Generosity of faithful helps diocese accomplish ‘great things’

The very excitement of the Easter season is that God wants us to cultivate and understand that he is breaking into our hearts right now. He is walking with us through this journey we are all experiencing -   the impact of COVID-19 or coronavirus pandemic. These are days where we can find moments of real connection with others and the true value of what life really means comes alive in all of us.

There are so many examples of how we can be aware of God’s goodness. Even through these challenging and uncertain days God and His great works are among us. One example of this is the fact that this year’s Bishop’s Annual Appeal is at an astounding 82 percent of its $7.2 million goal. Thanks to all of you; the Disciples that embody the Church of Metuchen; the members of our parish communities. Your sacrifice, generosity, and participation in this effort is a sign of your renewal to our commitment to live the Gospel message through our ministries and service to others. Because of your continued support through your resources and prayer, we are able to work together to accomplish great things in our parishes and in our Diocese. 

We believe that giving is rooted in spirituality. When speaking with fellow parishioners it is comforting and inspiring to hear them say that giving is also part of our discipleship. We believe, too, that giving is prayerful. Realizing that God is the source of all of our blessings, it is our discipleship to receive these blessings gratefully and to share these same blessings with others. Now more than ever, the needs and the call to mission has expanded. When we work towards meeting those needs, we are loving and serving Jesus and those who need Him the most.

Undoubtedly, the ministries funded through the Bishop’s Annual Appeal are so relative in present day. It is through these ministries that we are able to serve, thus being led to the mission of Jesus Christ. It is through our appeal efforts that we live the Corporal and Spiritual Works of Mercy.

The ministry of Catholic Charities, Diocese of Metuchen, is an intentional example of how the Corporal Works of Mercy are being lived every day and how the dignity of every person is brought forth to others through a message of love, unity and hope. The Corporal Works of Mercy are the teachings of Jesus as to how we should treat others and help those in need. To read more about Catholic Charities in action and their response to COVID-19, all are encouraged to read the article by Tara Smith on page 14. It is impressive and motivating to see how Catholic Charities has continued to address social concerns and be an intentional example of the Corporal Works of Mercy by way of feeding the hungry, sheltering the homeless, providing child care, counseling, and emergency relief services even through the pandemic.

The Bishop’s Annual Appeal also provides the opportunity to serve the Spiritual Works of Mercy so that we can guide our neighbors on their spiritual journey. This comes in many forms. The Bishop’s Annual Appeal ensures the continuation of the evangelization and catechesis programs in the Diocese of Metuchen and within our parishes. Other vital needs the Bishop’s Annual Appeal supports are seminarian formation, youth and young adult related ministries and diversity ministries. On page 11, Jennifer Ruggiero writes about how our ministries, have responded through these pandemic days. All funds raised through the Bishop’s Annual Appeal are used to support the ministries and programs of the Diocese of Metuchen.

Please consider a sacrificial gift to this year’s appeal. By that, please consider a gift of sacrifice through prayer and reflection, to the best of your means. With so many people negatively impacted because of COVID-19 it is important to bring people the opportunity to be a part of this mission, our faith and the work of God. There is still opportunity to participate by responding to the most recent mailing or by making an online pledge at https://diometuchen.org/ways-to-give.

Please know we are praying for the safety of you and your loved ones as well as all impacted by the pandemic crisis.

Prayer intentions can be sent at: https://diometuchen.org/prayer-intention.

Smith is director, diocesan Office of Development and Stewardship