By Teresa Fasanello
Staff Writer
Supporters of Catholic Charities, Diocese of Metuchen, will gather Oct. 23 at the Hyatt Regency, New Brunswick for the 24th annual Flame of Charity Dinner.
Last year, the dinner raised close to $315,000, enabling Catholic Charities to continue its services throughout the diocese. In 2007, Catholic Charities served more than 60,000 people, utilizing 94 percent of its funds for direct programs and services.
Father Sylvester J. Cronin, executive director of the Department of Stewardship and Development, stressed the significance of the work of Catholic Charities.
“In these economic times, the support for Catholic Charities is more important than ever,” Father Cronin said. “The number of homeless, hungry, and ill as well as countless others seeking help from Catholic Charities has increased while much of the agency’s resources have remained level and in some instances decreased.”
At this year’s dinner, Bishop Paul G. Bootkoski will be honored as Humanitarian of the Year, and Father Joseph J. Kerrigan, pastor of Sacred Heart Church in New Brunswick, will be honored as the Community Servant.
“We are pleased that this year’s honorees, both members of the clergy, possess qualities that reflect a selfless determination that enriches the lives of everyone — not only the needy, but family, friends and colleagues as well,” Father Cronin said.
Shortly after his installation in 2002, Bishop Bootkoski implemented initiatives to eliminate child abuse including the establishment of the Office of Child and Youth Protection. He required all priests, deacons, employees and volunteers working with minors to complete the “Protecting God’s Children” program.
As chairman of the Board of Trustees of Saint Peter’s University Hospital, the bishop has taken an active role in ensuring it continues to serve the poor and needy in the Central New Jersey area and retain the premier status of its Regional Perinatal Center which cares for high-risk mothers and babies.
Bishop Bootkoski revitalized the Flame of Charity Foundation providing it with new goals to help ensure its growth and a positive future for Catholic Charities. He serves on the Board of Trustees of Catholic Charities and is the episcopal moderator of the International Catholic Stewardship Council.
In 2003, the bishop established a formal partnership with the Diocese of Santa Rosa in Guatemala and led a delegation there to determine the needs of the people. That same year the bishop convened the diocese’s first synod to help guide the church of Metuchen in the future.
“Since becoming bishop of Metuchen in 2002, Bishop Bootkoski has worked tirelessly to improve the lives of all within our four-county diocese and beyond,” Father Cronin said.
Father Kerrigan, who was born in Plainfield, holds a Master of Divinity degree from the Catholic University of America. Father Kerrigan was ordained in 1990, and served in the Diocese of Memphis, Tenn., for the first decade of his ministry.
In 2000, Father Kerrigan returned to the Diocese of Metuchen. After serving in St. Bartholomew Parish, East Brunswick, he became administrator of Sacred Heart Parish in 2004 and was subsequently named pastor. Father Kerrigan is the diocesan representative for the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops program Justice for Immigrants, and was named the diocesan director of both Catholic Relief Services and the Campaign for Human Development, now both combined under the name Catholic Charities Solidarity Team.
Under Father Kerrigan’s leadership, Sacred Heart Parish has created a neighborhood revitalization program, Unity Square, in partnership with Catholic Charities; formed an active conference of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul; established a Catholic Charities Immigration Services parish office; and begun an active ministry to Hispanic immigrants.
The 2008 dinner is co-chaired by Anthony J. Zarillo, Sr., and Susan A. Feeney. Tickets are $200 per person.
For more information or to register, call (732) 562-2433.
