By EmmaLee Italia | Correspondent

To alleviate human suffering. To improve the quality of life of individuals and families. To serve, advocate, and build communities.

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That is the mission of Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Trenton, which took time on Oct. 4 to celebrate those who help live out their witness and recognize community leaders who empower them to create hope for those in need.

The 26th annual Guardian Angel Dinner Dance took place at the Princeton Hyatt Regency, and featured the awarding of the organization’s Light of Hope, Humanitarian, Corporate Citizen of the Year and Client Achievement awards. The 2015 honorees were recognized with awards particular to their service and involvement in Catholic Charities, including Bishop David M. O'Connell, C.M.

“We all can make a difference,” said Marlene Lao-Collins, executive director of Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Trenton. “Pope Francis made a point of connecting with those who are marginalized and live in poverty. It was a proud moment for me to see our colleagues in Washington and New York close to Pope Francis, sharing with him how we, Catholic Charities, care for God's people.”

Bishop O’Connell was presented with the Richard J. Hughes Humanitarian Award for his witness and leadership in supporting the work of Catholic Charities in central New Jersey. “I just want to say how grateful I am for this great honor,” the Bishop said. “Undeserved, but nonetheless, I'm grateful for it.”

Other honorees included Light of Hope Award recipients from all four counties of the Diocese: Elizabeth A. Ryan, Esq., from Burlington County; Jeff and Megan Gordon, Mercer County; Peter J. Griffin, Monmouth County; and the University of Notre Dame Club of the Jersey Shore, Ocean County.

Awards were also given to Investors Bank which received the award for Corporate Citizen of the Year, and to the Gomez family, who received the Client Achievement Award.

Peter and Lori Haas, members of St. Anthony of Padua Parish, Hightstown, co-chaired the Guardian Angel Dinner Dance. "Because of people like you,” Lori told the attendees, “fewer people will go hungry, fewer individuals become homeless, or hospitalized, and Catholic Charities staff can help more people reach their potential.”

Peter Inverso, chair of Catholic Charities Board of Trustees, took time to acknowledge all those who worked throughout the year on the board and staff of the agency. “On behalf of all of our consumers, staff and board, I extend our sincere gratitude.”

Bishop O’Connell’s award was named after Richard J. Hughes, named for the former New Jersey state justice and governor who was the chairman at the first Guardian Angels Dinner Dance 26 years ago.

“We all know what a wonderful leader he has been for our Diocese,” said Judge Hughes, Richard’s son, who introduced the Bishop, noting that he is the third bishop of the Diocese to receive the award, after Bishop John C. Reiss and Bishop Emeritus John M. Smith. It is a legacy he believed his father would be delighted over.

"Catholic Charities is not an organization, it’s people…who serve people in need," Bishop O'Connell said. "I thank you for coming and being a part of this gathering."

The Bishop recounted the example of Pope Francis, particularly while he spent time with the less fortunate during his United States visit.

“Last week Father Jason [Parzynski, the Bishop’s secretary] and I had the privilege to be with the Holy Father -- isn't he something?” Bishop O'Connell said. “His loving care for the poor comes out so often in his speeches, and he even spent time with the homeless at St. Patrick’s Parish instead of having a big dinner with Congress…It's a beautiful thing.”

Bishop O'Connell thanked his fellow coworkers in the chancery for enabling him to accomplish what he has. “I think that any good I do is because of them and through them.”

The Bishop also spoke on behalf of himself and his brother, Daniel, who works for the diocesan Office of Catholic Education, mentioning the example of their mother, June O’Connell, who died this past August.

“I accept this award in her name and in her honor,” the Bishop said, “because any good that we have been able to do was because of her. She taught us to see good in everyone, and to do good for everyone.”

Other award recipients had an opportunity to express their appreciation and affirmation of Catholic Charities' work in the Diocese.

Ryan recalled that in her childhood, when the steel mill her father worked at closed, they became a family in need.

“I just think the work is so important,” she said. “I want to continue to support that work. The money I give to [Catholic Charities] is used in the communities that surround me, and I can see it working.”

The Gordons enjoy being involved in their community, and had always been impressed with the personal stories of the clients served by Catholic Charities. They began assisting the agency through its Adopt-a-Child program during the holidays, getting their children involved as well.

“The kids had a really fun time picking out something that they might want, then wrapping it and knowing ... someone was really going to enjoy it,” Megan said.

“My proudest connection to Catholic Charities is having my children do internships with me, and I feel like that's passing a value to them,” said Jeffrey, noting his belief in the organization’s mission and how it is being carried out. Megan agreed, adding, “I think we probably get more out of it than we give.”

Griffin acknowledged Catholic Charities’ “commitment to helping families and individuals achieve their full potential.” Having visited many of the agency's programs over the years, the one with which he was most impressed was the graduation ceremony for Project Freedom, their substance abuse treatment program. “Watching the happy faces of the graduates as they overcome drug addiction or alcohol dependence, I'm always uplifted by the perseverance of these individuals.”

The Notre Dame Club of the Jersey Shore's award was received by member Joe Engler, who explained the club's involvement with helping seniors fix up their homes, a function of their partnering with Catholic Charities. “The work that Catholic Charities does is absolutely critical ... what takes us 15-20 minutes just means the world to [their clients]."

On video his fellow club members echoed his enthusiasm, encouraging others to get involved as well. “For you to give a little bit of yourself,” said one member, “you get so much back in return.”

The Corporate Citizen of the Year Award was presented to Investors Bank, accepted by president and CEO Kevin Cummings.

“We are proud and humbled to be in a position to help,” Cummings said. “Carpe diem – let's seize the day and make our community better.”

Catholic Charities’ “El Centro” program is a multi-family community support and building program that assists Latino families in Mercer County. One of the families who benefited from “El Centro” was presented with the Client Achievement Award for their success in working with the program to rebuild their lives. Olga Gomez and her three children expressed tearfully their gratitude for the help they received.

"There are no words to repay you for what you have done for me and my family," Gomez said. "One day when my children become college graduates, they will contribute to ‘El Centro’."

To read profiles on each of the reward recipients, visit www.TrentonMonitor.com