Bringing Light and Hope In Darkness
Posted on January 11th, 2012
For most of us, the New Year brings a review of the “old” year’s accomplishments and a new start. So it is with Catholic Charities! Each year on November 11, Veterans Day, 1,100 of our more than 2,000 Catholic Charities employees gather at our Annual All Staff Meeting at Drury Lane in Oakbrook to celebrate our past, our present and our future. We review and recognize the professional achievements of our staff, who are the hearts and hands of the agency, and celebrate their anniversaries of employment. We take time to honor all American veterans, including our own staff members who are veterans of the Armed Services.
In 2011, thanks to our outstanding Board of Directors and Board of Advisors, staff, and thousands of generous donors and volunteers, Catholic Charities upheld the highest professional standards as we provided compassionate social and human services to the poorest of the poor, assisting more than one million people.
Whether these neighbors of ours are desperately poor, homeless, frail and alone, or in need of food, clothing and shelter; or better off financially, but suffering a devastating crisis, Catholic Charities strives to provide what they need. That could be food, clothing, housing, rental or emergency assistance; the skills to manage money, or counseling services to heal a personal or family relationship.
But it also takes the efforts of thousands of heroes in our very real “army” of volunteers, such as our Board of Directors and Board of Advisors, our young adult Junior Board, and parishes and parishioners throughout Cook and Lake counties, whose generosity and energy are astounding.
- For example, the hundreds of Catholic Charities’ young adult Junior Board members brightened the lives of countless seniors and children, recording over 5,300 volunteer hours last year and raising nearly $40,000 for Catholic Charities programs. Hundreds more board members and volunteers helped their neighbors in need by serving on the committees of our 31 annual agency-wide and regional fund-raisers such as “The Spirit of Saint Nicholas Ball,” which support specific programs such as our Children’s Programs.
- Family and Parish Support Services: In Fiscal Year 2011, our housing programs brought light to the darkness of homelessness by providing 458,747 nights of stay for homeless individuals and families; and 80% of our clients achieved stable permanent housing upon leaving these programs. We provided services to 4,502 veterans; and 2,352 domestic violence victims benefited from many of our services, including housing and counseling. Our Homelessness Prevention Call Center and Central Information and Referral programs answered 139,943 calls for help, keeping people housed.
- Seniors have always been a very high priority at Catholic Charities, so I am proud to say that last year our Senior Services helped 99,005 older adults with 2,154,098 units/hours of assistance. In addition, we built and manage 1,533 safe and dignified apartments for seniors, the disabled, and veterans; and have broken ground for the new 42-apartment All Saints Residence for seniors in Roseland.
- Catholic Charities’ Community Development & Outreach Services runs several community food and nutrition education programs promoting health and prevention services, while developing a variety of job training programs for youths and unemployed adults. This past year, we gave 176 at-risk youth an enhanced quality of life through employment and leadership opportunities. Our “Lunch-n-More Catering and Food Service” enterprises provided 730,678 fresh, healthy meals for children and families, (a 289% increase from previous year).
- New initiatives that provide job training for Catholic Charities’ clients include our Painting Enterprise, Child/Adult Care Food program (CACFP), and the Mentoring Plus Jobs program. Nutrition programs for families include our WIC (Women, Infants, Children) Centers, now offering fresh produce. This past year, our nutrition program for Seniors, Mothers and Children distributed more than 159,000 nutritious food packages.
These are just a few of our 157 Catholic Charities programs at 162 sites that provide food, clothing, housing, rental assistance, counseling services, emergency assistance and hope to people of all faiths and means throughout the year.
As we launch into this New Year with renewed faith and charity, I remain deeply grateful for the light that your prayers and support bring to our neighbors who need our help to live lives of dignity and hope. Thank you for bringing your light of love and hope into the darkness of their poverty and despair. May God bless you and your families!
Celebrating The Season Of Giving: Making The Season Bright
Posted on December 1st, 2011
It was 64 years ago that the parents who had adopted their children through Catholic Charities Adoption/Maternity Department decided to have a big Christmas Party for their children. But instead of receiving gifts, the children and their parents brought gifts for hundreds of children whose families were struggling in poverty and receiving assistance from Catholic Charities. While the children had great fun and treats at what became an annual celebration, they were learning the art of giving at the “Toy Shower”!
Today, thanks to the extraordinary generosity of Catholic parishes, donors and individuals of all faiths throughout Chicagoland, that beautiful, time-honored tradition of giving and receiving continues in Cook County for thousands of children and families as Catholic Charities celebrates our 64th Annual “Celebration of Giving and Toy Shower!” More than 10,000 children will have a “merry and bright” Christmas as they receive presents of toys, games and dolls under their trees. More than 500 low-income families will receive new winter clothing and household goods through our “Sponsor-a-Family” program.
Catholic Charities’ “Toy Shower” in Cook County welcomes all new, unwrapped toys and gifts for children and gifts of clothing in original packaging that will be distributed to children in our 156 programs. This year, we are deeply grateful to Chicago’s Merchandise Mart for their generous donation of 12,000 square feet of available space to serve as Catholic Charities’ “Toy Room” to store and sort these gifts.
