SNAP ENROLLMENT

Continued from 19 from Mount Carmel Guild, Trenton, expressed some relief at the legislation, saying, “I’m glad something was done by the state to at least try to sustain people. The issue I’m having, and I think most people are grappling with this, is that food prices are continuing to go up and so while anything is most welcome and helpful, we’re just still struggling.”

With food insecurity just one of a number of challenges, Mary Inkrot, executive director of Mount Carmel Guild, pointed out, “Most of our households are struggling to meet their budgets and they often must make hard decisions about what bills to pay such as their electricity or car, and so they know they can count on us for food and that’s part of their budget planning.”

Inkrot stressed that food donations are always welcome at Mount Carmel, especially as “the food bank system has a two-month lag time, so if our numbers increase the amount of food won’t increase to meet those numbers for two months.”

Ferreira agreed. “Food is a number one priority here at the Guild. It is our largest service, and we would like the community to know that we do collaborate with other entities such as Catholic Charities that does SNAP enrollment twice per month.

When individuals who come in and ask for the opportunity to apply for SNAP, we facilitate that referral over to Catholic Charities.”

As part of their focus to get families signed up for the SNAP benefit program, CCDT has posted a billboard at a centrally-located intersection in Trenton with a QR code to take people to a webpage where they can leave their contact information.

They also regularly post about the program on their social media accounts and just completed a twomonth digital advertising campaign with Townsquare Media encouraging enrollment.

Catholic Charities Diocese of Trenton SNAP Outreach Coordinator

Nathalia Soto is available at nsoto@ cctrenton.org.

Mount Carmel Guild is located at 73 North Clinton Avenue, Trenton, NJ 08609; info@mtcarmelguild.org.

Clergy Retreat

Continued from 22 community within our parishes and organizations.”

In his address, Msgr. Bohlin referenced two churchmen who remained persistent in their work and faith under difficult circumstances –St. Thomas More, who died a martyr after he was convicted of treason, and Archbishop John Hughes, the first archbishop of New York in the 1850s and 1860s, who built St. Patrick’s Cathedral despite the Civil War and the anti-Catholic sentiment of the time.

Msgr. Bohlin encouraged priests to have the confidence of the early Christians,” such as St. Paul, who believed God’s plan would prevail despite the hardships he faced in spreading the Gospel, said Father Gadenz, who was appreciative of the pointers Msgr. Bohlin offered on small ways priests can sow seeds that will bear fruit, such as conversations with their people.

“As for parishes, Msgr. Bohlin said that with fewer people attending Mass after the pandemic, it is an opportunity to build community with the people who do come,” Father Gadenz said.

Significant insights gleaned from the day by Father Thomas Vala, pastor, St. Clement, Matawan, were the importance of priests taking care of themselves, finding time for prayer and remembering that a priest can change himself.

“When I choose to change from being negative to positive and hopeful, I can inspire others and be able to help change the world,” said Father Vala.

One way of giving during this time of the year is “Giving Tuesday.” Our school programs directly benefit 100% from all gifts during the “Giving Tuesday” campaign. The website for a Giving Tuesday gift is: www.leadinfaith.org

One way of giving during this time of the year is “Giving Tuesday.” Our school programs directly benefit 100% from all gifts during the “Giving Tuesday” campaign. The website for a Giving Tuesday gift is: www.leadinfaith.org

One way of giving during this time of the year is “Giving Tuesday.”

Tuesday.” Our school programs directly benefit 100% from all gifts during the “Giving Tuesday” campaign. The website for a Giving Tuesday gift is: www.leadinfaith.org

During COVID, support for our schools is more important than ever. We have students that need more financial support now than in past years. Our schools have had to step up spending for health-related costs due to COVID protocols. As a result budgets are tight.

During COVID, support for our schools is more important than ever. We have students that need more financial support now than in past years. Our schools have had to step up spending for health-related costs due to COVID protocols. As a result budgets are tight.

During COVID, support for our schools is more important than ever. We have students that need more financial support now than in past years. Our schools have had to step up spending for health-related costs due to COVID protocols. As a result budgets are tight.