Prayer & Reflection - December 20, 2023 - On this third Wednesday of Advent, God invites us to slow down and take the time to prepare our hearts for the coming of Jesus. Today’s gospel presents the ultimate example of discipleship, Mary. In what can be seen as a frightening moment, she took the time to reflect, remain open to God, and allow…

Story - November 1, 2018 - Catholic Charities of Baltimore is implementing a trauma-informed care approach throughout its agency to improve interactions not only with clients but also among staff. The process began within the Family Services division of the agency, according to Jon Hackbarth, who until recently had worked as a mental health care administrator at Catholic Charities. “That’s where…

Story - July 22, 2020 - When the coronavirus pandemic first hit the Washington area in mid-March, shuttering many local restaurants and businesses, the lines at a weekly food pantry sponsored by the Spanish Catholic Center immediately jumped from about 60 people to hundreds. And now, four months into this time of job loss, sickness and social distancing, this previously small…

Prayer & Reflection - December 14, 2022 - Depending on which Mass one attends today, you will hear either the readings for Wednesday of the Third Week of Advent or the Memorial of Saint John of the Cross. I’m focusing on the former in this reflection, since the Advent readings continue the theme of waiting for the arrival of Jesus, although with a…

Story - August 19, 2021 - Launched Aug. 16, the Archdiocese of Washington’s action plan to promote “an integral ecology” includes practical ways that parishes, Catholic schools and institutions, and individuals and families can care for creation, drawing on environmental science and inspired by Catholic social teaching. After Pope Francis issued his landmark 2015 encyclical on the environment, “Laudato Si’, on…

Job - October 2, 2024 - Position Summary At Catholic Charities of Central Colorado, we offer more than a job; we provide a meaningful way to contribute to the health of our community. We serve people who are experiencing poverty, crisis, and instability, and joining our team means embarking on a fulling journey with deep purpose. We’re looking for a Bilingual…

Story - December 7, 2017 - Memorial of Saint Ambrose Readings of the Day Isaiah and Matthew both speak of loss for those who do not build on a foundation of trust in God. Isaiah describes the type of reversal – the upsetting of assumptions and business-as-usual – that we’ve come to expect from God. How striking that the needy poor…

Story - May 7, 2020 - Catholic Charities of San Antonio hosted a food, diaper, and face mask distribution event, Food From the Heart, at the St. Stephen’s CARE Center. Thousands of families were served by 120 volunteers in partnership with seven non-profits and private corporations. Families began lining up at 1:00 p.m. in the afternoon as staff and volunteers sorted…

Story - August 11, 2015 - Helping young mothers bond with their babies in order to prevent child abuse and neglect is the primary goal for the “Bonding Right from the Start” course taught at Catholic Family and Child Service of Richland, Washington. “Catholic Charities helps young mothers learn about healthy child care in order to protect the life and dignity…

Story - October 29, 2018 - As the nation celebrates the 50th anniversary of the Fair Housing Act, Catholic Charities USA (CCUSA) looks back on the many and varied ways the Catholic Charities ministry has served people’s housing needs. Ever since 1910, when the ministry established its network of local agencies and national office – now known as CCUSA – housing…

Story - August 18, 2021 - Saying that a humanitarian crisis is developing in Afghanistan, the chairmen of two U.S. bishops’ committees called on the U.S. government to “act with utmost urgency” to resettle thousands of Afghan citizens entering the country under special immigrant visas. The U.S. government has said it would resettle up to 30,000 people who have applied for…

Prayer & Reflection - December 13, 2023 - Today we commemorate Saint Lucy, a martyr of the early Church who was born of a noble family in Syracuse, Sicily, during the Diocletian persecution. As a child, I was fascinated by Saint Lucy because of her depiction in church statues holding out a plate with her two eyes. This reflected a torture she suffered…