By MARY STADNYK
Associate Editor
UPDATED 9-30-2024
Msgr. Thomas N. Gervasio, pastor of Our Lady of Sorrows-St. Anthony, Hamilton, said his parish receiving a Light of Hope Award would be a source of inspiration to work even more closely with Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Trenton.
“The greatest characteristic of the parishioners is their generosity,” said Msgr. Gervasio, who was presented with the award during Catholic Charities’ 35th annual Guardian Angel Dinner Dance Sept. 25 at The Merion, Cinnaminson.
“We give praise to God for this recognition,” said Msgr. Gervasio, who is also diocesan vicar general. He noted the parish supports Catholic Charities programs by hosting regular food collections as well as collecting Christmas gifts. Some parishioners volunteer with Catholic Charities as well as a number of other area agencies.
“Thank you for helping us shine the light of hope a little brighter,” Msgr. Gervasio said.
Honoring those who help
Along with serving as the agency’s signature fundraiser, the Guardian Angel Dinner Dance was 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 Humanitarian Award to Larry Downes, who recently relocated to Monmouth County and joined St. Catharine-St. Margaret Parish, Spring Lake. He previously resided in Mercer County and attended St. David the King Parish, Princeton Junction.
Downes has been involved with Catholic Charities for decades. His service included chairing the Restoring Dignity, Giving Hope campaign.
The Richard J. Hughes Humanitarian Award is named after New Jersey’s former chief justice and 45th governor. Downes said he was humbled to have been named this year’s recipient, then credited his grandparents and parents for instilling in him the interest and passion for serving others.
Debbie Riveros also received a Light of Hope Award. Seeds of Service, which provides services to the sick, poor and needy in Ocean County, received the Corporate Citizen of the Year Award; and a woman identified as “Jean” received the Client Achievement Award.
Thanks from the Bishop
In a written message, Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M., remarked on the “impressive milestone” of the gala’s 35th year, saying, “This is an essential annual fundraising effort that speaks to the very heart of the dedication that our supporters have for our mission.
“As Bishop of the Diocese of Trenton, I express my abiding appreciation to all of you who have supported Catholic Charities through this annual gala,” he said. “Your generosity makes a great difference in our ability to serve the hungry among us, and our neighbors struggling with mental health and addiction issues. Your support also provides shelter and assistance to survivors of domestic abuse.
“Please join me in praying for all who are served by Catholic Charities in the Diocese of Trenton,” Bishop O’Connell said. “May their lives be improved, and their hearts be filled with joy because of our efforts.”
Giving back after mental illness
“Jean,” the Client Achievement Award honoree, recounted her lifelong journey with mental illness, during which she sought assistance at Catholic Charities, Diocese of Trenton’s Behavioral Health Services and eventually became involved with the agency’s Riverbank Self-Help Center in Burlington, where she could learn and share with others on a similar journey.
Jean earned credentials as a Peer Recovery Specialist and is currently working to become a Certified Drug and Alcohol Counselor. She is a driver at the Riverbank center and a Mental Health Peer Advocate on one of Catholic Charities’ teams for Program of Assertive Community Treatment (PACT).
Since working with Catholic Charities, Jean has become a strong advocate for people with behavioral health diagnoses. She has shared her story with Catholic Charities USA. She also participated in a campaign, sponsored by the New Jersey Association of Mental Health and Addiction Agencies, Inc., calling for significant increases in funding for behavioral health services.
“Catholic Charities was here for me when I was at my lowest,” Jean said. “Today, I am a full-time employee, and I own my own home. To be able to give [back to] someone the hand that has been given to me — that is everything to me.”
Msgr. Thomas Gervasio accepts the Light of Hope Award on behalf of his parish, Our Lady of Sorrows-St. Anthony, Hamilton. At left, is Marlene Lao-Collins, Catholic Charities executive director, and Michael Herbert, chair of the agency’s board of trustees. Mary Stadnyk photo