Fertile Ground for Partnership

spirit
spring 2015
vol 16 • no 2
Parishes
Fertile Ground for Partnership
ROUNDTABLE
FEATURE
LAST WORD
Bishops on Charity
Charities Expands
Bishop Rassas
6
8
18
SPIRIT
MAGAZINE
spring 2015 vol 16, no 2
contents spring 2015
editor
Sheila Black Haennicke
writersCommunications Department
Development Department
Program Service Areas
photosCatholic Charities
Communications and
Program Archives
brand
mangement Jennifer Sirota
art designKathleen Gabriel
editorial board
Rev. Monsignor Michael M. Boland
president
Kathy Donahue
senior vice president, program
development & evaluation
John Ryan
chief of staff
Judith Silekis
director of development
Kristine Kappel
director of communications
2 monsignor boland
4 parish profile
Parishes are Where Parables,
and People, Bloom
St. James, Arlington Heights
6 roundtable
Bishops and Charity
8 program news
14 events
18 the last word
spirit magazine
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&
FIRST
Bishop George Rassas
Women
Children
MOTHER’S DAY COLLECTION
MAY 10, 2015
www.catholiccharities.net/spirit
monsignor boland
Parishes are Where Parables, and People, Bloom
Rev. Monsignor Michael M. Boland
PRESIDENT OF CATHOLIC CHARITIES
For many people of faith, a local parish is the first
place we hear the word of God, including the stories
that will become familiar to us over the years,
helping to guide us in our moral decision-making
as we grow up.
Parishes are where we see the parables come
to life; where good samaritans organize food
and clothing drives; where prodigal sons (and
daughters) find forgiveness in the sacrament of
Reconciliation; where school children learn to let
their talents and skills shine forth like bright lamps
taken out from under bushels, and where lost
sheep can rejoin the flock at any Mass, or by simply
ringing the rectory doorbell and asking to speak
with someone.
As I reviewed this issue of Spirit Magazine,
which is full of stories about parishes and their
extraordinary generosity and commitment to
Catholic Charities, I was reminded of the parable of
the Sower:
“ … as for the seed that fell on rich soil, they are the
ones who, when they have heard the word, embrace it
with a generous and good heart, and bear fruit through
perseverance.” Luke 8:15
Parishes that support Catholic Charities are prime
examples of “rich soil” that bears fruit not only in
one community, but across the Archdiocese. By
supporting us, parishes feed the roots of a vine that
reaches out to anyone in need, not just Catholics,
and enfolds them in its caring embrace. The social
“… as for the seed that fell
on rich soil, they are the
ones who, when they have
heard the word, embrace
it ...and bear fruit through
perseverance.”
Luke 8:15
SPIRIT 3
safety net in the Chicago area would be much,
much weaker without the strong commitment
of faith communities to serve the poor. Society
itself would be weaker, as by helping others we
strengthen the moral character of our culture.
It is now March, and though Spring can seem
a long way off, we trust that it will arrive one day.
A sure sign of Spring is our annual Mother’s Day
Collection, the only time we directly solicit parishes
for monetary support. Catholic Charities is an
integral part of the Archdiocese, but our budget
is separate and we must raise our own funds.
The Mother’s Day Collection is a critical part of
our fundraising efforts. I am so grateful for the
generosity of parishes who collectively raised more
than $1.48 million for our appeal last year, which
supports services for families, such as child care,
nutrition, housing, and counseling.
May God bless you and your families as we move
through Lent toward the joyful promise of Easter.
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events
section header
Parish
Profile
St. James Pa
A R LI N G T ON HEIGHTS
We remember. We celebrate. W
The St. James family is a welcoming
Catholic community sent forth from our
celebration of the Eucharist to walk in faith,
to live in hope, and act in love. As disciples
of Jesus Christ we are committed to justice
and peace through prayer, education,
evangelization, and stewardship. We
remember. We celebrate. We believe.
St. James Parish, “Yes, We Can Help”
“When there is a need, St. James says, ‘yes, we can help,’
and they do it in a very generous way,” says Marybeth
Shoenwald, a long-time parishioner at St. James Parish in
northwest suburban Arlington Heights.
Marybeth and her husband, Mike, embody the parish’s
long history of charity. For 25 years they have worked the
3 to 7 a.m. shift for the PADS (Public Action to Deliver
Shelter) program. PADS is an interdenominational
program that provides overnight accomodation for the
homeless at various sites in the suburbs. Ten years ago,
the Shoenwalds helped establish a St. Vincent de Paul
conference at St. James, whose mission is to serve those in
need confidentially, and individually.
“The St. James St. Vincent de Paul conference provides
dinners, organizes an annual food drive, and raises
thousands of dollars for charity through our annual ‘Truly
Priceless’ garage sale which we do jointly with the Respect
Life ministry. There are no prices at the sale, so everything
is affordable for the needy. Catholic Charities is the only
charity that has received funds every year from the sale;
more than $5,000 total,” Mike explains.
Financially, St. James has always been generous to
Catholic Charities and is one of the largest donors to the
agency’s Mother’s Day Collection.
“Catholic Charities, like St. James, sees a problem and says
‘yes we can help.’ We are still astounded by their many programs
which address every conceivable need, and, they do this while
keeping in mind the teachings of the Catholic faith. We are so
grateful and happy to partner with them,” Marybeth says.
SPIRIT 4
Acting as a bridge between rich and poor, old and new
seems part of St. James’ character. Spanning two blocks
divided by a heavily-trafficked road, the 13,000 member
parish has preserved and improved the original church,
while building a vibrant complex across the street to house
its school, offices and a multi-purpose Parish Center that
serves as a gymnasium, auditorium and worship space.
