|
Catholic
Charities: Buildings and institutions where children have been educated, the sick have been healed, the dying have been comforted and the poor have been sheltered symbolize the strength of our faith in the lives of our ancestors. However, the nourishment and growth of our faith is found in the many works of mercy, justice and service for our sisters and brothers in their time of need. Catholic Charities is an expression of our faith. Its integrity has been built on the lives of needy children, families, immigrants and others who have exposed their poverty, weakness and vulnerability to people of faith, who listen, console and act. In living their faith, clergy, religious and laity have made a profound impact on the lives of many who call Oklahoma their home. In turn, those who have been helped have given us a deeper understanding of our faith, and an appreciation of our total dependence on a loving and merciful God. Last February, our board and department leaders met to plan our work for the next three years. We recognize there are many social concerns and problems faced by our society. Together, we discerned: How should Catholic Charities serve? How should Catholic Charities lead? Archbishop Beltran challenged Catholic Charities to “look for the areas of greatest need...to go and serve where others have not gone”. His words have called us to seek ways to build stronger community support for those who are homeless. We will soon embark on a planning process to find ways for Catholic Charities to serve those who are homeless in our community. Recently, I had the privilege of participating in a training program entitled Servant Leadership. It is an easy concept and one that in some ways exists within our Cat-holic Charities’ organization. Those in positions of authority are called to serve those whom they work with. Servant Leadership demonstrates tremendous results for the constituents and clients in many prominent corporations. We will consciously begin to implement this model at Catholic Charities to become the best that we can be. Our hope for the next 100 years is that Catholic Charities will continuously reach out to those who have no place at the table, those whose cries for help cannot be heard, those who live in the shadows of fear and isolation. We want every Catholic to share in the works of Catholic Charities with their personal gifts of prayer, service and money so that those who are last are first among us. For it is in serving that we are served; in giving that we receive. Thank you for your past support. We humbly entrust Catholic Charities’ needs for support to your generous spirit. God bless you. Tim O’Connor,
|
