-
Dear Friends in Christ,
My prayers go out to everyone who is suffering during this unprecedented time. While the public celebration of Mass is currently unavailable at our parishes, it is more important than ever to keep our faith in the forefront of our lives and to remember those who are most in need.
Catholic Charities here in our Diocese and around the United States continues to be "the hands of Christ" in a world in need of greater compassion and service. COVID-19 has impacted us all, especially those who are living in poverty.
The need for Catholic Charities' services has increased over the last several weeks. Most months, Catholic Charities, Diocese of Paterson gives out food to 5,000 - 7,000 people at their 3 food pantries. In April of 2020, this number practically doubled, as they helped over 11,000 individuals who are feeling the direct economic impact of COVID-19.
Each year, our Corpus Christi Food Drive helps support Catholic Charities' Food Pantries with thousands of pounds of food for the critical summer months, through in-person drives culminating on the Feast of Corpus Christi. Though we are hoping to re-open parishes in the coming weeks, we do not yet have a date set and are asking that you still support this important endeavor.
For this one year, we are going to ask that you support this vital endeavor virtually and may do so in the following ways:
Donate Food Through YouGiveGoods: Find your parish and click "shop." Each parish is listed with it's own set of unique items, to help meet Catholic Charities great needs. You will be emailed a tax receipt at the time of purchase. All goods ordered online will be shipped directly to our three diocesan food pantries after the drive ends - Father English Center (Paterson), Hope House (Dover) and the Partnership for Social Services (Franklin). If you are a neighbor from outside of the Diocese, you may click "Non-Diocesan Friend" and choose from a large variety of selections.
Make a Monetary Donation: Visit www.ccpaterson.org/corpus to make a donation online, which will be directly used to purchase food. You may also mail a check to: Catholic Charities, Diocese of Paterson - Corpus Christi Food Drive - 777 Valley Road - Clifton, NJ 07013
Have Food Dropped off Directly at Catholic Charities: We are encouraging virtual giving this year, but understand that there are certain individuals who are actively shopping and may want to work directly with our pantries. Please contact Catholic Charities' Development Office to make alternate arrangements directly with our food pantries.
Email: Info@ccpaterson.org or call (973) 737-2077 ext.403.Though this drive typically culminates on the Feast of Corpus Christi (2020 date: June 14th), we are going to extend this endeavor this year through July to better help those most in need and give our parishes more time to collaborate with their parishioners.
You may contact Catholic Charities Development Office with any additional questions at Info@ccpaterson.org or call (973) 737-2077 ext.403.
Thank you for your continued support of Catholic Charities and our brothers and sisters in need.
Faithfully yours in Christ,
Most Reverend Arthur J. Serratelli, S.T.D., S.S.L., D.D.
Bishop of Paterson