With more than a dozen Human Concerns ministries,
St. James is an essential piece of the social service safety
net in the area. The parish works to efficiently distribute
limited resources by participating in Catholic Charities
PEAR program, which uses a shared database to understand
individuals’ use of food pantries and other services at
churches across the northwest suburbs.
Using Resources Wisely and Responsibly
“The PEAR system helps us to communicate, so that we use
our resources wisely and responsibly,” says Chris Kushner,
President of the St. Vincent de Paul Society.
“We frequently work with the social workers at Catholic
Charities in the Des Plaines location and at the Senior Center
in Arlington Heights. There are times when we know that a
person’s situation requires much more that the short-term
assistance that we can provide and we are relieved that we
can refer them to Catholic Charities. We also give referrals to
other groups in the area, as well as collaborate with other St.
Vincent de Paul conferences in the area.” Chris explains.
Mike McNulty is another St. Vincent de Paul member who
is in charge of the food drives that benefit Catholic Charities.
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parishheader
profile
section
arish
We believe.
“Although I have been involved in a number of
fundraising activities, the parish activities which involve
charity work give me the most personal satisfaction,”
Mike says. “There are a number of individuals who
support those less fortunate. This parish encourages these
activities and the people of the parish are always willing to
step up and help when asked.”
Pastor Sets Tone for Culture of Compassion
“I believe the parish culture is an extension of the religious
leaders that we have had within the parish,” Mike explains.
“The support that the pastor gives to any new idea has
been tremendous. The Catholic Charities food collection is
a great example. Although we collect food from the parish
at Christmas for Mercy Hospital, Fr. Bill Zavaski was all
for a second collection for the Catholic Charities food
pantry. Fr. Matt Foley has shown this same commitment.
I believe by showing this support, the culture at St. James
benefits and has a long term commitment to charitable
work...when you actually see what a difference those
activities make in someone’s life, that is what inspires you
to do more.”
PHOTOS
(left to right)Sister Faustina Ferko, Director of Youth Ministry,
helps to deliver gifts to Marillac House at Christmastime;
St. James Church; the annual “Truly Priceless” garage sale
where people pay what they can to raise money for charities.
SPIRIT 5
FATHER
Matt Foley
At first glance, Fr. Matt
Foley’s assignment
to St. James Parish in
the affluent suburb of
Arlington Heights looks
out of character for a priest who previously served
inner-city communities rife with gang violence;
impoverished, rural Mexican villages; and army
bases in Afghanistan where young soldiers faced
injury or death on a daily basis.
But a common thread throughout Fr. Foley’s
career is his ability to be present to those who
suffer; to be a source of peace and hope to them,
and their families. This gift has made him a good
fit for a parish known for its charity.
Compassionate presence is a skill Fr. Matt
learned early on. One of seven children, he had
an older brother with special needs. Young Matt
saw his family pull together to support his brother
by working for services, like special schools, that
could help him and others.
“My family is very big on service. It was part of
how I was raised. Just pitch in and help,” Fr. Matt
explains. “Growing up I knew I was tremendously
blessed and was aware that I must be accountable.”
Though a frequent witness to death and anguish
caused by gang fights and combat, Fr. Matt has
maintained an optimistic outlook. His favorite
scripture quote is, “This is the day the Lord has
made, let us rejoice and be glad in it.”
“I think from the moment you wake up until
the moment you lie down, returning the blessings
God has bestowed upon you is a joyful action of
love,” Fr. Matt says.
In his five years as a military chaplain, Fr. Matt
witnessed the power that charity had on bringing
people together in a war zone. “There was always
something going on, we were receiving clothing or
school supplies and bringing them to the Afghan
villages.”
In the 18 months since he arrived at St. James,
Fr. Matt has encouraged charitable activities, like
large food drives which benefit Catholic Charities.
“Charity builds relationships with our
parishioners in living out the Gospel message.
We put into action what we pray over. It’s an
energizing force in the community and a sense of
spiritual renewal,” he says.
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section header
Bishops Reflect on the Meaning of Charity
in a Large and Diverse Archdiocese
BISHOP
ALBERTO ROJAS
Auxiliary Bishop
Episcopal Vicar
Vicariate III
BISHOP
JOHN MANZ
Auxiliary Bishop
Episcopal Vicar
Vicariate IV
BISHOP
JOSEPH PERRY
Auxiliary Bishop
Episcopal Vicar
Vicariate VI
SPIRIT 6
The Archdiocese of Chicago covers 1,411
square miles, wrapping around the lower
edge of Lake Michigan from the Wisconsin
border to Indiana. It contains more than
356 parishes located in small towns, large
suburbs and inner-city neighborhoods. It is
essential that the Archbishop have a solid
team of bishops to assist him in ministering
to the needs of the 2.2 million Catholics
who make up his large and diverse flock.
Our six auxilary bishops attend to a myriad
of duties from administering sacraments,
such as confirmation, to managing the
administrative duties required of their
regions or “vicariates.” One constant across
this complex system is Catholic Charities
and its mission to serve the poor.
How have you worked with Catholic
Charities over the years?
BISHOP ROJAS
Catholic Charities is a palpable expression of our
Catholic Faith; it is there where the theology of
encounter that our holy Father Pope Francis talks
about becomes real. When I was a pastor in Little
Village it was a pleasure and a joy to have a social
worker from Catholic Charities in the parish.
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roundtable
section
header
BISHOP MANZ:
I consider Catholic Charities regional offices to be a
real positive step forward. I work in the West Regional
office so I can see the services that are offered there.
Decentralizing the services has made them more
accessible to communities. I see strong communication
between Catholic Charities and the parishes in the West
Region.
BISHOP PERRY
Over the years, it has been largely with distribution of
much needed food stuffs and other material items on
the South Side where there are many people in need,
especially since the recession. I have many Catholic
Charities programs in my vicariate. For example, the
bulk of Catholic Charities senior affordable apartment
buildings are there, and also many of the Agency’s
elderly care services
What are the biggest needs you see in the
communities you serve?
