New Jersey District

History

We began offering pastoral care in the Diocese of Trenton in 1941 when we founded a parish that serves an immigrant population of Trenton. Forty years later, we established another parish to serve the Hispanic population in Neptune, N.J. As time passed, we accepted responsibility for two other parishes in the diocese.

Our work in New Jersey focuses on pastoral care and social-assistance programs, such as food pantries, support groups and ESL classes. We especially are concerned with immigration issues that affect families who move to the United States in search of better lives. The parishes in the New Jersey District serve immigrants from Africa, Asia, South America, Central America and the Caribbean.

Personnel

Seven Divine Word Missionary priests work in the New Jersey District. They come from the Philippines, Puerto Rico, Brazil and Ghana. The oldest confrere was born in 1945 and the youngest in 1977.

Primary Ministries

Lakewood — St. Anthony Claret
Neptune — Our Lady of Providence
Trenton — Blessed Sacrament-Our Lady of the Divine Shepherd