Catholic Community Events in New Jersey

Integrated Hearts Counseling and Consultation was started after the founder, Jennifer Maher, felt called to make a difference in the mental health field, using her knowledge of psychotherapy, coupled with Catholic anthropology from her training at Divine Mercy University with its integrated approach of conceptualizing the person through the lens of the Catholic Christian Meta-Model of the Person. Most mental health practitioners focus on treating the mind with some including an acknowledgement of the body. Integrated Hearts takes into account the mind, body, and spirit connection, knowing that when one is lacking, inevitably, they are all then lacking - thus, frustrating our ability to flourish the way God intended. Using our extensive knowledge of Catholic anthropology and evidence-based psychotherapeutic approaches, our practitioners possess an understanding of the person and seeks to meet them wholly and holistically. This, in turn, leads to a greater sense of mental wellness with the ability for the individual to flourish the way they were always meant to.

Located in Newark, New Jersey, the St. Thomas More Society is a student-led organization at Seton Hall University School of Law that brings together law students united by shared values of faith, community, and ethical practice. The society draws its inspiration and name from the historical St. Thomas More, whose commitment to conscience and principle over expedience continues to guide the organization's mission today. This Newark-based student organization is dedicated to fostering a community where faith and the legal profession coexist meaningfully. Members recognize that a law degree represents more than professional credentials—it offers an opportunity to participate in important work that addresses the complex challenges facing society, including polarization, constitutional debates, and the pursuit of equal justice under law. The St. Thomas More Society creates space for law students to explore how their personal values and beliefs can inform their approach to legal practice and advocacy. The organization thrives through active student leadership and engagement, with co-presidents, officers, and board members working collaboratively to create programming and community experiences. By maintaining connections among Catholic lawyers and students at Seton Hall Law in Newark, NJ, the society strengthens the broader legal community's commitment to ethical leadership and service. The organization embodies Seton Hall Law School's broader mission to educate successful lawyer leaders who understand that law is fundamentally about helping others through skilled counsel and principled action. The St. Thomas More Society represents a cherished tradition within the law school community of developing legal professionals who balance professional ambition with spiritual conviction and community responsibility.

Founded in the summer of 2003 as the South Jersey Catholic Medical Association and elevated to Guild status in 2018, the South Jersey Catholic Medical Guild of the Diocese of Camden exists to form and support physicians who seek to live and promote Catholic principles throughout their medical careers. Operating under the pastoral support of The Most Reverend Dennis J. Sullivan, D.D., Bishop of Camden, this autonomous organization brings together healthcare professionals who view medicine as a vocation rather than merely a profession or service industry. The Guild's mission centers on enabling Catholic physicians to know one another better while working together with deeper mutual support and understanding, creating a community where practitioners can remain grounded in their faith while navigating complex healthcare decisions. Members in the Camden area find value in connecting with colleagues who recognize the primacy of the patient-physician relationship and approach healthcare by affirming the specialness of each person as a child of God. The organization addresses the spiritual and professional dimensions of Catholic medical practice through opportunities for prayer, education, and fellowship. By fostering relationships among practitioners committed to Catholic values, the Guild helps physicians integrate their faith with their professional responsibilities and contribute to shaping society in ways that benefit patients and communities. The organization's connection to the broader National Catholic Medical Association provides additional resources and support for members seeking to advance both their professional development and their spiritual journey in medicine.

The American Catholic Lawyers Association is a non-profit religious organization dedicated to defending the rights and religious liberty of Catholics throughout America. Headquartered in Fairfield, NJ, ACLA operates as a mission-driven legal advocacy group run by Catholics committed to protecting fellow Catholics facing discrimination or legal persecution based on their faith. The organization's core mission centers on providing free legal services and pro bono representation to Catholics in need of defense in matters of faith and conscience, ensuring that financial barriers do not prevent access to justice. ACLA's work spans diverse communities and circumstances—from pregnancy center workers facing government harassment to Catholics protesting restrictions on religious worship, from employment discrimination victims to pro-life advocates encountering criminal charges. Beyond litigation, ACLA fosters community engagement through its volunteer attorney network, inviting legal professionals to join the association's efforts to support fellow Catholics. The organization strengthens its community impact through partnership with the Thomas More Society of Chicago, a collaboration that expanded ACLA's ability to serve Catholics across the eastern region. Built on principles of faith and justice, ACLA represents a unique intersection of legal expertise and Catholic values, serving not merely as a law firm but as an advocate for religious freedom and the dignity of Catholic citizens in American courts.