A Message from Bishop Sweeney

My Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ:

As Catholic Charities continues to embody "the hands of Christ" in our Diocese, our mission of compassion and service has become even more vital during these challenging times. During the pandemic, the Father English Food Pantry and other food pantries sponsored by Catholic Charities remained as welcome reminders of God’s care and love for those in special need in a time of crisis. Since that time, our food pantries at the Father English Center in Paterson, Hope House in Dover, and Partnership for Social Services in Franklin have witnessed an unprecedented surge in demand. From initially assisting 5,000 individuals monthly, they now extend aid to over 20,000 children, women, and men each month.

For the past eleven years, the Corpus Christi Food Drive has served as a beacon of hope, rallying communities to support the hungry. I am pleased to announce the return of the Corpus Christi Food Drive in 2024. In the gospel of the multiplication of the loaves and fishes, Jesus associates the disciples as his co-workers. The Lord’s command to the disciples is given to us as well, “You give them something to eat” (Mark 6:37). While the disciples felt overwhelmed by their mission, their openness to the Lord and working with one another fulfilled the mission so that “twelve basketfuls” remained after all had eaten (6:43). Our local church of Paterson always responds to need with generosity and Almighty God always blesses our goodness.

This year, I ask you and your parish community to once again join us in this important endeavor. Your participation in the Corpus Christi Food Drive will enable Catholic Charities to provide essential assistance and instill hope in the hearts of those we serve, especially as we approach the summer months, when the demand for food assistance escalates, particularly among children.

I urge every parish to take part in the Annual Paterson Diocese Corpus Christi Food Drive on June 1^st – 2^nd, coinciding with the Feast of Corpus Christi.

Please reach out to the respective coordinators below to confirm your parish's participation. Kindly respond to Catholic Charities no later than May 3^rd.

Morris County Parishes: Contact Sharon Horvath

Email: [email protected]   Phone: (201) 247-9855

Passaic and Sussex County Parishes: Contact Karina Maria Email: [email protected]   Phone: (973) 737-2077 Ext. 4070

A detailed list of requested items is available at  Corpus Christi Food Drive Wish List - Catholic Charities, Diocese of Paterson - Clifton, New Jersey (ccpaterson.org) or by clicking the link below.  

If your parish wishes to modify the list, please inform Catholic Charities accordingly.

We have updated our list this year to better address the needs of those reliant on our pantries.

Additionally, we kindly request that collected items be brought to one of our three designated drop-off locations. Deacon Peter Cistaro and the deacons of the Diocese have graciously volunteered to assist with sorting the donated items at these locations in preparation for delivery to the pantries. Should your parish require assistance with drop-off, please contact the respective coordinator, and Catholic Charities will facilitate the process.

Parishioners may also make monetary contributions by https://ccpaterson.org/corpus or by clicking the link below.

Morris County Drop off Site (Please call in advance):

Rev. Richard Bay 973-652-1305 and Sharon Horvath 201-247-9855

St. Simon the Apostle - 1010 Green Pond Rd, Newfoundland, NJ 07435

Rectory building downstairs in the Parish Center

Passaic County Drop off Site (Please call in advance):

Carlos Roldan (973) 771-9485

St. Joseph's Hospital (temporary location during the renovation of Father English Center)  39 Getty Ave., Paterson, NJ 07503

Sussex County Drop off Site (Please call in advance):

Donald Rossi (862) 579-5690

DPD 1 Catholic Charities Way, Oak Ridge, NJ 07438

Click below for Sample bulletin insert/announcements and pulpit announcements or they are available at Parish Materials - Catholic Charities, Diocese of Paterson - Clifton, New Jersey (ccpaterson.org)

Thank you for your continued support of Catholic Charities and our brothers and sisters in need.

Sincerely yours in Christ,

Most Reverend Kevin J. Sweeney, D.D.
Bishop of Paterson