UPDATED March 20, 2025
“Everyone deserves care.”
That is the simple and poignant message that appears on the website of Mount Carmel Guild in Trenton and drives the mission of the diocesan-based social service agency.
Those who gathered March 16 for the Guild’s annual Founders’ Day Mass honored that mission and the agency’s 105-year legacy. Celebrated in St. Paul Church, Princeton, the annual Mass brought together clergy, the faithful and members of the wider public, all of whom who have been connected in some way with the Guild over the years.
Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M., served as principal celebrant and homilist, speaking of how, “from the beginning, the vision of Mount Carmel Guild has been the cure of poverty – head and heart and spirit. Since its foundation, the Guild has served the poor and needy of Mercer County, holding true to its original mission.”
Adapting to changing needs
In the aftermath of World War I, Bishop Thomas J. Walsh of Trenton founded the Mount Carmel Guild, serving a variety of needs in the community, including visiting patients in hospitals and inmates in prisons, collaborating with the USO, providing legal assistance and contributing to both secular and religious education.
While the needs and characteristics of the community have changed, Mount Carmel Guild has continued to change and adapt. Its current two core programs include helping sustain the good health and well-being of low-income seniors and reducing food insecurity among Mercer County residents.
Acknowledging the event’s “Founders Day” theme, the Bishop said, “As the successor to the founding Bishop, I consider it a privilege to be with you today. I offer you my gratitude and the gratitude of the Diocese. I pray for the Mount Carmel Guild every single day.”
The Bishop added, “The Mount Carmel Guild serves the Lord and his people because that’s where we find him. We find the Lord in his people, especially those in need.”
Bishop O’Connell concluded, “Let’s ask the Lord Jesus to give us the grace, determination and the conviction in these uncertain and unsteady times to bring Christ’s presence to those who need him most. To bring his light and in this Jubilee Year, hope and dignity to all we meet through the Mount Carmel Guild.”
Mary Inkrot, executive director of the Guild, thanked those who make its work possible. As an example, she cited the host parish, which responded to the Guild’s recent urgent request for items to restock the food pantry. The St. Paul religious education program organized a drive to collect essential items such as rice, oats and pasta for the Guild.
Affirming the value of all people
At a reception following the Mass, Lauri Harbison, executive director of Interfaith Caregivers of Greater Mercer County, described how people despair because they feel isolated in their need and become separated from care. These individuals “don’t realize people care and that they are valued.”
Reflecting on the longevity of the Guild, Harbison said it was “heartwarming and encouraging that they are over 100 years old, but at the same time it is frightening because they are still needed.”
Cecelia Gallucci, a volunteer, and Harbison described the success of the Guild’s Christmas toy program, noting that parents facing the painful reality of not being able to buy Christmas gifts for their children are surprised to see that the Guild manages to provide the items that their children had on their Christmas lists.
Gallucci shared, “I always get more than I give.”
Mary Inkrot, Mount Carmel Guild executive director, right, shares conversation with supporters of Mount Carmel Guild at the reception that followed the Mass.