DPD to Honor Pastor at Annual Event

Department for Persons with Disabilities to Honor Father Matthew Twiggs, at Murray House Dinner Dance

Catholic Charities, Department for Persons with Disabilities will be honoring Father Matthew Twiggs at their Annual Murray House Dinner Dance by Bishop Lawrence Casey. 

Father Twiggs, of the Diocese of Paterson, is the Pastor of two parishes St. Thomas the Apostle, Oak Ridge and St. John Vianney, Stockholm and is the Dean of Western Morris.  A lifelong Green Bay Packers Fan, Father Twiggs has been a kind supporter of DPD since his ordination in 1973 by Bishop Lawrence Casey.   

As Pastor of St. Thomas the Apostle Parish, Father Twiggs hosts monthly CARE (Catholic Adult Religious Education) events at his Parish Hall each month.  At this event, volunteers participate in many ways such as assisting with craft activities, taking part in prayer services but most importantly, providing warm hearts and ears to listen.  Father Twiggs also welcomes individuals from DPD regularly to host ceramic sales, fundraisers and their annual Christmas party at no charge to the agency. 

As Pastor of St. John Vianney in Stockholm, Father Twiggs kindly organizes an annual Christmas gift giving drive for all of the individuals served at DPD.  Throughout the last 2 decades Father Twiggs and the St. John Vianney Family have donated over 7,000 presents to the individuals served at DPD.   

"We are proud to honor Father Matthew Twiggs at our Murray House Dinner Dance.   Father Twiggs has been an advocate, kind supporter, and loving friend to the people we serve.  He has promoted inclusion and has welcomed all into his parish communities," said Joanna Miller, Executive Director of DPD.   

The Murray House Dinner Dance will celebrate it's 49th Annual Event on Sunday, February 17th at the Brownstone in Paterson.   This event is in memory of Jimmy Murray, a young man who inspired DPD's founder, Monsignor John Wehrlen to expand services for people with special needs.   Throughout the last 50 years, Jimmy's parents, brothers, sister, nieces and nephews have helped run this great event to benefit people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. 

To learn more about the event, purchase tickets, or show your support for Father Matthew Twiggs, please visit ccpaterson.org/murray.   

Catholic Charities CEO, Scott Milliken alongside Linda and Dr. Joseph Giuliano, Bishop Arthur Serratelli, Father Matthew Twiggs and Father Jhon Madrid at the Groundbreaking of DPD's Giuliano House in 2016.