The Chicago firefighters and paramedics will hold their 11th Annual Toy Parade on December 3, culminating at the IBEW Hall on West Washington Boulevard. Thanks to the charity of these courageous men and women, the Hall will fill with toys and bicycles to warm the hearts of hundreds of children.
In Lake County, Catholic Charities participates in a community-based “Christmas Giving” program that will provide gifts for 13,000 children. Catholic Charities has never failed to be there for families and individuals in tough economic times, thanks to the great generosity of the people of the Cook and Lake County communities.
A thoughtful and unique program that originated 10 years ago with a group of women in Lake County today provides beautifully wrapped new nightgowns and pajamas to low-income women and men in Catholic Charities senior residences and to moms in need in Cook and Lake Counties.
For our staff and volunteers who organize these programs, and the thousands of generous volunteers and donors who pitch in, this is an extraordinarily joyful and busy time! Everyone is invited to “get involved!” For those who look forward to giving, and for those families who depend on our charity to make Christmas a joyful time for their children, it is a special time indeed.
This Advent and Christmas season, I am deeply grateful to the members of Catholic Charities’ Board of Advisors and Junior Board, and our generous donors; as well as to the numerous Catholic parishes, schools and other institutions who contribute in so many ways! Special thanks are due the local corporations and businesses who generously support us. But above all, we appreciate our energetic legion of volunteers! Together, we make it all happen – and Catholic Charities could not accomplish all these good works in Cook and Lake counties at Christmas and throughout the year without every great-hearted person who cares about his or her neighbor in need.
May God, who sent His only-begotten Son, born of the Virgin Mary, to show us the true meaning and joy of life, bless you and your family for your charity year-round; and may you and your families have a most blessed Advent and a joyous Christmas!
St. Vincent De Paul: Living God’s Love
Posted on November 15th, 2011
It is a privilege to serve the poor. It is Christ’s command to the whole human family: “Love your neighbor as yourself!” – and there are no exceptions to that rule. Christ calls us to be his hands and heart today.
“When our hearts stop burning with love, others will die of the cold.” This motto of the Saint Vincent de Paul Society in the Archdiocese of Chicago and throughout the world reminds all of us that to love God means caring for His people in poverty. Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Chicago has wholeheartedly shared this Vincentian mission of charity for 94 years by providing professional and compassionate social services and basic human needs to more than one million people each year. Recently, I had the great privilege of accepting The Saint Vincent de Paul Award, the highest accolade bestowed by DePaul University, the country’s largest Catholic university, founded and staffed by the Vincentians, based on the works of Catholic Charities.
St. Vincent founded the Congregation of the Mission in 17th century France. His charism, and that of St. Louise de Marillac—direct service to the poor through works of charity—continues today. In 1813, Frederic Ozanam, who became the founder of the charitable “Society of St. Vincent de Paul,” began his college career at the Sorbonne in Paris. He never imagined that he and his colleagues would begin a worldwide organization of volunteers dedicated to serving those living on the edges of society–the poor, the hungry, the homeless and desperate. Yet, God did …
Since 1857, The Society of St. Vincent de Paul in the United States, and especially in Chicago, “has cared for those in need regardless of creed, ethnic or social background, health, gender or political opinions.” Vincentians cared for Confederate prisoners at Camp Douglas in Chicago who were starved and dying due to inhumane conditions. They were instrumental in helping the Catholic bishop and pastors in opening new schools and caring for the aged.
The Society helped the Archdiocese of Chicago raise funds to purchase the property in Des Plaines, Ilinois, where Maryville Academy now stands. Vincentians fed and housed victims of the Great Chicago Fire. They fed the hungry during the Great Depression and are still feeding the hungry today.
Vincentians follow the first responders in natural disasters. They were there when Katrina struck. Their HOPE Truck was sent to help the victims. It fed over 10,000 people. Members also helped and continue to help in natural disasters here and abroad. They are still collecting funds for Haiti.
Vincentians to this day visit the sick, the lonely and imprisoned, and provide encouragement and spiritual sustenance. In other words, “Hope” – the hope that springs forth out of a mission dedicated to living, loving and serving others as called forth by the Gospel. Vincentians are Servant Leaders. Their mission: “Spirituality, Friendship and Service.”
In the Archdiocese of Chicago—Cook and Lake counties—there are over 2,265 Vincentian volunteers in 127 parishes and they run 40 food pantries. Last year, St. Vincent de Paul parish conferences, thrift stores and councils served over 425,000 people with an estimated $4 million value in services and donations. The Society of St. Vincent de Paul is truly a “network of charity” and has 750,000 members in 146 countries. Members donate millions of hours of service to those in need – all in the name of Love itself.
Our largest food pantry fed over 90,000 people last year. This year this food pantry will exceed this amount by 30-40%. Staggering numbers…unfortunately, the side effect of a distressed economy. One hundred percent of all donations to conferences are used to support those in need. Many Vincentians not only donate their time and service, they donate from their own funds.
Poverty in America is growing by leaps and bounds. A new catch phrase is on the rise: “Today’s poor is yesterday’s middle class.” This is frightening.
