Catholic Charities Tells Its Story

By JOHN WOODS

The more than 90 agencies that make up archdiocesan Catholic Charities came together last week for what was called a "Bicentennial Convening of the Federation of Agencies of the Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of New York." The title may not exactly roll off the tongue, but the event held at The Times Center in Manhattan came off smoothly and smartly.

It was a chance for Catholic Charities personnel to tell the story of how it has been "providing help" and "creating hope" throughout the history of the archdiocese. (See the accompanying story.) Besides honoring the past, speakers and video presentations also celebrated the present and envisioned the future. WCBS-TV newscaster Magee Hickey was the emcee.

The audience of Catholic Charities administrators and staff members, board members, volunteers, benefactors, friends and government officials, including Deputy Mayor for Health and Human Services Linda Gibbs, were treated to an evening that had elements of a pep rally, an awards ceremony, a board meeting and a mission statement.

Many who serve across the archdiocese spoke of their agencies' work on behalf of society's most vulnerable people. Particularly passionate were the remarks delivered by Alexie Torres Fleming, founder and executive director of Youth Ministries for Peace and Justice in the Bronx, which is dedicated to fostering peace and justice through youth and community development and organizing.

"How like Jesus are the poor who are served by Catholic Charities agencies," she said.

She also spoke of being in the presence of "a family" of Catholic Charities employees, even the many in the crowd of more than 250 people that she didn't know when the event started. Speaking of their joint voice, she said, "I pray that in this moment of celebration that we remember who we are and who we belong to."

Among those honored was Sister Judith Garson, R.S.C.J., executive director of the Little Sisters of the Assumption Family Health Service in East Harlem, who became the first recipient of the Faithful Servant Award to be given periodically to religious who have provided distinguished service in charitable ministry. Her achievements during her 24-year tenure at the agency include leading the effort to construct a new building on East 115th Street that was able to bring all its programs under one roof.

Sister Judith, who is marking her golden jubilee this year, said that she accepted the award "in the name of all the religious and the countless lay collaborators who made our mission possible."

Cardinal Egan accepted the inaugural Deus Caritas Est (God Is Love) Award presented by John J. Phelan Jr., chairman of Catholic Charities' board of trustees. Earlier in the night, the naming of a Meritorious Trustee Award after Phelan was announced.

The cardinal, in accepting the honor, credited the leadership team formed by Phelan and Msgr. Kevin Sullivan, executive director of Catholic Charities. Referring to the employees, board members and supporters in attendance, he said, "God is love, you are love. May God continue to love you for all that you are doing."

Then he reminded all of the importance of getting the word out about the services that they are providing to those in need. Actually, it seems as though they had done a pretty good job of it that night.