People of Hope

Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Paterson is thrilled to announce that we will be hosting the CCUSA People of Hope Exhibit this spring at St. Paul Inside the Walls, Madison, NJ. 

Made possible through a generous $5 million grant from the Lilly Endowment, this remarkable national exhibit will travel the United States over the next 2.5 years in a custom-built 53-foot semi-tractor trailer, visiting more than 150 communities and engaging an estimated 50,000 visitors. Its mission:

To deepen awareness of Catholic Charities, inspire volunteerism, and build empathy for our neighbors in need.


Step inside the People of Hope Exhibit and explore an immersive collection of stories, interactive stations, and powerful reflections on service, faith, and community impact.

Highlights include:

Featured Video Story - A special video by Carlos Roldan, Director of Catholic Charities Food Pantries, selected from more than 250 entries nationwide.



Interactive Poverty Simulator - Walk through realistic scenarios faced by families living on the margins and better understand the difficult decisions they make every day.

Storytelling & Audio Experiences:

• A recording studio where visitors can share their own stories of hope and service
• An audio library featuring insights on poverty, community building, and the vital role of Catholic Charities
• National and regional data that illustrate real needs and real impact across the U.S.

Join us for this FREE, open-to-the-public event:

• Palm Sunday, March 29, 2026 (10:00 AM – 3:00 PM)
• Monday, March 30, 2026 (8:30 AM – 4:30 PM)

This event is ideal for:

• Families
• Parish groups
• Schools (middle school and older)
• Young adult groups
• Volunteers
• Community partners
• Anyone interested in learning more about the mission and impact of Catholic Charities

Come be inspired. Experience the power of hope, compassion, and faith in action.