Msgr. Michael M. Boland to receive 2017 Bishop Joseph M. Sullivan Award

Foundational Services

August 28, 2017

Alexandria, Va. – Catholic Charities USA (CCUSA) is pleased to announce that Monsignor M. Boland, president and CEO of Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Chicago, is this year’s recipient of the 2017 Bishop Joseph M. Sullivan Award. CCUSA’s Bishop Sullivan award recognizes a person working at a Catholic Charities agency who has distinguished himself/herself in the area of helping children, youth, and families. The award will be presented to Msgr. Boland at CCUSA’s Annual Gathering, which will take place in Houston, Texas this September.

Reflecting on the extraordinary gifts that Msgr. Boland shares with so many, Sister Donna Markham, president and CEO of CCUSA, said, “It is clear that his creativity and compassion issue from the depth of his faith in Jesus who compels us to care for those who are poor. Through Monsignor Boland’s leadership, he ensures that all who come to Catholic Charities feel the unconditional love and mercy of God. He is a model recipient of the Bishop Joseph M. Sullivan Award and Catholic Charities USA is pleased to name him as this year’s honoree.”

Msgr. Boland has been the Director of Human Services for the Archdiocese of Chicago for the past 19 years, overseeing Archdiocesan residential programs for children and adults, nursing homes, hospitals, the Office for Persons with Disabilities, and the day-to-day operations of Catholic Charities. Monsignor has been the President and CEO of Catholic Charities for the archdiocese for the past 20 years.

“I am deeply humbled by this honor, having known Bishop Sullivan and witnessed his profound love and compassion for those most in need,” said Monsignor Boland. “In Chicago, every 30 seconds we see someone turning to us for help. We give them much more than a bag of food, a nurturing classroom, or a warm place to sleep at night; we give them hope.”

Celebrating its centennial anniversary this year, Catholic Charities is the largest provider of social services in the Chicago area, and one of the largest Catholic Charities in the nation. Msgr. Boland has grown the agency to assist nearly one million people each year at more than 150 locations in Cook and Lake Counties through a staff of 3,000 people, a 700 member Board of Advisors, the 400 member Junior Board, and 15,000 volunteers.

Bishop Joseph M. Sullivan (deceased) served as Auxiliary Bishop of the Diocese of Brooklyn and was revered nationwide for his concern for the poor and marginalized. In 1961 he was appointed Assistant Director of Catholic Charities’ Childcare Division. Four years later he was named the Director. In 1968 Bishop Sullivan became Executive Director of Catholic Charities and was elected Executive Vice-President of the Board of Trustees of Catholic Charities in 1979. Throughout his ministry he championed the needs of children.