Catholic Charities Recognition Celebration
Parish Hosts Catholic Charities Event

MOORE — Saint Andrew Parish hosted the annual Recognition Celebration and Meeting of Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Oklahoma City on Feb. 6. Father Larry Snyder, president of Catholic Charities USA, was the honored guest at the event. Archbishop Beltran celebrated Mass prior to the meeting with Father Jack Feehily, pastor at Saint Andrew's con-celebrating.

Father Snyder took the helm of Catholic Charities USA in February 2005. He oversees the national membership association of more than 1,700 local Catholic Charities agencies and institutions across the country. He has spoken out recently about proposed cuts in federal programs that provide assistance to the poor and low income families.

Tim O'Connor, Executive Director of Catholic Charities Oklahoma City, welcomed the many supporters and offered his thanks and gratitude for all those who make sacrificial gifts of time, money or in-kind contributions.

A number of awards were presented to those who provide support for the more than 50 social programs served by Catholic Charities for children and families in the Archdiocese of Oklahoma City.

The program also featured Catholic Charities' new video, "History of Giving, Stories of Hope," and the presentation of awards which recognized individuals, churches, and groups in the community.

The 2005 Catholic Charities Award recipients recognized at the meeting were as follows: The State Council of the Knights of Columbus, Organization of the Year; Reverend John Vrana, Clergy Member of the Year; Jane McDonnell, Volunteer of the Year; Shirley Cox, Employee of the Year; KFOR News Channel 4, Corporation of the Year; and Marcus Evans, Archbishop Eusebius Beltran Award. Twenty-one parishes in the Archdiocese, all who assisted with the disaster relief following Hurricane Katrina, were presented with the Parish of the Year Award. The parishes recognized in the metro area were St. Charles Borromeo, St. Monica, St. John the Baptist, Corpus Christi, Epiphany, St. Eugene, St. Andrew, Our Lady's Cathedral, St. Patrick, St. James, St. Mark the Evangelist, Christ the King, Sacred Heart, St. Philip Neri, St. Theresa, St. Thomas More, St. Joseph Old Cathedral, Holy Angels, and St. Joseph's in Norman. St. Joseph's Parish in Ada was also recognized. A special award was also presented to Marilyn and Darrell Barton for their time and efforts in the production of this year's new agency video.