“Music, Murals, & Mercy” spotlights vital ministry of The Mercy House
A unique fundraiser that combined the musical gifts of a Maplewood priest with the artistic talent of an Archdiocese of Newark staff member recently helped spotlight the vital ministry and growing need for The Mercy House, an archdiocesan resource and referral center that helps provide for the immediate and essential daily needs of women, children, and families in local communities.
“Music, Murals, & Mercy,” held on June 26 at St. Joseph Church in Maplewood, began with an exhibit of paintings by artist Maria Margiotta, director of the archdiocesan Office of Communications. The artwork spanned an eclectic range of landscapes, religious art, and numerous other pieces. Father Jim Worth, the pastor of St. Joseph’s, then sang and performed a solo piano concert featuring an array of popular songs and music about love and compassion.
Following the art and music presentations, Father Worth and Margiotta presented The Mercy House Director Cheryl A. Riley with the nearly $2,000 they raised through the event and special collections at the parish’s Masses that weekend.
“It was an amazing event,” said Riley, who leads the Archdiocese’s Respect Life Office. “It warmed my heart to see so many people support The Mercy House and the work that we do. And it was a great opportunity to raise awareness for our ministry because a lot of people don’t know about all we do to help those in need.”
The Mercy House is an extension of the Respect Life Office of the Archdiocese of Newark. It supports anyone who requires assistance by providing non-perishable food, clothing, baby supplies, furniture, and other necessities and services as needed, including help finding work and housing. The Mercy House is located at 620 Clinton Ave. in Newark and is open every Tuesday and Friday. Since the COVID-19 pandemic began in March 2020, the number of individuals and families served has doubled. The Archdiocese of Newark plans on expanding its reach with additional Mercy House sites planned for Bergen, Hudson, and Union counties.
For ways to support The Mercy House, including volunteering, or for more information, visit www.rcan.org/respect-life/mercy-house.
Below photos by Alexandra Rojas/Archdiocese of Newark
Click each picture to expand the image.
Featured image: A visitor admires paintings on display at Maplewood’s St. Joseph Church on June 26 during the “Music, Murals, & Mercy” fundraiser for The Mercy House, a ministry of the Archdiocese of Newark. (Photo by Alexandra Rojas/Archdiocese of Newark)