BISHOP ROJAS
All the parishes in Vicariate III where I am assigned are
within the City of Chicago. Most of these parishes are
poor and in the midst of violent neighborhoods. There
are still many immigrants and many undocumented
people who need guidance in dealing with their
situation and the church is the institution they trust the
most. I am grateful and glad to know there is an Office
of Latino Affairs within Catholic Charities that seeks to
serve the needs of many Hispanic people regardless of
their faith.
BISHOP MANZ
Many of the towns in my vicariate have large Latino
populations, and many new arrivals from Mexico.
Assistance with immigration issues is a big need, and
professional counseling is a need too. New immigrants
will often go to their priest for help if they go anywhere,
and there is only so much a priest can do when he is not
a professional counselor. I am glad to see that over time
there has been a push to hire more bilingual counseling
staff at Catholic Charities.
BISHOP PERRY
Along with material needs and the elderly….our youth is
a very important population on the South Side and our
minds are constantly running about how we can be of
more direct assistance to them before things happen. A
lot of the issue has to do with family, so counseling and
employment are important, especially for single parent
families. The need is so tremendous.
SPIRIT 7
What is the role of charity in the life of parishes,
and the Archdiocese as a whole?
BISHOP ROJAS
Charity is at the core of who we are meant to be
as a Catholic Church in Chicago and everywhere
else. I am so glad our Holy Father Pope Francis has
been reminding us of that in many different ways,
and bringing us back to the basics of our Christian
identity; a church that works and walks with the poor.
Jesus Christ tells us that He wants us to do more
than sacrifices. So, charity is at the core of Christ’s
mission, and we as his disciples, are called to be always
charitable. Charity is another word for love, and love is
Christ.
BISHOP MANZ
Whatever we can do as a local church to have charity
be the face of the church, to be charity in action, and to
help people instead of scold them. People need to know
about all we do. They can be turned off by collections,
and wonder where all the money is going. We need
to take up Pope Francis’ focus on mercy and being
welcoming.
BISHOP PERRY
I am pleased with what I am seeing at the parishes,
for example at St. Columbanus, on 71st Street, which
makes a lot of referrals to Catholic Charities.
The parishes are really an extension of Catholic
Charities. People come to parishes for food, clothing,
monetary assistance …We are co-companions … it
is good for people to see this co-companionship,
between the Church and charity. “Catholic Charities”
really says it all.
&
FIRST
Women
Children
MOTHER’S DAY COLLECTION
MAY 10, 2015
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feature
section header
Catholic Charities Expands Services
Five New Sites in City Neighborhoods
At a time when poverty rates in some Chicago neighborhoods
hover near 60 percent, Catholic Charities is opening new offices
to help individuals and families in those communities lift
themselves out of poverty and on the path of self-sufficiency. In
February, we opened new offices in four Chicago neighborhoods,
and a new affordable apartment residence for seniors.
“We are continually evaluating our programs to
determine where the greatest need is and how
we can better help people in our neighborhoods.
Opening four new offices throughout Chicago allows
us to offer new and expanded services in the most
desperate communities,” said Monsignor Boland.
At St. Gall Parish in the City’s Southwest Side, we
opened our newest regional office, which is serving
a vibrant and growing immigrant community.
Counseling services, support groups, a children’s
clothing closet, immigrant services, maternal
wellness, a food pantry and legal assistance all
are provided out of this new regional office which
celebrated its opening with a Mass and open house on
February 1.
In Uptown on Chicago’s North Side, we are
expanding to provide “wrap around” counseling
and job training services to public housing clients.
Catholic Charities Refugee Resettlement Program has
also moved their offices to the new Uptown office;
allowing staff to better serve the refugee population in
one of the City’s most diverse neighborhoods.
At St. Mary of the Angels Parish in Wicker Park on
Chicago’s West Side, we are providing adoption and
maternity services, and counseling programs to a
thriving community with varied needs.
In the Southwest Side neighborhood of Chicago
Lawn, we have collaborated with the Sisters of St.
Casimir to move several Catholic Charities programs
and hundreds of staff to the Sisters Motherhouse
campus. Catholic Charities already serves 15,000
people in the surrounding community. St. Casimir is
now home to housing programs, teen parent services,
counseling, addiction services and many more
programs.
Finally, on February 10, we celebrated the opening
of our newest affordable housing building for seniors.
SPIRIT 8
(TOP) Sisters of St. Casimir Motherhouse
(BOTTOM) Artist rendering of Porta Coeli
Porta Coeli residence in Chicago’s South Deering
neighborhood has 86 one-bedroom apartments for
low-income seniors.
“As part of our strategic plan, we pledged to
respond to the region’s shifting demographics and
evolving community needs,” said Kathy Donahue,
Senior Vice President of Program Development
and Evaluation. “Opening these offices will allow us
to better address the most pressing needs of these
communities.”
Catholic Charities serves more than 1 million
people at its 153 programs in more than 160 locations
throughout Cook and Lake. The office expansions are
all expected to be completed by early 2015.
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programs
community development and outreach services
Catholic Charities Provides Space
for Parish Pantry and Outreach
Clients form line for groceries at the St. James parish pantry, which is housed in a Catholic Charities Women, Infants and
Children Food and Nutrition Center.
The Church’s mission continues beyond its walls.
St. James Church (Wabash Ave.) was completed in
1880, and it stood at 2942 S. Wabash for 133 years.
In June of 2013 the iconic structure in the Southside
Bronzeville community was razed because of
its deteriorating condition. Despite this loss, the
community of St. James continues on, celebrating
Mass in the parish hall and providing programs
and services to the community. One such program
is the St. James food pantry, which is housed in the
neighboring Catholic Charities Women, Infants, and
Children (WIC) Food and Nutrition Center.
