A Message from Bishop Sweeney

May 2, 2023

My Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ:

Catholic Charities here in our Diocese continues to be "the hands of Christ" in a world in need of greater compassion and service. Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, Catholic Charities’ 3 food pantries (Fr. English Center in Paterson, Hope House in Dover, and Partnership for Social Services in Franklin) have helped more people than ever before in their 80-year history. Prior to the pandemic, these pantries assisted 5,000 individuals monthly. Now they help feed over 20,000 children, women, and men each month.

Over the past 10 years, the Corpus Christi Food Drive has helped bring in needed food, hygiene items, and funds for Catholic Charities’ Food Pantries. I am proud to announce that in 2023, we are once again hosting our Corpus Christi Food Drive.

This year, I ask you and your parish community to participate in the Corpus Christi Food Drive to enable our Catholic Charities to provide help and create hope. Every summer, the demands upon food pantries escalate. Catholic Charities is one of the most important local sources of food for thousands of our brothers and sisters in genuine need - particularly children.

Therefore, I ask every parish to participate in the Annual Paterson Diocese Corpus Christi Food Drive on June 10th-11th 2023, the weekend of the Feast of Corpus Christi.

Please contact Karina Maria at Catholic Charities and let her know if your Parish will be participating. She can be reached by email at [email protected] or by phone at (973) 279-7100 ext. 2038. Please kindly respond to Catholic Charities no later than May 17th.

A detailed list of what we are asking to collect is available by clicking here:  https://www.ccpaterson.org/foodlist.  If you feel your Parish needs a change of items, please let Catholic Charities know.

We have made some changes to our list this year to best meet the needs of those who rely on our pantries.

We also ask that you bring the food collected to one of our three "Drop off Locations." I have asked Deacon Peter Cistaro and the deacons of the Diocese to help with sorting the food at the drop off sites to prepare for delivery to the pantries. If you are willing to host a drive but are unable to drop off the food, please call Karina and Catholic Charities will assist your parish by picking up the food.

Parishioners can also make monetary contributions at: https://www.ccpaterson.org/corpus

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
Father English Center
435 Main Street, Paterson, NJ 07501

Sussex County Drop off Site (Please call in advance):
Donald Rossi (862) 579-5690
DPD 1 Catholic Charities Way, Oak Ridge, NJ 07438

Resources: 
Sample bulletin insert/announcements and pulpit announcements are available by clicking here: www.ccpaterson.org/corpusmaterials

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