The generous support of the faithful of the Paterson Diocese to the annual Diocesan Ministries Appeal (DMA) enables Catholic Charities to continue to offer help, hope, and comfort to countless individuals and families in need.
Catholic Charities provides critical help through its three agencies. They are Catholic Family and Community Services (CFCS), Straight & Narrow (S&N), and the Department for Persons with Disa-bilities (DPD).
“We extend our deepest gratitude to Bishop Kevin J. Sweeney and all our neighbors who support us through the Diocesan Ministries Appeal. Your generosity has made a profound impact on the lives of countless individuals and families in need in our Paterson community,” said Scott Milliken, Catholic Charities’ CEO. “The support of our diocesan faithful reflects the true Christian spirit and charity to serving the most vulnerable among us.”
The DMA also supports inner-city Catholic schools, seminarian education, and priests’ healthcare, including Nazareth Village, a home for retired diocesan priests in Chester. This year’s DMA campaign starts on Sunday in the diocese.
DMA donations have allowed Catholic Charities to continue offering vital services that support people in recovery, adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, the food insecure, families in crisis, children of all ages, veterans, senior citizens, and immigrants — “truly all who come to our door,” Milliken said.
“Every dollar raised helps bring hope to those who need it most, offering them not only immediate relief but also hope and comfort,” Milliken said.
CFCS has supported marginalized individuals in Passaic, Morris, and Sussex counties since 1946. It has provided essential services, such as food, shelter, and clothing, along with education and advocacy to address the diverse needs of local communities. CFCS serves individuals, families, and groups in the diocese, such as veterans and the elderly.
Since its inception in 1954, S&N has developed treatment and prevention programs for individuals struggling with substance use and co-occurring disorders in response to emerging and systemic needs of the community. Experienced and highly qualified staff provide innovative and compassionate services to them, promote healthy cognitive development and education for children, and encourage family participation and support — ensuring a holistic approach to services.
S&N has established various programs that provide individuals, families, and the community with the knowledge, skills, and support needed to create positive, lasting change.
DPD provides residential, vocational, spiritual, and social services to adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families. Through competent and compassionate care, DPD empowers each person to become active, contributing, and valued community members and participate fully in life with dignity and respect.
DPD strives to end discrimination toward people with disabilities and works for social change by being a voice for justice and advocacy, and convenes others to do the same.
Through the DMA, the diocese is in the second year of a three-year commitment of $200,000 annually to renovate the Father English Food Pantry in Paterson. Catholic Charities “is especially thankful and we look forward to the enhancements this will bring to our services at this beloved community center,” Milliken said.
“Bishop Sweeney’s leadership and dedication to the Diocesan Ministries Appeal have inspired us all,” Milliken said. “We thank our Beacon readers and diocesan supporters for your ongoing charity and prayers. May God bless you for your kindness.”
Catholic Charities receives support from the Diocesan Ministries Appeal. Please consider participating in our Appeal. To donate or pledge online, visit 2024appeal.org. For more information, call 973-777-8818, ext. 215.
