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Recently, there was a meme on social media showing the devil taunting God. The devil says, “I have closed down every church in the world.” God replies, “Yes, but I have opened one up in every home.” While we cannot be physically present in our church buildings, our homes have recently become the places where we worship God and live our Christian lives. Certainly, this should be taking place in our homes already, although, the new coronavirus (COVID-19) situation causes us to be more intentional in this regard and present circumstances place a greater emphasis on the domestic church.
Being a Catholic is not just about attending Mass on Sundays. It is also about living our Christian lives on a daily basis, and most recently, in our homes. Thus, our homes become places of prayer, worship and study. We then encounter God in our homes causing us to be more contemplative in our faith.
While most of us are isolated in our homes, many individuals have left their homes to serve others. Our first responders, healthcare professionals, food service workers, and truckers, to name just a few, are on the front lines ensuring our health and safety and that we are able to receive the basic needs of life. Yet, if we are not one of those individuals, we may often ask ourselves, “what can I do?” Now, more than ever, we are being called to prayer, which is how we encounter God. We can use this time of isolation to pray for those on the frontlines. We can use this time to pray for all those who have fallen ill with the coronavirus and for all those impacted by the pandemic. We can use this time to strengthen our relationship with the Lord.
Through all of this, it is inspiring to share with you that we have reached 71 percent of our $7.2 million Bishop’s Annual Appeal goal.
“It is encouraging that so many people are stepping up under these difficult circumstances,” said Bishop James F. Checchio.
“The need is great and we are grateful for those are able to support the many ministries that the Bishop’s Annual Appeal supports to help those in need at this time,” he added.
Of the funds raised in the Bishop’s Annual Appeal, $1.7 million will go towards Catholic Charities, whose work has not stopped during this pandemic. Feeding the hungry, sheltering the homeless, child care, counseling, and emergency and disaster relief services are among many important works Catholic Charities provides to address social concerns that exist in our society.
With national unemployment increasing, the need for basic services is also increasing. For the unemployed, Catholic Charities is providing rental assistance, shelter, curbside food deliveries, and so much more. It is the dedication and sacrifice of the staff, under the direction of Julio Coto, acting executive director of Catholic Charities Diocese of Metuchen, that has kept Catholic Charities operating effectively as it fulfills its mission.
The Bishop’s Annual Appeal supports Catholic Charities so that life-saving treatment and services are available to all those in need. The Bishop’s Annual Appeal helps to support initiatives, services and spiritual needs to all, most especially to those impacted by the current crisis. The ministry of Catholic Charities reminds us of the innate dignity of every person and inspires us to bring others closer to Christ through a message of love, unity and hope. Much of the work through the Bishop’s Annual Appeal and through Catholic Charities advocates respect for life at every stage.
In addition, 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 appeal supports are seminarian formation, youth and young adult related ministries and diversity ministries. All funds raised through the Bishop’s Annual Appeal are used to support the ministries and programs of the Diocese of Metuchen.
There are many people negatively impacted financially right now who will not be able to support our appeal this year. However, there are still those who need our help through this important effort. If you are able, please consider a sacrificial gift to this year’s appeal. There is still opportunity to participate by responding to our most recent mailing or by making an online pledge at https://diometuchen.org/ways-to-give.
God brings light in times of great darkness. As Catholics we see God’s hand in everything as we are in His hands. Our faith and trust in the Lord will guide us to understanding what has taken place. We will always be safe if we place our faith in God and if we give our hearts to Him good will come from this pandemic. The sacrifice, generosity and prayers from all of the disciples who embody the Church of Metuchen is an example of living the Gospel message. Because of this we are able to work together to continue to accomplish great things in our parishes, in our Diocese and in our communities.
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
