By EmmaLee Italia | Correspondent
As schoolchildren ready for the new academic year, the newly formed Social Concerns Commission in St. Catherine of Siena Parish, Farmingdale, wanted to begin the season with impact – specifically, with a service project appealing to both kids and adults.
A joint effort led the commission’s Back to School Supply Drive, supported by the parish’s Rosary Altar Society and the “Why Catholic?” Bible study group, generous donations from parishioners and a partnership with Farmingdale’s Equestra retirement community and Shop-n-Bag grocery store – all of which combined to achieve the vision of Father Angelito Anarcon, pastor.
“[We] wanted to engage our parish and community in a profound way,” said Laura Randazzo, parish pastoral associate. “We opened wide the doors of this ministry with a service project that not only benefits our local schools, but also helps support St. Clare’s Home for Children, Neptune; our Catholic Charities, Diocese of Trenton; and Good Counsel Homes of Burlington County, to help ensure that all kids have the same opportunities to start the school year equipped to succeed.”
The drive kicked off July 8, and because of its success was extended to end Aug. 25. Donations of backpacks, lunch boxes, notebooks, binders and more totaled 2,535, and were sorted, counted and distributed by parishioners.
“As we have envisioned through the Social Concerns Ministry, the Back to School Supply Drive is an excellent endeavor to respond to the growing need of students as we assist them with their school supplies for the upcoming school year,” said Father Anarcon. “We believe that through the strong involvement and active participation of our friends and parishioners, we will be able to share our resources for the young people of the community as they move forward to become the salt of the earth and light of the world.”
As described in its mission statement, the parish Social Concerns Commission ministers to those in need within the parish, community, Diocese, country and the world.
“Our purpose is to encourage all members of the parish to live out our baptismal promise,” the statement continues. “Our goal is pursued through prayer, discussion, acts of service, education and advocacy.”