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At left, Andrew P. Schafer, Executive Director of Catholic Cemeteries of the Archdiocese of Newark, presents a check to John Westervelt, CEO of the Emergency Food & Nutrition Network of Catholic Charities.

Catholic Cemeteries Shares Food and Funds to 2 Local Charities in Jersey

Catholic Cemeteries, a Ministry of the Archdiocese of Newark, recently presented food and funds to two local Catholic charities that aid the area’s poor, low income and homeless families.

Donations included 30 grocery bags packed with canned and boxed food products as well as $2,000 in cash and checks that were contributed by visitors and guests at multiple Catholic Cemeteries locations during the Christmas season. The food and money supports the vital work of two Newark-based organizations dedicated to God’s healing mission: The Emergency Food & Nutrition Network of Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Newark and The Missionary Sisters of Charity.

“Thanks to the generosity of our cemetery and mausoleum guests, those who go hungry within our communities can enjoy a meal and a sense of belonging,” said Andrew P. Schafer, Executive Director of Catholic Cemeteries of the Archdiocese of Newark. “Feeding the hungry is one of the most basic acts of loving kindness and is one of the seven Corporal Works of Mercy.  Donating to our food bank ministry on behalf of a departed loved one is a charitable act and a loving gift that truly honors their memory in a tangible way.”

The Emergency Food & Nutrition Network coordinates and supports a system of food pantries, donor churches, schools, community groups, and volunteers by providing assistance and emergency food supplies to 50 food centers in the Archdiocese of Newark.

The Missionary Sisters of Charity, founded by Saint Teresa of Calcutta, provides food and shelter primarily for women in the community. The center helps with daily meals, clothing, and career and emotional counseling.