Archdiocese of Newark Vocations Office Runs Billboards On December 1, 1999, the first ever Vocation Billboards were placed throughout the Archdiocese of Newark. Make a world of Difference as a Priest, Brother, or Sister is the billboard theme. Archbishop Theodore E. McCarrick initiated the project, which was designed by the Archdiocesan Vocation sub-committee on Education headed by Judy Miller, Director of Family Life for the Archdiocese. Former Vocations Director and campaign coordinator Fr. Thomas P. Nydegger said, "We're hoping the billboards will raise a more widespread awareness of the blessings of priesthood or religious life, and the need for priests, brothers and sisters." Two large billboards, also known as bulletin boards, have been placed along major highways in Essex and Hudson Counties. A billboard is located on the Center Island, of Rt. 1 and Rt. 9, by Newark Airport. Another is in Harrison, on Interstate 280 West, just off of the New Jersey Turnpike. In Bergen County, two smaller billboards, known as panel boards, have been placed along major roads. Along Rt. 46, west of the Little Ferry Circle, in Little Ferry and in Saddle Brook, on the West Side of Midland Ave, south of Andrea Blvd. The other two smaller billboards have been placed in Union County. In Elizabeth the panel board is on Pearl Street, and the other board is on East 2nd Street in Plainfield. The Office of Vocations of the Archdiocese of Newark exists to encourage men and women to consider vocations to the priesthood and religious life, while helping to coordinate a diocesan awareness of vocations to the priesthood and religious life. The Archdiocese is currently home to, 1,019 priests, 112 brothers and 1,473 sisters, including active and retired religious.
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