Alexandria, Va. (June 24, 2015) – Catholic Charities USA (CCUSA), whose members helped more than nine million individuals in need on their journey out of poverty last year, announced today that Dr. Shane Lopez, author of “Making Hope Happen,” and Dr. Carolyn Woo, president and CEO of Catholic Relief Services, will serve as keynote speakers at CCUSA’s 2015 Annual Gathering September 10-12 in Omaha, Nebraska.
“As our nation prepares to welcome Pope Francis this September, the Catholic Charities network is eager to engage in substantive discussions concerning support to families in need. Certainly these crucial conversations will continue throughout the Annual Gathering, the Holy Father’s visit and beyond,” said Sister Donna Markham, OP, PhD, president and CEO of CCUSA.
“The Annual Gathering is a wonderful opportunity for our members to share best practices as well as to honor persons who have helped so many who struggle in the face of poverty to reclaim hope and dignity.”
Sister Markham will deliver her first address to the network as president of CCUSA to open the session on Thursday, September 10. She will be followed by Dr. Lopez, a senior scientist at Gallup, Inc., and one of the world’s leading researchers on the power of hope. Dr. Woo, who has served since 2012 as president of Catholic Relief Services, the international humanitarian agency of the Catholic community in the United States, will deliver the closing address on Saturday, September 12.
The three-day event will also include interactive workshops and institutes that focus on topics such as food access, poverty reduction, financial empowerment and veterans services. A special highlight of the national conference will include a performance on the life of Monsignor John O’Grady, one of the founders of Catholic Charities USA, on Friday, September 11.
“I am looking forward to meeting our members across the network and delighted to welcome the exemplary speakers we have on our agenda,” remarked Sister Markham. “This conference promises to be a source of inspiration, shared learning and hope as we move forward together.”
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