Reverend Jon Thomas
Diocese of Camden
Camden, NJ
Sponsor: Rep. Donald Norcross, (D-NJ)
Date of Prayer: 07/16/2026
One Minute Speech Given in Recognition of the Guest Chaplain:
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I'm honored to welcome guest chaplain, Father Jon Thomas, priest and vicar general of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Camden.
Born and raised in South Jersey, educated at Catholic University right here in D.C.. Father John was ordained in 2010 and since serves the parishes across South Jersey as pastor in Atlantic City. He provided assistance and spiritual guidance to the workers in the hospitality industry in Atlantic City. Since 2020, he served as pastor of Christ the King in Haddonfield.
That year, I met him. He was hosting a virtual mass for frontline workers who were, during the pandemic, being challenged. Since 2022, he served as chaplain to the New Jersey AFL–CIO, and in 2025 he was appointed vicar general of the Diocese of Camden, serving roughly 475,000 Catholics across South Jersey.
Thank you, Father Thomas for the prayer, the call for unity and to our community.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I yield back.
Opening Prayer Given by the Guest Chaplain:
O God of all the nations,
Today in this House, we ask that you shed your grace on the United States of America.
We are grateful for our semiquincentennial. We are hopeful for our future.
We are grateful for our diversity. We are hopeful for unity.
We are grateful for “pilgrim feet” and “heroes proved in liberating strife.” We are hopeful for open hearts and Representatives proved in cooperation.
In declaring independence from Great Britain 250 years ago, the first prayer of the Continental Congress promised that we were “desiring to be henceforth dependent only on Thee.”
If we turn to you as our Father, then crown our nation with brotherhood and sisterhood.
Give us unity from inspiration, not desperation. Unite us with a common dream, not a common enemy. Unite as a people striving for righteousness, not a people merely arguing who is right.
Through Christ our Lord. Amen.
To learn more about Members who have sponsored a Guest Chaplain, please visit the Congressional Biographical Directory