By Mary Stadnyk | Associate Editor 

The April showers – both rain and snow – that fell April 9 did not phase the more than 100 women, men, children and even a few four-legged furry creatures who came out to Mercer County Park in West Windsor to participate in the Catholic Charities, Diocese of Trenton’s third annual Walk of Hope. As a matter of fact, their energy and enthusiasm was heightened especially at the thought that the wet, wintry weather precipitation was God’s way of showering them with his blessings and they took strides to help Catholic Charities carry on its mission of reducing poverty, promoting recovery and strengthening families throughout the counties of Burlington, Mercer, Monmouth and Ocean.

To see photo galley on this event, click here.

Cheers bellowed throughout the vast park when the 150 walkers, along with their supporters, families, friends and neighbors, were reminded of how Catholic Charities assists people in need, regardless of their religious background with an array of services that includes housing, food, addiction treatment and care for domestic violence victims and their children. In a year, Catholic Charities, through its 58 programs, helps a total of more than 100,000 people.

The crowd was equally thrilled to learn that their participation in this year’s Walk of Hope generated $21,000, with 90 cents of every dollar raised going to Catholic Charities programs. A most compelling component of the morning was hearing the story of “Wilson,” a former Catholic Charities’ client who shared how he went from being a consumer of services to now working as a current Catholic Charities’ employee.

As the walkers, who were donning winter gear and sneakers, strode on their path, they enjoyed sharing why it was important for them to participate in the Walk of Hope and show their support for Catholic Charities.

Though Megan Gordon, a member of St. Ann Parish, Lawrenceville, said she learned about the Walk of Hope from her two children, Jack, 21, and Maddie, 19, both of whom served volunteer internships with Catholic Charities, she noted that she and her husband, Jeffrey, have been active with the organization for 15 years. The Gordons have attended the annual Guardian Angel Dinner Dance, which is Catholic Charities’ major fundraising event; participated in the adopt-a-family program and “we were honored to receive the Light of Hope Award for Mercer County in 2015.”

Having now participated in two Walk of Hope events and serving on the walk’s planning committee, Megan Gordon said she has come to realize “the commitment of the staff to not only make the walk successful, but to inform the walkers of the numerous services that Catholic Charities has to offer.”

“This is truly a community event for all,” Gordon said. “Much planning and preparation goes into the event. Sponsors step up and give much needed resources, staff consistently looks for ways to inform people of the works of Catholic Charities while making efforts to include consumers in every aspect.”

“It is a fun event with music, snacks, door prizes and lots of spirit,” Gordon said of the Walk of Hope.

Third year walker Msgr. Ronald Bacovin, a retired priest of the Diocese was on hand to offer the opening prayer before the walk began.

“I try to walk three miles three times a week,” said Msgr. Bacovin, making sure that people knew he was in tip-top shape to make the three-mile trek around Mercer County Park.

Citing Catholic Charities as being “one of the best kept secrets in Mercer County, Msgr. Bacovin lauded the organization as its staff and volunteers do all they can to assist people in need.