Recognition

     As promised in yesterday's post, a thought on the Diocese of Greensburg's thirteenth Annual Catholic Charities Communities of Salt and Light Award Dinner held last evening in North Huntingdon.

     The recognition of the actions and perseverance of the honorees gave us the opportunity to let their "light shine before others, that they may see [their] good deeds ..."  These individuals honored last evening are truly the "salt of the earth".

     Catholic Charities is the ministry and agency that reaches out  to those in need within the Diocese and beyond to provide much needed assistance in a variety of areas in the name of Christ and in a spirit of Christian love.  The staff are certified specialists in their fields and are assisted by a volunteer HelpLine, creating 24/7 coverage for anyone who calls.  The services provided include financial assistance in the payment of utility bills, i.e., electric, gas, water, sewage, all types of fuel for heat, emergency food boxes and shelter/lodging for extreme emergencies.  These services are provided with respect for human dignity and the hope of building a foundation for self-sufficiency.

     100% of profit has been redistributed from these events.  In the last thirteen years (not counting last evening) $658,035.98 has been raised and distributed, which is outstanding.  There have been 6,551 individuals and families helped as a result.  Last evening's crowd was even larger than last year's event.

     There are three awardees each year.  This year's Humanitarian award went to Dr. Joseph Angelo of Indiana, PA.   He is a retired math professor at IUP (Indiana University of Pennsylvania), married for nearly 53 years, and the father of seven children, the youngest of which, John, born 38 years ago, was born with Downs syndrome.  Dr. Angelo has been a champion of those with intellectual and other disabilities, working with ARC and other advocacy groups.  In his speech he said: "If you want to be happy within life, spend your time making others happy."  Good words of advice.

     The award for Philanthropy went to Michael and Janice Walker, parishioners of Holy Family Parish in Latrobe.  Their stewardship to the Church on so many levels, and their open and generous spirit, have allowed them to be recognized not only by Charities but by so many others as good people of Faith who simply share the blessings that God has given them.

     And the Service Organization Award went to The Bridge Core, an ecumenical group of women from Indiana, PA, that work to identify needs, raise awareness and provide assistance in the areas of homelessness, domestic violence and the humane treatment of animals.

     These men and women deserve the recognition that they received at this dinner.  All wondered "Why them?"  The answer is simple - they are the salt of the earth ... they are the light of the world ... they are Christ to others.  Congratulations!

     PS  Dinner was great and the evening very enjoyable.  I spoke with both Bishop Brandt as well as retired Bishop Anthony Bosco, met many friends, past and present, and shared a table with parishioners Marie Huss and Barb Braun and friends, including Father Rick Kosisko and Mr. Bill Merchant and his family (Bill was the 2008 Humanitarian recipient).