In 1972 St. James started a food distribution
program out of the rectory. In 2002 St. James
approached Catholic Charities about the parish’s
need to expand the pantry. Catholic Charities
was operating a WIC Food and Nutrition Center
nearby. Catholic Charities secured additional space
from the Illinois Department of Human Services,
making room for the pantry, which is now housed in
donated space at 2907 S. Wabash.
“We are grateful to Catholic Charities for
providing the facility,” said Peter Wawire, Social
Care Director at St. James. “The facility has allowed
us to be efficient. Without it we wouldn’t be able to
operate at the level we do.”
The St. James food pantry serves on average,
1,200 households each month, which includes
many people living in public housing and senior
buildings in the area. Services provided by the
SPIRIT 9
pantry include deliveries of food to homebound
seniors, distributing lunches to the homeless and
distributing bags of groceries to those who come to
their doors.
Gregoria Obeidat, Site Director at the WIC Food
and Nutrition Center, sees the partnership with St.
“We are grateful to Catholic
Charities for providing the
facility, … Without
it we wouldn’t be able to
operate at the level we do.”
James as mutually beneficial. “Often, when clients
come for assistance, I have referred them to St.
James for food and other essential supplies. There
is a big need. Sometimes the pantry line stretches a
block away to State Street!”
D., a client who has been coming to the pantry off
and on for 14 years, puts it simply: “If I didn’t get
here, I wouldn’t eat.”
Together, Catholic Charities and the historic St.
James parish continue meeting the needs of the
poor within their community.
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child, youth, and family services
Shared Objectives Create Art
for Parish and Program
The new mural at St. Mary of Celle Family Strengthening
Center symbolizes the partnership between the parish and
Catholic Charities. De Paul University painted the mural.
Catholic Charities St. Mary of Celle Family
Strengthening Center in Berwyn unveiled a beautiful
mural last November that tells the story of the
community and the importance of the services
brought to it by both Catholic Charities and St. Mary
of Celle Parish.
Placed on a corner so it is visible from all sides,
the colorful scene immediately draws the eye of all
visitors to the center. Deep, bright colors of blue,
orange, yellow and green depict a giant butterfly with
Our Lady of Guadalupe at its center, with a strong
trunk and roots of a tree at her feet. Along the side,
the words “Faith,” “Community,” “Growth,” and
“Change” are written in English, Spanish and Arabic.
The mural was the creation of Brother Mark Elder,
CM, students from DePaul University and members
of the St. Mary of Celle and Catholic Charities
community. DePaul held two focus groups with
parishioners and center participants, where they
asked them what the Center meant to them and what
would they like to see in the mural.
The tree, butterfly and Our Lady of Guadalupe are
significant symbols….The tree represents “strength,”
SPIRIT 10
the butterfly represents “migration,” and Our Lady of
Guadalupe represents to many Mexican immigrants,
“faith and being the Blessed Mother, her desire
to have all her children live together in peace and
harmony”.
The mural is in a shared space for all of those served
by the many programs that take place at the Family
Strengthening Center; art, ESL and computer classes;
exercise and support groups. Catholic Charities also
runs an early childhood center at the site.
Parishioners and participants comingle in the
Center. Catholic Charities shares the names of Center
participants seeking parish information with parish
staff each month. Parish staff distributes information
about the Center’s activities to the parish.
One of the Center’s participants, Luis Mendoza,
attended one of the mural focus groups. “The Center
provides a safe and welcoming feeling, allowing all to
be comfortable to learn and be creative,” Luis said.
Mr. Mendoza came to the Center to take a mosaic
art class and has developed his skill to the point that
he now teaches the classes on Friday mornings.
“It was a great project to bring art with meaning to
“The beautiful mural reflects the
shared goals of St. Mary of Celle
Parish and Catholic Charities;
we strive to strengthen families,
share our faith with others, and
embrace ... change ...”
the Center’s once bland walls” said Angela Bell, the
Family Strengthening Center’s Director. “The Center
now has vibrant color and symbols of strength, faith,
and community in clear view as you enter the door.”
Meg McKinley, the Parish Office Manager attended
the unveiling. “The beautiful mural reflects the
shared goals of St. Mary of Celle parish and Catholic
Charities; we strive to strengthen our families, share
our faith with others, and embrace the continual
change that comes with being part of a vibrant, active
community,” Meg said.
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programs
family and parish support services
Parishes Help Emergency Services
with Donations and Long-Time Volunteers
It is a cold winter morning. People are lined up
outside of the St. Sabina/Catholic Charities Social
Services Center, an outpost of the Catholic Charities
Emergency Assistance Department (EAD). The
people in line are seeking warm coats and boots
for themselves and their families. Inside, they are
welcomed with steamy cups of coffee and a brief
meeting with a case manager who leads them into
the clothing room. There our guests are greeted by
Roxie Scott, a volunteer who will assist with their
clothing selections.
Roxie and her fellow volunteers, Bessie Harris
and Geraldine Hill, are all parishioners at St. Sabina
Parish. The trio have operated the clothing room
since Catholic Charities began its partnership in 1998
with St. Sabina, a large and predominantly AfricanAmerican Parish on Chicago’s South Side.
All three are members of the St. Sabina Women’s’
Club and The Ladies Auxiliary of the Knights of
Peter Claver, organizations that often conduct
clothing and food drives to benefit the center.
Roxie began volunteering with the church’s social
services ministry in 1991. “Since Catholic Charities
came, we now have a very nice facility where we
can keep the clothes better organized. Catholic
Charities has helped us to provide more clothing,
household and hygiene items. Our community
needs this help and Catholic Charities helps us
“Since Catholic Charities came,
we now have a very nice facility
where we can keep the clothes
better organized.… Our
community needs this help.”
provide it. This partnership was forged out of a truly
mutual commitment to serve the poor of Chicago’s
Southside.”
