Faith in action - A Mission of Service Everyday

As we prepare for our 2025 Founders’ Day Mass (March 16) - a day of celebrating God’s faithfulness and abundant blessings - we take a moment to reflect on the enduring mission of Mount Carmel Guild.

When we were established some 104 years ago, it  was with the guiding principle that through relationships and collaborations forged with dignity and hope, we would assist the community to overcome challenges to decent health, nutrition, housing and education. We may be proud that since then, the Guild has honored  its commitment.

Our work has been characterized by an increasing focus on people-centered initiatives, strategic partnerships, and a community-driven approach to change. Over the last decade, we have renewed our focus on expanding access to healthier food options for care-receivers and are delighted to see the growing support from our Mission Members, donors and friends. 

Such efforts have enabled the Guild to move closer to revamping our food distribution; favoring less calorie-dense and high sugar food options - nourishing the body and promoting long-term health and wellbeing among care-receivers.

Our work is particularly vital in Trenton, where recent studies by Capital Health show that nearly 40% of residents face increased risks of lifestyle diseases due to poor diet and limited access to nutritious foods. By prioritizing healthy eating, we are giving our community a fighting chance at a better, healthier life.

Thanks to you, our accredited Home Health Nursing Program has also been making a difference. With 813 units of care provided in the last fiscal year, we are delighted to know that our efforts are continuing to add such quality to the lives of seniors who rely on our health and nutritional support.

But while we are dedicated to nourishing and uplifting our local community, we cannot ignore the broader challenges affecting vulnerable populations worldwide. By now you would have heard that Congress is considering drastic cuts to SNAP, which helps nearly 850,000 New Jerseyans put food on the table. Additionally, enacted cuts in USAID and other foreign assistance funding have sent ripples through international humanitarian efforts.  

Reports indicate that these funding reductions - amounting to significant percentage drops over recent fiscal cycles - have forced aid organizations to scale back critical nutrition programs and as a result, millions of children, already at risk due to conflict, climate change, and economic instability, now face even greater challenges in accessing life-saving food and medical care.

This situation raises an important question: Is turning our backs on these children, or on the global call for compassion, truly an example of faith in action? The answer, we believe, is a resounding no. Instead, it is a call for all who cherish the values of love, generosity, and service - strong tenets of faith, to stand up and make a difference. 

At Mount Carmel Guild, our mission is not only about providing for the physical needs of our community, but also about embodying the spirit of Christ’s compassion and care. In these trying times, when so much threatens the wellbeing of our brothers and sisters both home and abroad, we are reminded that our actions here - rooted in faith and genuine love - must serve as a shining example of what it means to care for one another.

Mount Carmel Guild’s work is deeply rooted in faith - a faith that has carried us through trials and triumphs for over a century. Yet, in today’s rapidly changing social and economic landscape, the call to live out our values is more urgent than ever. 

Recent data from the Pew Research Center show that a growing number of Americans are turning away from organized religion; nearly 29% now identify as religiously unaffiliated. The trend is concerning but underscores the need for more organizations such as the Guild to demonstrate the importance of faith and love in action - the very qualities that Christ exemplified during His time on earth.

We are profoundly grateful to our Mission Members, donors, and friends whose unwavering support makes our efforts possible. YOUR generosity is the lifeblood of our mission, allowing us to reach further, care deeper, and dream bigger. In Trenton, where many households face economic hardships and food insecurity, our initiatives not only provide sustenance, but for many, a sense of dignity and hope.

The true measure of our success is reflected in the lives we touch. Irene, a longtime recipient of the Guild’s services, shared, “It is usually very difficult to purchase foods that are healthy because of cost. I sometimes struggle to find meals that are filling and healthy. Coming to the Guild I feel much better because of the variety of healthy options and I can take better control of my health.” Irene’s words echo the sentiment of many in our community who have experienced transformative change, thanks to you - OUR committed Mission Members, donors and friends. 

As we reflect on both local challenges and global needs, the time to act is now. Cuts in foreign aid funding and the potential rise in acute malnutrition among children worldwide, demand that we, as a community grounded in faith, respond with urgency and compassion. 

In this regard, I am pleased to see the work being done by organizations such as Catholic Relief Services (CRS). Their efforts to corral community support for speaking out against such injustices do the Guild credit as an affiliated organization.
Let Your Voice Be Heard

We believe that true faith is demonstrated by reaching out, offering support, and standing in solidarity with those in need. 

Our community must come together - embracing our shared responsibilities, and fostering an environment where compassion triumphs indifference. In a world marked by both economic challenges and a decline in faith, our actions speak louder than words. They must embody the example of Christ, whose life was a testament of love, sacrifice, and service.

In anticipation of this year’s Founders’ Day Mass, let us reflect on the many ways our collective faith and action have transformed lives. Our story is one of resilience, compassion, and commitment to a vision of dignity and hope. In these times of need - both locally and globally - our mission stands as a beacon of what it means to live a life of purpose and love.

With each new initiative and each testimonial, the Guild reaffirms its dedication to a mission of faith. We remain deeply thankful for your support and look forward to a future enriched by continued acts of kindness and selfless care.