Outreach Coordinator, and ESL Specialist, S. Clarissa Vázquez, SSJ, enjoys the gifts of the Sweet Blessings ministry during hospitality on Sunday. In the background, parishioners Christopher Coelho and Kim Taylor discuss service opportunities.
Last weekend was the highly anticipated rollout of the CTK Local Mission. Father Jon introduced the idea of a local mission at the 2024 Discernment Meeting in May. He identified the Sisters of Saint Joseph Center as the organization best suited to fill the needs of this initiative. Our goals are in alignment with the SSJNC mission statement, which reads, “Rooted in a love of God and neighbor without distinction, the SSJNC fosters a sense of community, uniting neighbor to neighbor, and neighborhood to neighborhood … by providing opportunities for connection, enrichment and empowerment”.
At Mass, Director S. Bonnie McMenamin, SSJ, gratefully acknowledged the over 25 parishioners who have visited the Center since May. She urged all of us to open our ears, eyes, and hearts to our neighbors in Camden, emphasizing the crucial role each of us plays in this mission of community, connection, and empowerment.
CTK lector and ESL teacher Liz Mooney shared with us that after retiring and relocating to New Jersey in 2021, she felt lonely without her familiar surroundings or community. Liz learned about the Center from reading the bulletin, and in search of that desired sense of belonging, she ‘took a leap of faith’ and offered her time at the Center. She is continually amazed by the hardworking, grateful, and kind people she now shares community with and is invigorated and uplifted by the service that she can provide. Liz thanks God for the grace to both give to and receive from this tremendous community.
Ready to join the mission but need some guidance? Visit Cheryl Judge, Director of Stewardship in the Parish Office, or use this QR code to make an appointment.