2010 Census Bureau Statistics bear this out:
- 46.2 million people living in poverty – the largest number in 52 years – 15.1%.
- Rising rate of child poverty: 22% in 2010, up from 20.7 in 2009.
- Median household income declined by 2.3% in 2010, while the number of uninsured increased by nearly 1 million.
The need is great—so are the hearts of the members of the St. Vincent de Paul Society. New members are always welcome. For more information, see the Vincentian website: www.svdpchicago.org; or call (312) 655-7181. To advocate for the poor with state and federal lawmakers, join the Voice of the Poor Capwiz Email list; and visit the Voice of the Poor Advocacy Page: www.svdpusa.org.
Feeding Our Hungry Neighbors
Posted on October 3rd, 2011
Much of our work at Catholic Charities revolves around food and feeding people. Last year, our Emergency Assistance Programs provided nearly 2.5 million meals to people in Cook and Lake Counties, and more than 200,000 meals at our nine emergency food pantries to people with critical needs. 2010 census statistics recently released show that nearly one-in-six people live in poverty. People are hungry.
Why and how do we manage to feed so many individuals and families in need of food, this basic necessity of life – year-round? A recent comment by Michael McDonnell, Catholic Charities Director of Volunteer Relations and coordinator of the now 10 year-old Evening Supper Program at Catholic Charities, tells a wonderful story of every-day charity.
“As the economy continues to sputter, the Supper has become even more important, not only as a place where one can get a nutritious, hot meal five nights a week, but also as a destination that provides respite and camaraderie for our clients, as well as for our donors and volunteers. I’m often asked the question: ‘How do you decide who can come in for a meal?’ I always reply that hunger knows no color, creed, nationality, gender, orientation, or social status. If someone comes looking for a meal, then, by the Grace of God, and of course, human generosity, they will leave St. Vincent Hall with their stomachs full and their spirits lifted.”
The Gospel of Charity is lived every day at Catholic Charities’ 159 sites and 156 programs throughout Cook and Lake Counties. But it is highly visible at our River North location. Five nights a week, every week, summer, winter, spring and fall, at 5 p.m., (earlier in severe weather), we open our front doors at 721 N. LaSalle Street to welcome 130 supper guests who are hungry, homeless or living on low-incomes. We supplement that with 50 additional “to-go” suppers for those beyond our seating capacity. A coalition of four organizations provide the food and the volunteer servers at the weekly suppers: Holy Name Cathedral hosts and serves two evenings. Fourth Presbyterian Church, Chicago HELP Initiative, and Catholic Charities each provide one evening’s supper each week, assisted by the generosity of 30 restaurants throughout the year. Catholic Charities partners with numerous parishes who provide the food and the volunteers for our Tuesday Night Supper.
After our supper guests are seated, announcements are made about programs that may be helpful to our guests. Social workers are available to meet with guests weekly, with legal and medical assistance available on a bi-monthly basis. Each night, a supper guest volunteers to offer his or her own “Prayer before Meals.” While homelessness or a transient life-style tends to isolate people, the supper brings them together with others who understand. Most of our guests are male, and most are either homeless or living in rental units, hotels or shelters that do not allow electronic appliances such as hot plates or refrigerators to cook or store food.
At Catholic Charities, we track our programs in systematic ways. In 2009, we found that the vast majority of guests surveyed were walking from one to five miles or more to the suppers, and attending a supper 4-5 times a week for more than a year. Our 2011 survey showed an increase in the number of guests coming for less than a year, but walking the same distance. Most of our guests are men in their 50s, followed by those in their 60s and 40s. Predominantly African-American, with fewer being Caucasian and Hispanic, they use several Catholic Charities services: primarily emergency assistance, health screenings, and legal assistance, followed by Streets-to-Home, a housing program for previously homeless people.
Over the years, a spirit of camaraderie has developed among the supper guests. Mutual respect is expected. Friends have been made; and we have mourned the deaths of some of our guests. In a recent survey, our predominantly male guests expressed appreciation for the companionship they enjoy with other guests, for the volunteers who serve the meals, and for the Catholic Charities social workers who are on hand. A majority of supper guests do receive food stamps or have requested to speak to a case manager about receiving them.
Generous parishes, parish volunteers, donors, a coalition of organizations and restaurants from all over the Chicago area have been the key to “feeding our hungry neighbors” through the Supper Program. Major holidays are well-staffed by volunteers, including employees from local restaurants that are closed for the day, but who want to share the spirit of the season by helping others! Well-organized, overseen by a committee of Catholic Charities staff, and fueled by a fantastic spirit of charity from everyone involved, the evening suppers at Catholic Charities feed bodies and souls, creating health, hope and human dignity.
To learn more about Catholic Charities or to volunteer, please visit www.catholiccharities.net.
Immigrant Survivors of Domestic Violence
Posted on September 2nd, 2011
Imagine being a recently arrived immigrant in the United States – living in Cook or Lake County. While your dream of living in the U.S. has been realized, there are many unexpected stresses on you, your spouse and your children. The culture, the language and customs at work and at school are different from those at home; the neighborhood is not the same as the town you left. You are struggling to feed your children and pay rent. The children do their homework in a different language in a very different school system.
