Meet the team at the SSJ Neighborhood Center! Sitting from left to right S. Mary, SSJ, S. Bonnie, SSJ, S. Clarisa, SSJ. Standing left to right Juan, Karla, Sara, and Ana.
This September marks the first anniversary of our parish’s partnership with the SSJ Neighborhood Center (SSJNC) in Camden. When we began this journey, we hoped to build community and live out the mission of Jesus by serving our neighbors. One year later, parishioners of all ages have stepped forward to serve at the Center and are finding that they are receiving as much as they are giving.
Jerry Tritt, a problem solver by nature, says that going to the Center allows him to “see the need.” He explains that before he can lend his knowledge or talents, he first needs to witness the challenge directly. At the August food pantry, he noticed that each family received only one bag of groceries, down from two, and no meat, only a single case of fish sticks. To fill the gap and provide a source of protein, the SSJNC team drew from the supply of homemade casseroles provided by the CTK Make-a-Meal ministry, an example of the practical solutions Jerry values.
CTK Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion and Jerry’s wife, Molly, shared how her service has grown. Molly retired four years ago with a simple plan: “to do anything anyone asks me to do.” She first began by making casseroles at home, but soon realized the greater impact of being present at the Center. “Bringing a bag of food to church is one thing, but going and seeing the faces of those you’re serving makes the work more personal,” she says. For her, the game changer was meeting those she was helping, working alongside other parishioners, and being welcomed by the sisters, who always remember a name or personal detail. “Seeing their faces is very affirming that I’m doing a good job,” she reflects.
She continues to make casseroles, and she and Jerry serve monthly at the food pantry. While there, they rediscovered their old neighbors and fellow parishioners, Carol and Rich Purcell.
Their stories remind us that this partnership is not just about donating goods—it’s about seeing real needs, building relationships, and responding with love. Sister Bonnie, SSJ, Director of the Center, recently shared how deeply moved she is by the sincerity and generosity our parish has shown, noting the profound impact this partnership has had on both the volunteers and the community they serve.
The food pantry runs on the 3rd Wednesday of the month, contact the office to carpool with Jerry & Molly.