuge for many.
“I’m happy and grateful that over the years, the Diocese has been well-served by VITALity, and will continue to be,” he said.
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