Sometimes frustration erupts and tempers flare in the family. Hurtful things are said and perhaps blows are struck. And in the experience of Catholic Charities and our partner agencies, it is most often the wife and mother of the family who bears the brunt of the anger and frustration, physically and emotionally. But domestic violence, the silent member of the family, is a destructive force on every family member.
Since Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Chicago was founded 94 years ago, we have assisted women suffering from domestic violence. Often hidden, a “family secret,” it was – and remains today – a source of great suffering for women and children, and less frequently, men, trapped in homes with abusers. But spousal abuse and its culture of silence lives on in the lives of thousands of men, women and children. This is especially true among immigrant families as women and children face additional language, cultural, and legal barriers to their safety. Immigrant victims of domestic violence and sexual assault represent one of the most marginalized populations in our midst as they frequently do not know help is available.
Last October, in order to address this problem, the Catholic Charities Immigration and Naturalization Department formed a partnership, The Immigrant Survivors Project (ISP), with several other social service agencies: Sarah’s Inn, Greenhouse Shelter, Connections for Abused Women and their Children (CAWC), and Catholic Charities Legal Assistance Program, to provide comprehensive, specialized legal services for women and men who are victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, dating violence or stalking.
The partner agencies meet quarterly to cross-train each other in their respective fields. Catholic Charities departments train specialized victim agencies (Sarah’s Inn and Greenhouse Shelter) on legal issues, and specialized victim agencies equip legal service providers to represent clients in a victim-centered manner.
Each organization contributes services according to their mission: providing shelter for victims, court advocacy, specialized support services, family law advice and representation, immigration law advice. For instance, Catholic Charities Immigration and Naturalization Services (CCINS) provides legal counsel and representation to those whose insecure immigration status often contributes to their victimization. Sarah’s Inn, one of our formal partners, provides court advocacy, crisis intervention, emergency shelter and specialized support for victims, including safety planning, and assisting Catholic Charities in gathering the necessary documents such as police reports, orders of protection, and medical records in order to move forward with an immigration case.
A two-year Legal Assistance for Victims grant, funded through the U.S. Department of Justice Office of Violence Against Women, a collaborative project, was awarded as a result of the vision of Catholic Charities’ Department of Immigration, whose director and specialists noticed a growing need.
Catholic Charities Department of Immigration and Naturalization Services, a Board of Immigration Appeals-recognized program was established in 1972 to provide low-cost, quality legal advice to guide newcomers to the United States through the immigration process. With a full range of legal services to assist immigrants, Catholic Charities has assisted in providing legal family reunification to U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents with family members from all over the world: including Poland, Russia, Iraq, Nigeria, Mexico, Vietnam and Central and South America – people of all faiths.
Congress has provided immigration laws to protect immigrant victims of domestic violence by securing their immigration status, thus eliminating a common barrier to freedom and safety from their abuser. The Violence Against Women Act (VAWA), first established in 1994 and re-authorized in 2005, enables many individuals in an abusive relationship to a U.S. citizen to seek independence through lawful permanent residency, thus gaining authorization to work and the security to fight for their children in custody and child support matters. The U VISA legislation passed in 2000 helps victims of violent crimes to assist law enforcement by encouraging victims to report and prosecute the perpetrators.
The Immigrant Survivors Project has enabled the Catholic Charities Immigration and Naturalization program to expand their VAWA and U Visa case load by over 300%. In the last 10 months, more than 300 women (and their qualifying family members) have been assisted by ISP in obtaining U Visas or VAWA protection, and 75 of those victims (mostly women and children) are currently receiving intensive counseling and other services to assist in their recovery. Catholic Charities’ Legal Assistance Program provides family law counsel and representation to immigrant victims regarding such matters as orders of protection, child support, and custody issues.
For decades, Catholic Charities has offered legal assistance to newcomers to the United States as well as individual and family counseling. Now, thanks to the new Immigrant Survivors Project, our mission to help families in need of safety, health, justice and charity continues to protect and preserve families.
Success Stories That Inspire
Posted on August 2nd, 2011
The Gospels and Sunday readings are filled with scenes of Christ feeding hungry crowds, curing the sick and troubled, and comforting the sorrowful. Jesus had compassion for the poor.
Based on the Gospel mandate to love our neighbor as ourselves, the mission statement of Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Chicago is quite simple and direct: “Catholic Charities fulfills the Church’s role in the mission of charity to anyone in need by providing compassionate, competent and professional services that strengthen and support individuals, families and communities based on the value and dignity of human life.”
Every day for the last 93 years, Catholic Charities has lived this mission of charity in service to our neighbors of all races, religions and nationalities who are suffering poverty or crisis. Today, as a fully accredited social service agency offering a wide range of 159 programs at 156 sites throughout Cook and Lake counties, we help more than a million people each year with food, clothing, housing and professional counseling. But that’s not all. I’d like to share with you just three of these “success stories” of social services, loving care, great courage and renewed hope.