Similar stories of mutual partnerships between the
Catholic Charities Emergency Assistance Department
and local parishes can be found all around the
city and suburbs. In the Southwest suburbs, St.
SPIRIT 11
Volunteers and staff in the clothing room at St. Sabina Emergency
Assistance office.
Blase Parish in Summit houses a busy Catholic
Charities food pantry that provides other services like
screening for public benefits, and a hot supper one
night a week. The Albertine Sisters from the parish
volunteer to staff the pantry and supper. Our Lady of
the Woods Parish in Orland Park recently donated a
commercial refrigerator worth $4,000 to the St. Blase
pantry to safely store perishable items that the parish
donates each week. Finally, St. Christopher Parish in
Midlothian stepped up several years ago to provide
a location for a second weekly supper in the region.
These are just three parishes in one region; we have
eight regional offices across Cook and Lake Counties!
All the community-based offices of The Emergency
Assistance Department enjoy partnerships with local
parishes. Alzenia Melton, Program Supervisor in the
Emergency Assistance Department says, “Our parish
partners conduct food and clothing drives, provide
volunteers to help us work and often give monetary
donations. Without the assistance of parishioners the
Emergency Assistance Department could not exist.”
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housing
Hands Across the City: Parish
and Shelter Create Unique “Family”
Pam O’Mara of St. John Fisher Parish helps to prepare a
meal in St. Francis de Paula shelter.
“I feel like I am part of the family when I’m there,”
says Pamela O’Mara, a parishioner at St. John
Fisher Parish in Chicago’s Beverly community.
She is referring to Catholic Charities St. Francis
de Paula family shelter, located less than 10 miles,
but a world away, in a rough part of the Grand
Crossing neighborhood. Together, these two South
Side entities have forged a mutually beneficial
relationship.
“St. John Fisher has become family to St. Francis
because they are so committed to our program,”
says Star Perry Braddock, Activities Coordinator at
the shelter. “They never miss birthdays, Christmas,
or special events and they always come bearing
gifts. When they come they spend time with our
residents. They are totally involved with them and
our residents appreciate them so much.”
When Catholic Charities contacted Pastor Fr.
Robert Kyfes in 2012, asking if the parish would
“sponsor” St. Francis with donations for many
needed items, he in turn contacted Pam, Betty and
Clay Cort, Don Skonicki, and Amy Goggin. All had
experience volunteering at a shelter in Uptown.
This initial group has grown exponentially. It
is clear St. Francis de Paula shelter provides
SPIRIT 12
something very important for St. John Fisher
parish; the opportunity to practice charity.
“We have entire families who help out at the
parties. With every party or activity we gain more
volunteers. Within the past year, we have launched
our St. John Fisher Service Committee, which has
expanded our volunteer base so much that we will
need to put people on a waiting list!” Pam explains.
Along with addressing ongoing needs at the
shelter, St. John Fisher does appeals for the “Need
of the Month” at St. Francis. For example, the
St. John Fisher School’s volleyball team will be
delivering laundry detergent for the month of
February. On “Need of the Month” day, volunteers
play games, help with homework, and visit with
residents over appetizers and desserts they bring
from home.
Pam is particularly impressed by those families
who involve the children in activities. “There are
so many life lessons to be learned by including
children in volunteer activities,” she says.
Star concurs. “At one of the quarterly Birthday
“… a young child of a
volunteer handed me money
that he had taken out of his
piggy bank. He said that he
wanted the residents to have
it for what they needed..…”
Parties a young child of a volunteer came up to me
and handed me money that he had taken out of his
piggy bank. He said that he wanted the residents
to have it for what they needed. The residents
witnessed this and there was not a dry eye in the
place, it was so heartfelt,” she says.
“I’m also grateful that I’ve been given the
opportunity to work with St. Francis and that
they’re there for me. I leave there feeling so good,”
Pam says.
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programs
senior services
Parishes Wrap Arms Around
Local Senior Center
Seniors across Chicagoland participate at Catholic
Charities senior centers for many reasons. From
companionship, fitness, nutritious meals in a social
setting, art and computer classes, activities and trips.
Our five centers are located across the Archdiocese:
Grayslake, Calumet City, and three centers in the city
serving the North, West, and South Sides. More than
3,700 seniors participated at our centers last year.
Our North Center Senior Center is located within
our St. Vincent de Paul senior apartment residence.
“We are very active with
neighborhood businesses,
associations, religious and
spiritual organizations who
reach out to … seniors,” Liza
says. “This expands the scope
of stewardship …”
The center is managed by Catholic Charities but is
also affiliated with the City of Chicago, which provides
its own array of senior activities. This partnership has
blossomed under the energetic management of Liza
Martin, Center Director.
“We are very active with neighborhood businesses,
associations, religious and spiritual organizations who
reach out to our community of seniors,” Liza says.
“This expands the scope of stewardship we can offer.
There are several churches within a mile or so of our
center. Many of our participants and their families are
members of these parishes. Our seniors attend Mass;
enjoy the annual fish fries, fundraisers, concerts,
bingo, retreats and even a group pilgrimage to the
Holy Land. Together, the parishes and our center offer
seniors a myriad of opportunities to interact.”
However, not everyone is as mobile as they wish.
What happens to seniors that cannot get out and
about by themselves? Or those who feel emotionally
and spiritually disconnected; or who are temporarily
housebound due to medical issues and have no family
nearby to help them?
Parishioners from nearby St. Benedict Catholic Church distribute ashes
at the North Center Senior Center.
This is where our parishes of St. Benedict (Irving
Park Rd.), Queen of Angels (Western Ave.), St.
