By MARY STADNYK
Associate Editor
Msgr. Dennis Apoldite may have been presented with this year’s Catholic Charities, Diocese of Trenton’s Light of Hope Award for Mercer County, but the way he sees it, it’s his parishioners who deserve the honor and the credit.
“The people of Sacred Heart are very generous,” said Msgr. Apoldite, pastor of Sacred Heart Parish, Trenton, and episcopal vicar of Mercer County, as he reflected on the natural collaborative spirit that exists between the parish and Catholic Charities’ El Centro program, which addresses the needs of the Latino and immigrant families in Mercer County.
Given that Sacred Heart and El Centro share a campus, there are occasions when the parish allows El Centro to use its facilities to host events. Sacred Heart parishioners also donate regularly to El Centro, including food items and school supplies.
“The parishioners love to support the work being done at El Centro by giving,” Msgr. Apoldite said.
Along with serving as the agency’s signature fundraiser, the Guardian Angel Dinner Dance also provided the occasion to honor the longstanding efforts of individuals and organizations who work to help those in need. The top honor presented at the gala was the Richard J. Hughes, Catholic Charities Diocese of Trenton Humanitarian Award to Michael J. Herbert. The award is named after the 45th governor of New Jersey and Chief Justice of the New Jersey Supreme Court.
Along with Msgr. Apoldite and Herbert, the honorees were: The Woman’s League of Mount Holly, Light of Hope Award for Burlington County; Dr. Eric Schwartz, Corporate Citizen of the Year Award, and “Brandon,” Client Achievement Award.
Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M., extended his gratitude and congratulations to Marlene Lao-Collins, executive director, as well as the staff and volunteers for their work. In his remarks he said, “I am so appreciative of our support that enables those in need to receive services and to continue to receive services through the love you show.
“My prayers and blessings to all who work at Catholic Charities, Diocese of Trenton, and to all who enable Catholic Charities, Diocese of Trenton, to continue to do this important work,” the Bishop continued.
Client Achievement Award recipient Brandon recounted his troubles with mental health issues, which began about eight years ago when he was 23, and a number of other setbacks including homelessness. With help from his mother and brother, Brandon was put in contact with Catholic Charities Partners in Recovery that assist individuals who suffer with psychiatric and co-occurring disorders, and helps them to function in the community.
“There is a lot I thank God for every day,” said Brandon, who has a job, his own apartment and is active in his church. “I am in a good place right now.”
Michael Herbert, right, the recipient of the Richard J. Hughes, Catholic Charities, Diocese of Trenton Humanitarian Award, chats with Msgr. John K. Dermond, a retired priest of the Diocese, during the gala. Mary Stadnyk photo