*A 20-year-old mother with two young children came to one of our residences for women. In order to deal with the physical and emotional abuse she had experienced as a child, she had become involved in drugs and gang activities. After the father of her children was incarcerated, she and her children became homeless and entered Catholic Charities Samaritan House. She became determined to make a positive change in her life. She met weekly with the Samaritan House Case Manager, working to obtain financial assistance to eliminate her outstanding electric bill and to receive domestic violence education services. The client wanted her children to have what she did not have as a child; to raise her children in a safe neighborhood where they would have the opportunity to attend a school with a strong academic reputation. As a participant at Samaritan House, she maintained her TANF benefits, enrolled in a college with an emphasis on the Medical Assistant program, and obtained housing through the Rapid Re-Housing Program.
*D. has been a resident of Catholic Charities’ St. Leo Residence for Veterans in Chicago for five years, and during his stay, he has been a model citizen. D. is very friendly and is always lending a helping hand to another fellow veteran. Prior to coming to St. Leo’s, D. had a serious gambling addiction. Since D. has been a resident of St. Leo’s, he was referred to and has actively participated in Gambling Anonymous meetings and job training. He is now in recovery and is employed with an organization as an Outreach Case Manager, helping others.
*ACES is Catholic Charities’ Addiction Consultation and Educational Services program that provides counseling on an individual, family or group basis for adults 18 years of age or older who are affected with alcohol- or drug-related problems. Founded by Monsignor Ignatius D. McDermott several decades ago, the program has assisted thousands of people over the years.
Recently, a client was referred for outpatient treatment to ACES and was not very active initially. He seemed to have little connection with his family and stated emphatically, “THIS is my family.” As sessions continued, he participated a bit more. When asked about plans for an upcoming weekend, he responded, “It’s my birthday on Saturday and it will be the first sober one I’ve had in over twenty years.” On Monday, when it was his turn to share with the group, he said, “I stayed sober and it was the best birthday in my life. My family surprised me and came to visit and they brought me a cake and everything. It was the first birthday cake I can remember.” With that, there was silence.
There are hundreds more stories that I – or any of Catholic Charities’ million clients each year – could tell. Some inspire silence, some tears, some cheers.
The people we help are refugees from oppression, recovering from addictions or physical or mental illness, working their way out of homelessness or joblessness, trying to retain their housing, or striving to assure an education and bright future for themselves and their children.
It is all these brothers and sisters of ours in need of help who inspire the commitment, hard work and generosity of our staff members, counselors, program directors and leadership – as well as our donors, benefactors, volunteers, Board and Junior Board members, and numerous parish partners throughout the Archdiocese.
I am deeply grateful for the genuine love of neighbor that permeates and enlivens Catholic Charities, our partners in charity, and our work for those in need. May God bless us all!
ALIMENTANDO EL ESPÍRITU DE CARIDAD
Posted on July 1st, 2011
Amor a Dios y amor al prójimo, el Gran Mandamiento, es la esencia fundamental de una vida de servicio al Pueblo de Dios para cada cristiano y especialmente para todos los sacerdotes católicos.
De manera que, cada año, cuando la primavera y el verano finalmente rompen el invierno de Chicago, Caridades Católicas organiza orientaciones anuales para los seminaristas y los sacerdotes recién ordenados de la Arquidiócesis de Chicago. Debido a que Caridades Católicas atiende de manera compasiva y profesional a más de un millón de personas cada año cubriendo necesidades humanas básicas o proporcionando servicios sociales profesionales, podemos realmente servir como “escuela de caridad” para nuestros seminaristas en formación y los sacerdotes recién ordenados.
Esta primavera, por ejemplo, di la bienvenida al Padre Christopher Ciomek y a 12 seminaristas arquidiocesanos a una misa en la hermosa Capilla de Santa Luisa de Marillac, en el Centro San Vicente de Caridades Católicas, seguido de un desayuno y una orientación sobre la misión y los servicios de Caridades Católicas. Pat Drott, RN, enlace de Caridades Católicas para asuntos sobre el VIH / SIDA con la Arquidiócesis de Chicago hizo una presentación sobre “El VIH y la respuesta cristiana”. La Directora Christene Dykes-Sorrells describió la profunda importancia del Departamento de Servicios de Emergencia de Caridades Católicas, el cual alimenta, da viste y previene la indigencia a decenas de miles de personas y familias pobres, desempleadas que se encuentran en dificultades cada año. Yo presenté una visión general de 159 programas de Caridades Católicas ubicados en 156 sedes en los condados de Cook y Lake. Este mes, los 10 sacerdotes arquidiocesanos recién ordenados servirán la cena para nuestros 130 invitados de nuestra Cena del Martes por la Noche y tendrán luego una comida y conversación acerca de nuestros programas con los sacerdotes que sirven en Caridades Católicas.
Afortunadamente, en los últimos años, hemos podido ofrecer una serie de puestos de verano en Caridades Católicas, dando a los seminaristas la oportunidad de aprender acerca de nuestra misión y al mismo servir a nuestros clientes. Han trabajado en el Centro de Llamadas 311 operado por Caridades Católicas para la Ciudad de Chicago, en los Departamentos de Desarrollo, Inmigración, y en el programa infantil de Santa María Celle, y otras muchas áreas según se ha hecho necesario.
