Christ the King Church + SSJNC

CTK Staff Service day at the PantryM.A.M.I.S. class for young momsSSJNC Leadership and StaffDistribution of CTK casseroles

CTK's LOCAL MISSION: 

THE SISTERS OF SAINT JOSEPH NEIGHBORHOOD CENTER IN CAMDEN

This mission is rooted in serving “the Neighbors”, Latino immigrant families in Camden’s Cramer Hill community. By sharing our time and financial resources, we invest in their future, strengthen our parish’s call to discipleship, and help build the Kingdom of God through authentic relationships.

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A Personal Connection of Faith and Stewardship by Carol Purcell

My husband, Rich, and I have known Sr Bonnie McMenamin since 2007 when we became involved in Ministry with the Deaf, as my father in law was deaf and he came to live with us.  Sr Bonnie interpreted the Masses for the hearing people who would attend the MWD Masses each Sunday.  Later she organized the Sisters of Saint Joseph Neighborhood Center in Cramer Hill section of Camden to reach out to the neighbors there.  We've helped her by collecting food, clothing, diapers, toys and a number of items and bringing them to the center for distribution.  When Fr Jon asked for potential parish service projects, we suggested SSJNC.  They became the chosen ministry for Christ the King.  The parishioners have responded tremendously by supporting numerous programs the sisters have begun.  The 3rd Wednesday of the month is food pantry day, where we select, pack and bag various food stuffs to be given to the neighbors, along with t shirt bags filled with meats distributed.  The Sisters have a "mommy and me" program to teach new mothers helpful mothering techniques, as well as offer them support for their daily lives.  They have a crochet group who meets regularly, as well as ESL classes, where there are a number of CtK parishioners who volunteer helping out. We recently participated in the "Neighbor to Neighbor" giveaway, where the items donated to them throughout the year are arranged on tables and the neighbors are given the opportunity to choose items for their homes.  It has helped the neighbors tremendously, as well as those of us who see firsthand how much they appreciate the kindness and generosity of others.  CTK parishioners have helped support the "Dine and Donate" fundraising events at PJ Whelihan's in Maple Shade, as well as the "Top Golf" fundraiser held in early summer.  We go regularly to the SSJNC to drop off donated items and there are always neighbors there waiting to be "served" by the sisters.  Our own crochet group has donated hundreds of hats, scarves, sweaters, ponchos, blankets for the sisters to give out to those in need; especially now that the chillier months are upon us.  Jesus said " whatsoever you do to the least of my people, you do unto me".  We're just trying to follow what Jesus taught. 

Carol and her husband Rich pictured below are parishioners of Christ the King. They regularly donate their time to the SSJNC.

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The Sisters of Saint Joseph Neighborhood Center embodies a love of God and neighbor without distinction, offering connection, enrichment, and empowerment. 

With deep respect for each person’s dignity and at no-cost the Center provides: 

• Weekly ESL and citizenship classes
• M.A.M.I.S., a bi-monthly class for young mothers led by Camden County Family & Social Services
• Sewing and crocheting classes that build self-sufficiency

To meet immediate family needs, the Center also: 

• Opens a monthly food pantry serving 300+ families
• Provides diapers and wipes to 500+ families 
• Offers eye screenings and partners to provide free glasses

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How Will Your Donations be Used?

1. Utility Bills and Rent: For working Neighbors
2. Attorney Fees: For immigration services and fees, work authorization cards, passports
3. Commercial Freezer and Grocery Carts