Andrew (Paulina St.), St. Matthias (Ainslie Ave.), and
St. Alphonsus (Wellington Ave.) take an active role
with our senior center campus.
“Pastors, pastoral staff and neighbors have come to
our center to extend the love of God,” Liza explains.
“Each year, we celebrate the Feast of St. Blase with a
service and blessing of the throats for protection and
healing of ailments. Everyone feels a special warmth
and love extended to them. We pray the Our Father
in English, then Spanish, then Tagalog (a language
from the Philippines) and Polish. This brings a sense
of community to our diverse group of seniors, some
of whom are not Catholic but are always welcome. We
also distribute ashes on Ash Wednesday.”
The parishioners joyfully volunteer their services.
They shovel snow for the seniors who own homes,
rake leaves in the fall, drive them to doctors’
appointments, take them shopping, to Mass and other
destinations or bring Communion to their homes.
“I am so grateful for all of the parish support; for
the adult and student volunteers that have shared
their happy hearts at our parties and activities, and by
doing so, touch the lives of our seniors,” Liza says.
SPIRIT 13
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events
upcoming
section
header
sectionevents
header
MARCH 8
MARCH 12
MARCH 21
HOLY FAMILY VILLA
DINNER
ST. PATRICK’S DAY
CELEBRATION
HELPING HANDS DINNER
& SILENT AUCTION
The 6th Annual Holy Family Villa Dinner
will be held on Sunday, March 8 at Gaelic
Park in Oak Forest. Honorees are: the
Sisters of St. Casimir, Most Reverend
Raymond E. Goedert, Ms. Donna Jania,
and the late Mr. Edward McMahon.
Mary Ann Ahern of NBC 5 will emcee.
Proceeds benefit the newly-expanded
Holy Family Villa skilled nursing facility.
The 12th Annual St. Patrick’s Day
Celebration is being held at FitzGerald’s
in Berwyn on Thursday, March 12.
Proceeds will benefit services for the
homeless in the West Region. Guests
will enjoy hearty Irish fare, beer, wine and
soft drinks, a silent auction and raffle,
and performances by the McNulty Irish
Dancers, the Shannon Rovers and the
Irish Musicians Association-Chicago.
“Red Carpet Hollywood Gala” is the
theme for the 17th Annual Helping
Hands Dinner & Silent Auction to be
held on Saturday, March 21 at the Silver
Lake Country Club in Orland Park.
The event benefits Catholic Charities
programs in the Southwest suburbs.
Honorees are: Christine & Richard
Guzior, and the late John O’Sullivan.
PHOTO: Award Recipients –
Barbara Baumhart, Rev. Edward F. Upton,
Bishop John R. Gorman, Monsignor Boland
MARCH 28
PHOTO: Shannon Rovers
APRIL 16
MEALS ON WHEELS
DINNER DANCE
Lake County Meals on Wheels volunteers
will be honored on Saturday, March 28
at Maravela’s Banquets in Ingleside.
The event features cocktails, a 50/50
raffle, dinner, silent auction and dancing.
Proceeds benefit the Meals on Wheels
program for seniors in Lake County.
PHOTOX: Ronna Levin, Ellen and Larry Wing
ALL EVENT
TICKET
Information
PHOTO: Angela Hickey, Don Larson,
Monsignor Boland, Andy Avalos
APRIL 18
LEGAL LIFELINES
ART OF CARING
The Legal Lifelines Cocktail Reception
will be held on Thursday, April 16 at
the Union League Club, celebrating the
10th Anniversary of Catholic Charities
Legal Assistance program. Monsignor
Boland will be recognized for his vision
to provide free legal services to clients.
Proceeds will benefit the program.
The 26th Annual Art of Caring fundraiser,
featuring a live auction and paddle raise,
will be held Saturday, April 18 at the Exmoor
Country Club, Highland Park. Proceeds
support Catholic Charities programs in
Lake County. Mr. & Mrs. Robert Reynolds
are Honorary Chairs; Event Chairs are
Christine Farrell and Heather Kotlarz.
PHOTO: Jeanne Casey, Mary Fitzpatrick,
Monsignor Boland, Patti Nowak, Pat Salvi
PHOTO: Ed and Marcie Liddy,
Monsignor Boland
Dave Gardner
Director of Regional
& Program Events
(312) 655-7907
[email protected]
www.catholiccharities.net/events
SPIRIT 14
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2014
past
events
events
section
header
d’Vine Affair
Nearly $123,000 was raised for our Self-Sufficiency
Programs at the 14th Annual d’Vine Affair on
January 25. More than 440 guests gathered at the
Union League Club to sample 250 wines from
around the world. Matt Bills, sommelier at David
Burke’s Primehouse, hosted a wine appreciation
seminar. New this year: a tasting room for Craft
and Import Beers, and an exciting live auction of a
barrel of wine. Event co-founders Helen & Joe Glunz
and Teddi & John Scholz, co-chairs Erin & Jon Cohn
and Jean & Joe Imperato, and the event committee
planned a very memorable afternoon.
PHOTO: Joe Glunz, Erin Reardon Cohn
Chicago Auto Show’s
First Look for Charity
More than $160,000 was raised at the exclusive
preview night of the Chicago Auto Show: First
Look for Charity, which took place on February 13
at McCormick Place. Close to 600 guests enjoyed
cocktails, gourmet food, musical entertainment,
a silent auction and raffle in our pre-event suite,
along with special guests Lauren Petty Stoltz,
NBC5 Chicago reporter, and Jordan Cornette, Notre
Dame Basketball alum. The event was chaired by
Marty Bredemann and Bill Montana, and proceeds
benefit our Maternity and Adoption programs and
Neighbors in Need Fund.
