Top photo caption: Father Brian Woodrow, pastor of St. Dominic Parish, Brick, is shown with organizers and volunteers following the opening of the new St. Carlo Care Center in July. Courtesy photos
By Mary Stadnyk, Associate Editor
The site of St. Carlo Acutis’ diocesan shrine is also becoming a beacon of help for those facing financial hardship and food insecurity. Inspired by the recently canonized young saint and prompted by a growing awareness of shifting patterns of poverty in the community, St. Dominic Parish in Brick has opened an innovative outreach ministry.
Located on the parish campus, the St. Carlo Care Center is the first of its kind for the community. “Our goal is not simply to provide food or household necessities but to build genuine one-on-one relationships with those we serve and to reflect the love of Christ through personal accompaniment,” Father Brian Woodrow, pastor of St. Dominic Parish, said following a July 11 dedication ceremony.
While the parish has long supported charitable outreach through collaboration with the St. Vincent de Paul Society, Father Woodrow explained that its leaders recognized the need for a more personal, centered approach that allows volunteers to serve neighbors with compassion while responding directly to their changing needs.
“The face of poverty has changed dramatically,” Father Woodrow said. “Today, those who are struggling often do not look the way people might expect. They may be hardworking individuals or families who appear financially secure but are quietly living paycheck to paycheck or carrying overwhelming debt.”
“Our hope is that this ministry helps us recognize those hidden struggles and respond with Christian charity,” he said.
The St. Carlo Care Center is open Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 9 a.m. to noon, and donations are accepted during those hours. The Center’s pantry is staffed by parish volunteers Marilyn and Hank Gallow, while Joe and Judy Schuchard serve as coordinators.
Those seeking assistance need only present identification, Father Woodrow said, noting that Brick residents are eligible to receive the full range of available provisions. Individuals from outside the township may receive food assistance according to New Jersey guidelines. There is no income threshold to qualify.
The parish is home to the Diocesan Shrine of St. Carlo Acutis. Father Woodrow said the St. Carlo Care Center is particularly meaningful for a community deeply devoted to the Catholic Church’s first millennial saint. “Carlo’s love of the poor made him the natural patron of the ministry,” he said.
“Even as a young boy, Carlo saw Christ in those who were less fortunate. He regularly brought food and other necessities to people in need, not out of obligation but out of genuine love for Jesus,” Father Woodrow said. “We hope to continue that same spirit of charity by serving every person who comes to us with dignity, compassion and respect.”
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