Estos hombres no sólo aprenden acerca de la misión de Caridades Católicas y de sus programas, ya que nuestro personal se reúne con ellos en sesiones de orientación, sino que durante varias semanas del verano, se convierten en una parte integral de nuestro servicio a los pobres, entendiendo y aliviando la pobreza.
Nuestros 130 invitados cada tarde noche de la semana son hombres y mujeres de todas las edades que no tienen casa, viven en la calle, tienen muy bajos ingresos, o viven en viviendas que no tienen la estufa o el refrigerador necesario para la conservación y preparación de alimentos. Literalmente dependen de Caridades Católicas para obtener su “pan diario”. Aún cuando se llevan a cabo en el Centro San Vicente de Caridades Católicas, ubicado en North LaSalle Street, las otras cuatro cenas semanales son organizadas y patrocinadas por una de las otras tres iglesias u organizaciones del centro de la ciudad: Catedral del Santo Nombre (dos tardes), Help Ease Local Poverty (Ayuda a Aliviar la Pobreza Local, o HELP por sus siglas en inglés), y Fourth Presbyterian Church. Parroquias, 30 restaurantes y muchas organizaciones de toda la Arquidiócesis de Chicago se turnan para proporcionar alimentos y voluntarios para servir las comidas.¡Sobra decir que servimos más de una comida! La salud, la nutrición y las actitudes de nuestros invitados de la cena mejoran semana tras semana a medida que observan que los voluntarios les sirven con calidez, respeto y dignidad. Nuestros invitados disfrutan de la socialización y su espíritu de gratitud es evidente en el coro de “¡Gracias!” que dan a los voluntarios al salir del comedor.
Servir en nuestra Cena de Martes por la Noche es una maravillosa oportunidad para los hombres recién ordenados para actualizarlos respecto a los servicios de Caridades Católicas ahora que recién comienzan su ministerio parroquial. Su experiencia se traduce en una situación donde todos ganan, que los beneficia a ellos y a sus feligreses, ya que están equipados con la información para hacer las referencias apropiadas a nuestros servicios, según sea necesario. Además, como nuevos “socios en la caridad” que han aprendido de primera mano lo que hacemos, van a ser de apoyo a nuestras actividades de acopio de alimentos y ropa y para nuestra Colecta del Día de la Madre cuando ministren en sus parroquias.
El espíritu de unidad y de caridad que los seminaristas, los sacerdotes recién ordenados, y los miembros del personal de Caridades Católicas y sus líderes han generado en el servicio a los pobres es un gran regalo para todos nosotros en Caridades Católicas, para la Iglesia, la sociedad y las personas a las que servimos.
Por favor, ténganos presente en sus oraciones y a la obra de cuidado de los hijos de Dios que están en necesidad.
Para mayor información sobre Caridades Católicas, por favor visite: www.catholiccharities.net
Nurturing The Spirit of Charity
Posted on July 1st, 2011
Love of God and love of neighbor – The Great Commandment – are at the heart of a life of service to the People of God for every Christian, and especially for every Catholic priest. So, each year, as spring and summer finally break through Chicago’s long winter, Catholic Charities hosts annual orientations for the seminarians and the newly ordained priests of the Archdiocese of Chicago. Because Catholic Charities compassionately and professionally serves more than a million persons each year with basic human needs or professional social services, we can serve literally as “a school of charity” for our seminarians in formation and our newly ordained priests.
This spring, for instance, I welcomed Father Christopher Ciomek and 12 Archdiocesan seminarians to Mass in our beautiful St. Louise de Marillac Chapel at Catholic Charities’ St. Vincent Center, followed by breakfast and an orientation to the mission and services of Catholic Charities. Pat Drott, R.N., Catholic Charities HIV/AIDS Liaison to the Archdiocese of Chicago made a presentation about “HIV and the Christian Response.” Director Christene Dykes-Sorrells described the profound importance of Catholic Charities’ Emergency Services Department, which feeds, clothes and averts homelessness for tens of thousands of poor, unemployed and struggling individuals and families each year. I presented the overview of Catholic Charities’ 159 programs at 156 locations in Cook and Lake counties. This month, the 10 newly ordained Archdiocesan priests will serve dinner to our 130 Tuesday Night Supper guests and then have a meal and conversation about our programs with the priests who minister at Catholic Charities.
We also offer a number of summer positions at Catholic Charities, giving seminarians the opportunity to learn about our mission while serving our clients. They have worked at the 311 Call Center operated by Catholic Charities for the City of Chicago; in our Departments of Development, Immigration; and the St. Mary of Celle Children’s Program; and in a number of other areas as needed.
They learn about Catholic Charities’ mission and programs as our staff meets with them in orientation sessions, and for several weeks during the summer, become an integral part of our service to the poor, understanding and alleviating poverty.