Patrick J. Ryan
Main Event
On February 6, nearly $70,000 was raised to
benefit the Loving Outreach to Survivors of
Suicide (LOSS) Program for Children & Youth
at the Inaugural Patrick J. Ryan Main Event at
Drury Lane in Oakbrook Terrace. Presented by
the Thomas & Christina Grusecki Foundation,
a crowd of more than 600 gathered around the
ring to watch 10 Golden Glove-style amateur
boxing fights while enjoying cocktails, hors
d’oeuvres, dinner, a raffle and paddle-raise. Our
Board Member and Former Illinois Attorney
General Jim Ryan and his wife, Marie, chaired
the event in memory of their son, Patrick J.
Ryan, who died of suicide in 2007.
“The Ryans have turned the heartbreak of
losing Patrick to suicide into hope and light for
more than 180 children who have experienced
a similar loss of a parent, sibling or other loved
one,” Monsignor Boland said. “It was their
courageous vision that started the LOSS Program
for Children & Youth almost five years ago.”
Monica Pedersen (television host, author and
interior designer) emceed the boxing benefit.
Pedersen is a long-time supporter of our LOSS
Program. Boxing greats David Diaz, Montell
Griffin, Mike “Fly” Garcia, Fres Oquendo and
Jamillah Ali Joyce, daughter of boxing legend,
Muhammad Ali, also attended.
One of the highlights of the evening was
a match-up of Jim & Marie’s grandson, 2013
Golden Glove Champion, Joey Ryan of Villa Park,
winning his match. Joey, 19 years old, started
boxing when he was 13. He carried on the boxing
tradition of the Ryan family and went into the
ring to honor his uncle, Patrick J. Ryan.
PHOTO: Jimmy Ryan, Matt Ryan, Tom Grusecki,
John Ryan
PHOTO: Ray and Lisa Scarpelli
SPIRIT 15
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foundation & corporate partners
Foundations Help Legal Aid, Mental Health, Homeless
Lawyers Trust Fund of Illinois
The Directors of the Lawyers Trust Fund of Illinois
made a first-time grant to Catholic Charities in
support of the Catholic Charities Legal Assistance
(CCLA) Department. CCLA provides legal services
in the Chicagoland area to those living in poverty.
This funding will help sustain services in order to
meet the rising need for legal services.
Ravenswood Health Foundation
The Board of Trustees of the Ravenswood Health
Care Foundation awarded Catholic Charities a
grant that will be used to help support mental
health services at our Madonna House interim
family shelter in Lakeview.
A legal assistance voluteer with a client at our Tuesday Night supper.
Chicago Community Trust
The Chicago Community Trust provided critical
funding to Chicago’s Homelessness Prevention
Call Center (HPCC) and Chicago’s Central Referral
System (CRS). Catholic Charities manages and
staffs the HPCC and is the managing entity for
CRS. HPCC has responded to over 560,000 calls
from individuals and families seeking homeless
prevention assistance, including rent, security
deposit, mortgage, utility assistance and manages
the city’s Central Referral System database for
permanent supportive housing, monitors data
quality, mitigates conflicts of interest and assures
fair housing compliance.
Madonna House counselor and client.
ViBern Foundation
The ViBern Foundation recently committed to three
years of support for our Interim Family Shelters,
enabling us to expand our counseling services to all
three of our shelters in the city of Chicago.
George M. Eisenberg Foundation
for Charities
The George M. Eisenberg Foundation for Charities
has continued their support of our Youth and
Family Therapeutic Service program. The lowincome children served by our Youth and Family
Therapeutic Services have been provided stability
and the therapeutic support they need to live
fulfilling lives.
Call center staff member providing phone support.
SPIRIT 16
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board relations
ONE MISSION:
Many Hearts , Many Hands
67th Annual Celebration of
Giving Reaches 26,000 Clients
Thanks to thousands of donors and volunteers, the 67th
Celebration of Giving program was a success. Nearly
26,000 children, families, refugees, veterans, and seniors
in Cook and Lake counties received gifts and necessities in
time for the holidays.
Special thanks to Vornado Realty Trust and the
Merchandise Mart for providing space for our toy
room, and the Chicago Fire Fighters Union, Local 2
for continued support with their annual Toy Parade.
Other corporate sponsors included: The Brotherhood of
Electrical Workers International, Wells Fargo Commercial
Lending, Wrigley, Northern Trust, Groupon, CDW, 5th
Third Bank, Geneva Advisors, BP, WMS Gaming, and
DLA Piper. We are grateful for the parishes and schools
across the Archdiocese who assisted with donations
and volunteers. Thanks also to the Volunteer Support
Committee and Board Relations Committee which hosted
volunteer events at the Merchandise Mart.
Celebration of Giving videos are posted on our YouTube
channel at youtube.com/ccofchicago and photos can be
viewed on Facebook at facebook.com/ccofchicago.
Update on Mary’s Closet
In 2014, our Mary’s Closet self-sufficiency program
provided professional clothing and employment
consultation to 120 Catholic Charities clients. For
example, some of our Tuesday Night Supper guests
who participate in the Visions photography event were
outfitted with new ensembles. Many of our refugee
clients also received clothing and career advice from
Mary’s Closet. Our first major fundraiser, Encore, raised
more than $28,000 in November. Many thanks to the
dedicated Board and Junior Board members who helped
to organize and staff Encore. Please call (312) 655-7203
to learn more about donating to Mary’s Closet and other
ways to get involved.
SPIRIT 17
The Board Relations
Committee and Faith
Committee of the Junior
2015
Board have created a
special activity for Lent,
“One Mission: Many
Hearts, Many Hands.”
