Bishop Dennis Sullivan celebrated with the Society of Stewards of the House of Charity – Bishop’s Annual Appeal on Oct. 8 at the annual dinner at Auletto Caterers, Almonesson.
Representatives of St. John of God Community Services, Catholic Charities Counseling Services and Ministry with the Deaf & Persons with Disabilities were on hand to share stories about people whose lives have been changed as a result of the funding from the House of Charity that keeps these programs going.
Anne Fleming shared results from her family on the Early Intervention program, Sheila Hernandez spoke about the domestic violence counseling that saved her family and Sister Bonnie McMenamin related how persons with disabilities are giving back to the community through the GIFTS program (Gathering In Faith To Serve).
Donors participating in the Society of Stewards event provide $5,000 or more each year to support programs that assist the poor and vulnerable with corporal needs, as well as those with spiritual needs through formation of the laity of all ages, vocations, diaconate and care of elderly priests. Members are recognized at the dinner for cumulative giving of up to and above $100,000.
The House of Charity – Bishop’s Annual Appeal has raised over $6.85 million to date from 71 parishes and two Korean communities with individual goals. Fifty-eight parishes are now over goal as Father Piotr Szamocki and the parish team and donors of St. Joachim in Bellmawr reported this week that they have surpassed their goal.
Special thanks at the dinner went to Jim Auletto of Auletto Caterers and the food and drink vendors: Anthony Dintino of Sysco Foods; Jason Wilson of Samuels & Son Seafood CO; Jerry Yost of US Foods and James McCarthy of Allied Beverage, who donated the dinner, service and venue.