They volunteer to serve our 130 supper guests who enjoy a full meal each weekday evening at our St. Vincent Center on Chicago’s Near North Side. These guests are homeless, live on the street, have very low-incomes, or live in housing situations that do not provide the stoves or refrigeration required for preparing food. They literally depend on Catholic Charities for their “daily bread.” Needless to say, we serve more than a meal. The health, nutrition and attitudes of our supper guests improve week after week as they are served with warmth, respect and dignity by the volunteers.
The spirit of unity and charity that the seminarians, the newly ordained priests, and Catholic Charities’ staff members and leadership have generated in service to the poor is a great gift to all of us at Catholic Charities, and to the Church, society and the people we serve.
Please keep all of us in your prayers as we care for God’s people in need.
A Priest Forever
Posted on June 7th, 2011
On May 29, I had the great joy and privilege of celebrating my 25th Anniversary as a priest of the Archdiocese of Chicago in Holy Name Cathedral. I was surrounded by my beloved family: my dear mother Eileen, and my four brothers: Father Jeremiah Boland, Tim, Rich, and Joe, and my sisters-in-law and nieces and nephews. I know our father Michael, who went to the Lord in 2003, was present in spirit with us.
I was deeply honored by the presence of numerous family members, friends and colleagues from Catholic Charities and the parishes where I served over the years, as well as members of my ordination class of May 24, 1986, who concelebrated the Mass of Thanksgiving with me.
Words alone cannot express my profound gratitude to God for the privilege of serving the People of God as a Catholic priest for the last 25 years. I thank God daily for the gift of my vocation as a parish priest at Mater Christi Parish in North Riverside, St. Damian in Oak Forest, St. Luke in River Forest and at Holy Name Cathedral. I am especially grateful to all the parishioners who “trained me in” as a young priest during those first eight years. Many of them share their faith and friendship with me to this day.
For almost 17 years, I have had the great privilege of serving people in need of compassionate and professional human services at Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Chicago, first as Associate Administrator, and since 1997, as Administrator, President and CEO.
While I was well-prepared from an academic and professional standpoint with degrees in business, theology and social work for my responsibilities at Catholic Charities, I was particularly blessed by the outstanding and generous support I received from the late and beloved Bishop Edwin M. Conway and Father Roger Coughlin. They were true mentors in word and example, as were many other colleagues at Catholic Charities.
I believe that Catholic Charities has succeeded and grown in compassionate and professional service to the poor for the last 94 years because of our profound respect for all the people in need whom we serve, regardless of race or religion; and because of the high standards of excellence that have been set and lived daily by our generous and committed Board members, executives, staff, volunteers and donors.
It continues to be an enormous privilege to participate so completely on a daily basis in the work of charity as advocates and companions of those in need; to see the face of Christ in our brothers and sisters who come to our 156 sites – poor, homeless, hungry, or facing other painful crises. With the help of our benefactors, donors and volunteers, Catholic Charities remains a source of hope for our struggling neighbors as we provide them with compassionate care, food, clothing, shelter and safety through our 159 programs in Cook and Lake counties.
Jesus tells us that every human being – no matter what our calling in life – shares this vocation to “love God and love our neighbors as ourselves.” These are the “Great Commandments.”
But what makes every Catholic priest effective in his ministry is his relationship with the Good Shepherd, Christ the High Priest, who laid down his life for his sheep. He is the source of unity and community shared by the Catholic Church throughout the world.
I know that my priesthood, as well as the very foundation of Catholic Charities, rests on the bedrock of the sacraments, scripture, prayer, and our community with others. That is why we offer Mass daily at the St. Louise de Marillac Chapel in our St. Vincent Center downtown for all people, but especially for our clients, board members, donors, volunteers and staff members. That is why we open our doors to everyone in need.
As we draw to the close of this Easter Season, I think the readings of “Good Shepherd Sunday” on May 15 perfectly define the mission of Christ and the vocation of every priest – to heal and bring eternal life to all. The first Letter of St. Peter tells us that: “By his wounds you have been healed. For you had gone astray like sheep, but you have now returned to the shepherd and guardian of your souls.”
In the Gospel (John 10:1-10), Christ tells us clearly that he is both “the gate for the sheep,” and “the shepherd of the sheep.” And his gift is eternal: “I came so that they might have life and have it more abundantly.”
The love of God and the example of Christ the Good Shepherd impel us to do the work of charity. And charity and prayer go hand-in-hand; one cannot exist without the other. So, during this joyful season of celebration, I ask your prayers for all priests and especially for Catholic Charities and the people we serve. May God bless you and your families.
For more information about Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Chicago, or to make a donation, please visit: www.catholiccharities.net, or call (312) 655-7012.
UN SACERDOTE PARA SIEMPRE
Posted on June 5th, 2011
El 29 de mayo, tuve la gran alegría y el privilegio de celebrar mi 25 aniversario como sacerdote de la Arquidiócesis de Chicago en la Catedral del Santo Nombre. Estuve rodeado de mi querida familia: de mi querida madre, Eileen y mis cuatro hermanos: el Padre Jeremiah Boland, Tim, Rich y Joe, y de mis cuñadas, sobrinas y sobrinos. Sé que nuestro padre Michael, quien partió para ir con el Señor en 2003, estuvo presente en espíritu con nosotros.
