Sr. Michaelita is one of two who will be honored by the Diocese of Metuchen in Novemeber.
Sister M. Michaelita Popovice, RSM, a Sister of Mercy and Catholic Charities program director in Phillipsburg, is one of two who will both will be honored for exemplary work and servant leadership in the communities they serve at the Diocese of Metuchen's Champions for Catholic Charities Dinner later this year.
Sr. Michaelita Popovice will be honored in November. (Courtesy photo) Sr. Michaelita will be recognized with the Honorable James M. Cahill, mayor of the city of New Brunswick.
Sr. Michaelita has served the Warren Basic Material Needs program for 25 years. In particular, she works with households whose members struggle with meeting the basic necessities of life, providing them with food and clothing and the means to create a better tomorrow.
A native of Alpha, she entered the Sisters of Mercy of the Americas, Mid-Atlantic Community in September 1961 at Mount Saint Mary, in Watchung, N.J., and professed her final vows in August 1969. In 2011, she celebrated her Golden Jubilee, marking 50 years as a Sister of Mercy.
A certified social worker, Sr. Michaelita earned bachelor's degree in history from Georgian Court University, Lakewood, and a master's degree from Seton Hall University, South Orange. During her career, she taught social studies at various Catholic schools and served as principal for 13 years at Saints Philip and James School, Phillipsburg.
Cahill has served the City of New Brunswick as mayor since 1991. During his tenure, New Brunswick has transformed from a declining industrial city into a thriving 21st century urban center, bringing significant tax relief to homeowners. Over 4,000 market-rate and affordable homes have been built or rehabilitated citywide and 6,500 new jobs were created, resulting in New Brunswick's consistently low annual unemployment rate.
A lifelong resident of New Brunswick, Cahill earned a Juris Doctorate degree from Seton Hall School of Law, Newark.
Tickets for the event, which will be held Nov. 10 at the Palace at Somerset Park, cost $250 per person and include a cocktail hour, full-course dinner and open bar. For reservations and information, call 732-562-2438 or email champions@diometuchen.org.