Friends and supporters of Mount Carmel Guild gathered for the inner-city Trenton agency’s annual Founder’s Day Mass March 26 in St. George Church, Titusville.

PHOTO GALLERY: Founders' Day Mass

Msgr. Thomas N. Gervasio, diocesan vicar general and pastor of Our Lady of Sorrows-St. Anthony Parish, Hamilton, was principal celebrant of the Mass and Father Stephen Sansevere, pastor of the three parishes that make up the Catholic Community of Hopewell Valley, was homilist. 

Among those invited to attend were the hundreds of Guild Mission Members and those affiliated with the Guild, including former and current staff, board members and volunteers. The Mission Members received a special blessing from Msgr. Gervasio.

“The annual Founders’ Day Mass is one of thanksgiving, recognizing the ways God has helped us to serve our care receivers and to ask for his continued guidance,” said Daren Miller, who recently joined the Guild staff as director of external affairs.

“We are grateful for the Guild’s Mission Members, both past and present, who serve with us. We also express our appreciation for the pioneering work of the Guild’s founding members as we reflect on their stewardship and example in establishing the Guild over 103 years ago.”

Miller proudly shared about the impact Mount Carmel Guild continues to make despite limited resources. He said in the preceding year, 35 seniors benefited from the accredited Home Health Nursing Program that provides in-home patient monitoring, assistance with medications and coordinated care with families and doctor’s offices.
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“Our efforts have been tremendously enhanced by the kindness of individuals and groups who give of their time, talent and resources,” he said. “Throughout the year, we will be pushing ahead with invigorated care programs and fundraising activities. We invite all our Mission Members and all who support our work to celebrate with us.”

Also during the Mass, Msgr. Gervasio reflected on the Guild’s more than 100-year history, speaking of how it was started by Bishop Thomas J. Walsh, third bishop of Trenton. He told of how the bishop had started an outreach when he served in Chicago and then duplicated the agency first in Trenton, and, later, when he moved to Newark.

“Bishop Walsh loved to serve the community,” shared Rose Kimball, former Guild staff member. “That passion and love is still there today. I could see it daily in how they help the poor.”