Me sentí profundamente honrado con la presencia de numerosos miembros de mi familia, de amigos y colegas de Caridades Católicas y de personas de las parroquias donde he servido en los últimos años, así como de miembros de mi generación de ordenación del 24 de mayo de 1986, quienes me acompañaron para concelebrar la Misa de Acción de Gracias.
Las palabras solas no pueden expresar la profunda gratitud que tengo a Dios por el privilegio de servir a su pueblo como sacerdote católico durante los últimos 25 años. Doy gracias a Dios todos los días por el regalo de mi vocación como sacerdote parroquial en la Parroquia Mater Christi, en North Riverside, en San Damián en Oak Forest, en San Lucas en River Forest y en la Catedral del Santo Nombre. Estoy especialmente agradecido a todos los feligreses que “me entrenaron” cuando era yo un joven sacerdote en aquellos primeros ocho años. Muchos de ellos comparten conmigo su fe y su amistad hasta el día de hoy.
Durante casi 17 años, he tenido el gran privilegio de servir a las personas que han necesitado servicios humanos compasivos y profesionales en Caridades Católicas de la Arquidiócesis de Chicago, primero como Administrador Asociado, y desde 1997, como Administrador, Presidente y CEO.
Aún cuando estaba bien preparado desde el punto de vista académico y profesional, con estudios en las áreas de administración, teología y trabajo social para atender mis responsabilidades en Caridades Católicas, fui especialmente bendecido por el excelente y generoso apoyo que recibí de los queridos y difuntos Obispo Edwin M. Conway y el Padre Roger Coughlin. Fueron unos verdaderos mentores en la palabra y el ejemplo, al igual que muchos otros colegas de Caridades Católicas.
Creo que Caridades Católicas ha tenido éxito y ha crecido en el servicio compasivo y profesional a los pobres durante los últimos 94 años debido a nuestro profundo respeto por todas las personas necesitadas a las que servimos, sin importar su raza o religión, y debido a los altos estándares de excelencia que se han creado y vivido a diario por nuestros generosos y comprometidos miembros de la Junta, por los ejecutivos, el personal, los voluntarios y los donantes.
Sigue siendo un enorme privilegio participar de una manera tan completa, a diario, en el trabajo de caridad como defensores y compañeros de los necesitados; y ver el rostro de Cristo en nuestros hermanos y hermanas que vienen a nuestros 156 sitios – pobres, personas sin hogar, con hambre o que enfrentan otras crisis dolorosa. Con la ayuda de nuestros benefactores, donantes y voluntarios, Caridades Católicas sigue siendo una fuente de esperanza para nuestros prójimos en dificultades a través del cuidado compasivo, la comida, la ropa, el refugio y la seguridad que les proporcionamos a través de nuestros 159 programas en los condados de Cook y Lake.
Jesús nos dice que todo ser humano – sin importar nuestra vocación en la vida – comparte esta vocación de “amar a Dios y amar a nuestros prójimos como a nosotros mismos”. Estos son los “grandes mandamientos”.
Pero lo que hace efectivo a cada sacerdote católico en su ministerio es su relación con el Buen Pastor, Cristo, Sumo Sacerdote, que dio su vida por sus ovejas. Él es la fuente de unidad y de comunidad compartida por la Iglesia Católica en todo el mundo.
Sé que mi sacerdocio, así como el fundamento mismo de Caridades Católicas, se basa en los cimientos de los sacramentos, en las Escrituras, la oración y en nuestra comunidad con los demás. Es por eso que ofrecemos la Misa diaria en la Capilla de Santa Luisa de Marillac en nuestro Centro de San Vicente para todas las personas, pero especialmente para nuestros clientes, los miembros de la junta, los donantes, voluntarios y miembros del personal. Es por eso que abrimos nuestras puertas a todos los necesitados.
Conforme nos acercarnos al final de este Tiempo de Pascua, creo que las lecturas de “Domingo del Buen Pastor” el 15 de mayo definen perfectamente la misión de Cristo y la vocación de cada sacerdote – sanar y dar vida eterna a todos. La primera carta de San Pedro nos dice que: “Por su suplicio han sido sanados. Pues eran como ovejas descarriadas, pero han vuelto al pastor y guardián de sus almas.
En el Evangelio (Juan 10,1-10), Cristo nos dice claramente que él es “la puerta de las ovejas”, y el “pastor de las ovejas”. Y su don es eterno: Yo he venido para que tengan vida y la tengan en plenitud”.
El amor de Dios y el ejemplo de Cristo, el Buen Pastor, nos impulsan a hacer el trabajo de la caridad. Y la caridad y la oración van mano a mano, uno no puede existir sin el otro. Así, durante esta alegre temporada de celebración, les pido sus oraciones por todos los sacerdotes y especialmente por Caridades Católicas y las personas a las que servimos. Que Dios los bendiga a ustedes y a sus familias.
Para obtener más información acerca de Caridades Católicas de la Arquidiócesis de Chicago, o para hacer un donativo, por favor visite: www.catholiccharities.net, o llame al (312) 655-7012.