Voice of Catholic Charities

March 03, 2021

Community and participation

During my many years overseeing Catholic Charities volunteer relations, I have had the privilege of witnessing biblical and church teachings come to life. As staff, volunteers, and those seeking help interact with one another, I see first-hand the everyday miracles that happen when mercy is shown, love is felt, relationships are formed and community is created and strengthened.

February 03, 2021

Fighting bias, racism

As we celebrate Black History Month, we at Catholic Charities are praying for the grace and courage we need to fight against each and every biased attitude, behavior and structure. As a social service provider, we work to address all biases, including those rooted in systems of overt oppression. We ask for your partnership in this important work.

January 06, 2021

Inspired by refugees

As director of Catholic Charities’ Refugee Resettlement Program, one of the “perks” of my job is welcoming refugee families at the airport. Recently, we welcomed an 11-year-old girl from Uganda so we could reunite her with her mother after five years of being apart.

November 04, 2020

Prayers of gratitude

It has been a time of extraordinary need and extraordinary generosity.

October 07, 2020

Catholic Charities’ three things

I am honored to be the new president and CEO of Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Chicago. As a social psychologist and educator by training, I have spent my career teaching people how to build more effective organizations. I can’t think of a more important enterprise to build and lead than Catholic Charities, or a more important time to join in its critical work.

September 02, 2020

COVID-19 services overview

Over the past several months Catholic Charities has received a tremendous increase in requests for assistance due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and we know that there are even greater numbers of people in need of our help. In lieu of our traditional Voice of Catholic Charities column this month, we would like to use this space to provide a summary of our most-requested services during this unprecedented time, along with contact information.

July 22, 2020

Moving on

It is hard for me to believe that this is the last column I write as acting CEO of Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Chicago. Beginning Aug. 1, I will leave the agency in the very capable hands of Sally Blount, who, as the Michael L. Nemmers Professor of Strategy at the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University and former dean of the school, was carefully selected for her outstanding leadership and organizational skills, and her steadfast commitment to help those in need.

June 03, 2020

Other essential workers

We have all developed a much greater appreciation for the lesser-known essential workers during the pandemic — grocery store and warehouse employees, delivery personnel, maintenance staff, mail carriers, truck drivers and thousands of others whose jobs are absolutely essential to our day-to-day lives.

May 06, 2020

Continuing work in the pandemic

As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to radically alter daily life, I want to take this opportunity to thank the community for the prayers, volunteer efforts and donations that you have offered to Catholic Charities over these past weeks. As our history shows, times like these can bring out the best in people coming together to care for one another in inspiring and creative ways.

April 08, 2020

Helping people bear their crosses

Like so many Catholics and Christians, each year I look forward to the Resurrection of Easter and the promise of hope and new life that it brings. With all that has happened in these past weeks as our nation and world battle the COVID-19 pandemic, I am finding great inspiration contemplating Mary at the foot of the cross, watching her child suffering and yet having the faith to face the “sword that pierced her heart” (Luke 2:34-35) with such courage and grace.
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