Bishop’s Annual Appeal supports vital ministries such as Catholic Charities

As we kick off our 2021 Bishop’s Annual Appeal, Bishop James F. Checchio invites all Catholics throughout the Diocese of Metuchen to be Transformed by Christ’s Body and Blood as we are Sent On Mission to Light a Fire in the Heart of the Church.
 

We have all been through so much in the last 12 months. The way we live our lives personally, professionally, socially and through worship has changed. Yet, in these challenging days, we are called to trust in Christ even more and hope for better days.   
 

This theme of this year’s appeal, which has a goal of $7.2 million, is so relevant to the times in which we are living. During the pandemic, when churches were closed, spiritual communion was the primary way we asked Jesus to come into our hearts. It was a time many parishioners were saying how they longed to receive Christ in the Eucharist. It is the real presence of Jesus Christ in the Blessed Sacrament that people truly want and need. “All of us when we receive the body and blood of our Lord are transformed; are changed. We believe we become what we receive. We become Christ’s body. He then uses us and sends us into the world to light a fire in the heart of His Church, to love His people and to serve those in need,” Bishop Checchio said in this year’s appeal video.

The mission we are sent on is to spread the Good News of the Gospel, to make God known throughout our diocese, to help the homeless, the hungry, and all who have been impacted by the pandemic. Our mission includes not only caring for our brothers and sisters now, but also insuring there will be priests who can minister to them in the future.
 

The Diocese of Metuchen responds to the challenges created by the pandemic and those we experience even in normal times, through more than 25 pastoral, educational and charitable ministries. Their primary funding source is the Bishop’s Annual Appeal, which depends upon your generosity. The annual campaign helps thousands of people each day throughout Middlesex, Somerset, and Hunterdon and Warren counties and all funds received from the appeal are used, without exception, to provide for the ministries outlined in the appeal materials and can be viewed on the Bishop’s Annual Appeal website at: https://www.diometuchen.org/baa
 

Three ministries highlighted in this year’s appeal illustrate how we are lighting a fire in the heart of the Church. During the pandemic the Vicariate for Evangelization and Communication expanded its efforts and developed new ways for us to bring Christ’s love and His Good News to others, especially to those who need Him the most. The way we communicate the Gospel message evolved through the use of websites, social media platforms, live-streaming Masses and services. Virtual Bible studies, retreats and faith sharing groups brought us together, though we have been physically apart. The use of videos, podcasts and written content about our Catholic faith have been used in ways that it had never been done before.
 

Despite the pandemic, the important work of Catholic Charities, another highlighted ministry, did not stop during the past year. The staff continued to respond to the challenges created by an increase in requests for basic services including food, shelter and clothing. They provided rental assistance, housing support, and utilized technology for counseling and tele-health. Catholic Charities assertive community treatment teams are still providing psychiatric services as well as delivering food and medication to their clients with serious and persistent mental illness. The teams, as well as all of Catholic Charities’ staff has served everyone with compassion, dignity and respect.
 

Seminarians are also highlighted in this year’s Annual Appeal. The men in the seminary are vital to the faith formation, the evangelization and the future of the diocese. Currently, 26 men are studying for the priesthood. Funds from the appeal helps these men complete their journey through the seminary and ensures the future of our Church. The expense of educating our seminarians is sizable, but necessary if we are to have priests who will minister to the spiritual and pastoral needs of the faithful, and lead our parishes.
 

Through the Bishop’s Appeal we can light a fire in the heart of the Church of Metuchen as we meet the challenges the pandemic still poses to help all in need. If you are able, please consider a sacrificial contribution to this year’s appeal by responding to our most recent mailing or by making an online pledge at the appeal website or you can use the QR code at the end of this article. The sacrifice, generosity and prayers from all of the disciples that embody the Church of Metuchen is an example of living the Gospel message.
 

Smith is director, diocesan Office of Stewardship and Development