This five-week program
of prayer, contemplation
ONE MISSION:
and service for Board
members, families and
friends is described
in a convenient
brochure and is also
available online at:
www.catholicharities.
net/lent. Each week
will focus on one of
the groups Catholic
Charities serves:
Homeless, Seniors,
Families, Veterans,
and Refugees, and
includes information,
reflections, scripture, prayer and resources
such as videos that you can view and discuss
with others. Many of the resources are geared
toward children to encourage multigenerational
conversations.
The Lenten Mission will culminate in a Family
Service Project planned for Monday, March
30 from 6-8 pm at Catholic Charities, 721 N.
LaSalle, St. Vincent Hall. Board and Junior Board
members, family and friends are invited to come
and volunteer together to make Easter baskets for
children, and care packages for adults, that will be
blessed and given to our clients. Donated items
for the baskets/care packages will be collected
during Lent.
Lenten
Mission
Many Hearts , Many Han
ds
For more information about the service project
and the Lenten mission, contact:
Kristin McDaniel
(312) 948-7539
[email protected]
www.catholiccharities.net/lent
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the last word
the Last Word…
Looking back, and ahead
with Catholic Charities
Bishop George Rassas has lived in the Archdiocese
of Chicago since he was a very young child and
his family moved to Winnetka and joined Sts.
Faith, Hope and Charity parish. His nearly 50
year career as a priest reflects Bishop Rassas’
appreciation and respect for families, as he has
worked to support them as a counselor, pastor
and educational administrator.
What is your first memory of Catholic
Charities in the Archdiocese of Chicago?
I remember way back in grade school, hearing
about Catholic Charities at my parish, for
example the annual Mother’s Day Appeal. In
the early 1960s when I was in the seminary,
my younger brother, Nick was called up on
stage at a fundraiser and he drew the winning
ticket for a raffle benefitting Catholic Charities.
I think he won a $1,000 savings bond! As a
young deacon in 1967, I was placed at St.
Thaddeus parish on 95th Street and began to
see more human needs than I had growing
up in Winnetka. I became more familiar with
Catholic Charities services.
How did you interface with Catholic
Charities once you were ordained and
working in parishes?
I studied pastoral counseling at Loyola
University, and worked with the Catholic
Family Consultation Service. Staff at the CFCS
would refer some cases to Catholic Charities.
In the late 1980s, CFCS merged with Catholic
Charities. In 1990 I became pastor at St.
Mary’s in Lake Forest. The parish had a great
relationship with Catholic Charities. Many
members of the Catholic Charities Women’s
Board in Lake County are parishioners at St.
SPIRIT 18
Mary’s. They helped found Samaritan House
family shelter 25 years ago. At St. Mary’s they
say, “we are blessed, and we are generous.”
What are your thoughts about the role
of charity in parishes in the future?
As Jesus said, “the poor will always be with
you.” Part of our Catholic identity is to care
for the poor, and that won’t change even as
society advances. Not everyone has the same
opportunities and there will always be those
who need our compassion and concern. I
As Jesus said, “the poor
will always be with you.”
Part of our Catholic identity
is to care for the poor, and
that won’t change even as
society advances.
helped to found and am still very involved
in the St. Martin de Porres High School in
Waukegan. It is a Cristo Rey school, so we seek
out students from disadvantaged communities
and find them work in professional settings
that helps to pay for their schooling and
also introduces them to a new world of
opportunity. We are very much aware of our
students’ needs. We have had families who are
homeless, but we are able to do great things
for them with the help of Catholic Charities
and others. I want to thank all who share.
Pope Francis would say, “It is not only our
responsibility, it is our privilege.”
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&
FIRST
Women
Children
Catholic Charities
MOTHER’S DAY COLLECTION
MAY 10, 2015
On Mother’s Day, we will come together in our parishes to remember
and support people who are hungry, homeless, hurting and in need
of the love and compassionate help of Catholic Charities.
Please give to the Catholic Charities collection in your parish,
or send your Mother’s Day gift directly to us.
All Mother’s Day gifts will help us earn an $80,000 challenge grant.
Ways
to Give
PHONE (312) 655-7012
ONLINE www.catholiccharities.net/donate
BY MAIL Catholic Charities
75 Remittance Drive, Ste. 1623
Chicago, IL 60675-1623
www.catholiccharities.net
Catholic Charities
of the Archdiocese of Chicago
721 North LaSalle Street
Chicago, Illinois 60654
2015 upcoming events
march
april
may
HOLY FAMILY VILLA
DINNER
LEGAL LIFELINES
COCKTAIL RECEPTION
VETERANS IN NEED
DINNER
Sunday, March 8
Gaelic Park, Oak Forest
(630) 257-2291
ST. PATRICK’S DAY
CELEBRATION
Thursday, March 12
FitzGerald’s, Berwyn
(708) 329-4022
HELPING HANDS
DINNER & AUCTION
Saturday, March 21
Silver Lake Country Club
Orland Park
(708) 430-0428
MEALS ON WHEELS
DINNER DANCE
Saturday, March 28
Maravela’s
Fox Lake
(847) 782-4268
Thursday, April 16
Union League Club
of Chicago
(312) 655-7289
THE ART OF CARING
Saturday, April 18
Exmoor Country Club
Highland Park
(847) 728-4115
BLOSSOMS OF HOPE
BRUNCH
Sunday, April 26
Drury Lane
Oakbrook Terrace
(312) 948-6797
AFTER SUPPER VISIONS
Monday, April 27
Lagunitas Tap Room
Chicago
(312) 655-7003
JOURNEYS OF COURAGE
Thursday, April 30
Lacuna Artist Lofts
Chicago
(312) 655-7860
www.catholiccharities.net/events
Friday, May 29
Union League Club
of Chicago
(312) 655-7907
SPRING HOUSEWALK
Saturday, May
Wynstone Golf Club
North Barrington
(847) 782-4115
ANNIE RYAN RUN
Sunday, May 17
Elmhurst
(312) 655-7289