Mount Carmel Guild plans March 16 Founders’ Day Mass in Princeton

February 24, 2025 at 5:39 p.m.

Friends and supporters of the Mount Carmel Guild of Trenton are invited to attend the annual Founders’ Day Mass March 16 at 3 p.m. in St. Paul Church, 214 Nassau St., Princeton.

Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M., will serve as principal celebrant with Mercer County priests concelebrating. Among those invited to attend are the hundreds of Guild Mission members and those affiliated with the Guild, including former and current staff, board members and volunteers.

Following the Mass, a reception will be held in the parish’s Spiritual Center.

Mount Carmel Guild began in 1920, with Bishop Thomas J. Walsh’s establishment of the social service agency – an outgrowth of his work with the needy during his priesthood in Buffalo, N.Y. When the National Recreation Service – a diversion for the armed forces – was dissolved after World War I, the remaining funds were divided among the Jewish, Protestant and Catholic faith communities. The grant Bishop Walsh received from the National Catholic War Council allowed for the purchase of the Guild’s headquarters in Trenton. Within three months MCG began 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.

In 1941 the Guild began its nursing service program, which continues today as its Home Health Nursing program aiding older individuals. The Guild’s second major endeavor, the Community Support Program, provides emergency food, utilities and prescription assistance to prevent homelessness.

Daren S. Miller, the Guild's assistant executive director, noted that for the fiscal year ending in June 2024, the Guild served 10,410 households, "providing nutritious food for those struggling to make ends meet."

Miller said the care receivers visit the Guild's food pantry, which has an "open choice" model, that allows them to select food items that best suit their needs.

 "Each week, our pantry serves households facing financial hardship, including seniors, families with children and individuals experiencing both chronic and temporary personal crises," he said. "The program is made possible through the generosity of donors, community partners and our dedicated volunteers." 

Through the accredited Home Health Nursing Program, the Guild has provided 813 units of care for homebound seniors and individuals with chronic health conditions. 

"Our registered nurses offer health assessments, medication monitoring and education on chronic disease management, enabling individuals to maintain their health and independence while remaining in their homes," Miller said. "This program not only provides critical healthcare but also offers emotional support and companionship for those who otherwise may feel isolated. The Guild's nurses work tirelessly to ensure that each patient receives personalized care that enhances their overall well-being."

Miller noted that the Guild staff is assisted by 40 "routine volunteers" who "operate on a rotational basis, selflessly contributing their time and energy to support our mission." He noted the Guild is currently seeking a Friday volunteer to assist in the food pantry from 8 a.m. to noon.

Miller said there are more than 600 Mission Members who: support the Guild's programs through donations and fundraising efforts; volunteer their time to assist with various community service initiatives; serve as liaisons between the Guild and the broader community to increase awareness and engagement; offer prayers and spiritual support to sustain the agency's mission-driven work.

"Mission Members play a vital role in ensuring that Mount Carmel Guild continues to grow through giving, making a lasting difference in the lives of those we serve," Miller said.

For more information, on the Mass, reception and to donate, visit MtCarmelGuild.org or call 609-392-5159.