“In hearing the cry of the poor, we are asked to enter into the heart of God, who is always concerned for the needs of his children, especially those in greatest need…”
(Dilexi Te 8)
Just as we were beginning our 2025 Diocesan Ministries Appeal, with the theme, “Three Counties, One Family of Faith,” Pope Leo XIV issued his first “Apostolic Exhortation,” Dilexi Te, on Oct. 4, 2025. The English translation of the Latin phrase, “Dilexi te,” is: “I have loved You.” As he begins the Apostolic Exhortation (Letter) with those words, Pope Leo is quoting the Scriptures — Revelation 3:9 — and introducing the main theme of this Exhortation, which Pope Francis had been working on before his death. The Exhortation is a reminder that we are called to “Love one another” as Jesus loves us by loving and caring for our sisters and brothers who suffer and are most in need. I hope to share additional thoughts and reflections on Dilexi Te in the coming week or weeks, but, as I read it, I felt that one interpretation of the Exhortation could be that it is an encouragement from Pope Leo to support our Diocesan Ministries Appeal (DMA), because the DMA is one very important way that we, as a diocese, strive to love and care for our sisters and brothers who are most in need.
Given that the DMA’s focus this year is on our three counties, I thought it might be worthwhile to highlight each county, with some thoughts from pastors, and share a list of some of the ministries, programs, and services we provide with help from our DMA.
Sussex County
“Sussex County is unique in its beautiful lakes, mountains, and farmlands, with a mix of rural and urban development. Communities foster a great sense of neighborliness and care for one another in an environment where successive generations have made their home. Our parishes and the Academy of Catholic Schools are an essential part of the county’s fabric, as we serve the poor, educate and form minds in the Gospel, and make a positive contribution to the ongoing well-being of the wonderful people in this beautiful county. It is a great place to live.”
Father Richard Carton, Pastor
Our Lady of the Lake Parish, Sparta
“Sussex County’s rural society, agricultural cornerstone, and native folklore provide a firm foundation in Christ. From one of the preeminent Catholic schools to the tight-knit communities of our parishes, Sussex County is the peaceful gem of the Diocese of Paterson.”
Father Philip-Michael Tangorra
Pastor, Our Lady Queen of Peace Parish, Branchville
Here is a list of some of the diocesan programs and ministries offered in Sussex County that the DMA supports:
- Group home for adults with disabilities, Sparta
- Meals on Wheels program for seniors
- Partnership for Social Services in Franklin, which includes a food pantry, clothing thrift shop, friendly visitors program for seniors, community education, and referral services
- Treatment services for individuals struggling with the disease of addiction
- Aging services
- Services for veterans and their families
- Veterans clothing closet
- Family referral and information for loved ones with intellectual and developmental disabilities
- Case management for over 200 people with intellectual and developmental disabilities
I always enjoy traveling to Sussex County. It has the perfect combination of picturesque landscapes and small-town charm. While it is certainly different from where I grew up —Brooklyn and Queens —it is a very welcoming community where I feel right at home. I just recently learned something about Sussex County that piqued my interest, as a Yankees fan. I learned that Russ Van Atta, a pitcher for the Yankees who debuted in 1933 and shut out the Washington Senators in his first game, was born in Sussex County, in Augusta. He later became Sheriff of Sussex County, with his friend Babe Ruth campaigning for him.
Morris County
“Morris County is a special place, and our population is amazingly diverse. We’re rich and poor, our roots are Asian, European, and Latin American, and our forebears all brought their favorite recipes. Morris County is like James Joyce’s supposed take on Catholicism: ‘Here comes everybody!’ “
Father Michael Parisi
Pastor, St. Catherine of Siena Parish, Mountain Lakes
“Morris County radiates Christ’s gentle presence in the warmth with which our parish communities accompany one another, welcoming all, from seniors and veterans to families and immigrants seeking a home and serving with tender love. It is a blessing to live and serve in this part of the diocese where hospitality, prayer, and shared faith bind us as one family in Christ.”
Father Duberney Villamizar
Pastor, St. Margaret of Scotland Parish, Morristown
Morris County is rich with parks, lakes, museums, and history. It is where George Washington set up winter encampments during the American Revolution and where Alexander Hamilton courted Elizabeth Schuyler.
Morris County is also home to Nazareth Village, our retirement residence for diocesan priests, and to many Catholic Charities services that assist people in need.
Here are some of the Programs of Catholic Charities, supported by the DMA, in Morris County:
- Group residences for adults with disabilities in Parsippany, Oak Ridge, and Succasunna
- Fix-It and Chore programs for homebound seniors and disabled veterans
- Homelessness Prevention Program
- Mary’s Hands family assistance center and ESL classes, Morristown
- Services for veterans and their families
- Assistance for people with HIV/AIDS
- Food pantry, Dover
- Gruenert Center Day Habilitation program for adults with disabilities, Lake Hopatcong
- Treatment services for individuals struggling with the disease of addiction
- Catholic Religious Education for Adults with Disabilities, Oak Ridge
Passaic County
“Throughout its rich history, Passaic County has provided a warm welcome and a place of opportunity to each new immigrant community. In its great melding of traditions, there exists a passion for life, a hope for the future, and a respect for one’s neighbor. But most of all, it is the faith of our families which distinguishes our county, that ability to see light in one’s heart when at times one’s eyes see darkness.”
Rev. Msgr. Geno Sylva
Rector, Cathedral of St. John the Baptist Parish, Paterson
“Passaic County is the seat of the diocese, where parishes are generous and quick to welcome the stranger. Direct in drawing insightful conclusions and quick of wit, Passaic County residents of our diocese are deep in faith who make the gospel call to see Christ in the poor and most vulnerable through their selfless love of neighbor.”
Rev. Msgr. Mark Condon
Pastor, Our Lady of the Holy Angels, Little Falls
Passaic County encompasses bustling cities shaped by the immigrant populations that have called it home over the centuries. That is something I am familiar with, given my family roots and as a son of immigrant parents. Passaic County also has sprawling suburban neighborhoods, beautiful lakes and mountains, and the distinction of being home to the oldest Catholic parish in the state of New Jersey — St. Joseph in West Milford, established in 1765.
Some of the diocesan ministries located in Passaic County and supported by the DMA include:
- Group residences for adults with disabilities in Pompton Lakes, Clifton, West Milford, and Wayne.
- Early intervention programs
- Early learning programs, Paterson
- Teen and youth programs, Passaic and Paterson
- Senior activities program and day center, Paterson
- Transportation services for seniors, Paterson
- Catholic Charities Father English Food Pantry, Paterson
- Services for veterans and their families
- Straight and Narrow substance abuse programs, including residential services for men, women, women with children, medical detox and halfway house programs, and outpatient treatment services, Paterson
- Family Success Center, Paterson
While each of our counties is unique, the common bond uniting us as “One Family of Faith” is that gift of our Catholic faith, which compels us to live the Gospel in both word and deed. I am so grateful to the thousands upon thousands of the Catholic faithful in Morris, Passaic, and Sussex Counties who have already responded to our 2025 Diocesan Ministries Appeal. All we do as a Church is made possible through your generosity. I invite those who have not yet made a gift to please consider doing so today (See Below). Every contribution makes a wonderful difference in the lives of so many people. As St. (Mother) Teresa of Calcutta said, “We ourselves feel that what we are doing is just a drop in the ocean. But the ocean would be less because of that missing drop.” Thank you in advance for all you do for God’s people through your support of our Diocesan Ministries Appeal!
For more information or to make a gift or pledge to the DMA, please go to: https://dopappeal.org/
