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Catholic Charities celebrates the witness of CDA

January 7, 2015

By Sr. Donna M. Franklin, DC
Diocesan director, Catholic Charities

“I see clearly the thing the Church needs most today is the ability to heal the wounds and to warm the hearts of the faithful; it needs nearness and proximity. I see the Church as a field hospital after battle. Heal the wounds…Heal the wounds…and you have to start from the ground up. (Pope Francis I, Synod 2014)

Pope Francis sees life and people through the light of the Gospel. Penny Martin had clarity of vision of a world of compassion and caring. The Catholic Daughters of the Americas light up the human community with the brightness of their dedication and commitment to building the Kingdom of God and welcoming all to their table.

We stand on the shoulders of giants. These are the people who shine the Christ-light for us. They provide a clear path for our journey.

The Courts of the Catholic Daughters are named after men and women who were life givers and light bearers. Our Lady, Brother Andre, Kateri Tekakwitha, Dr. Tom Dooley are a few of the names connected with the Courts in the North Country. Their lives made a difference.

Dr. Tom Dooley is one of my heroes. When I was in the sixth grade, my parents gave me a set of his books for Christmas. By the time I finished reading The Night They Burned the Mountain, the story of his help in rescuing a group of orphans in Laos, I knew my life would never be the same. His light showed me the way to a life of service and I never turned back.

These amazing people accepted the challenge of living in the light. They accepted the responsibility that comes with seeing and hearing the cries of our brothers and sisters in need. They opened their hearts through prayer and reflection and they acted with faith and conviction.

Each day the staff and volunteers of Catholic Charities allow the light of Christ to shine through their service. Over 18,000 people received services through all of the agency’s programs in 2013.

We are proud of programs like the Retired Senior Volunteer Program that invites seniors to use their gifts and experience in working with schools and other non-profit entities in Clinton, Essex and Franklin counties. The Foster Grandparent Program in five counties provides a stipend for low income seniors as they work with children who need special attention. 

We are honored to sponsor the Ombudsman program in St. Lawrence, Jefferson and Lewis counties. Responsible for 100% of the residents in long term care facilities, the Ombudsman advocate, trouble shoot and provide support to this vulnerable population. 

Catholic Charities collaborates with St. Lawrence County Community Services in providing support services for families dealing with a child suffering from severe emotional or behavioral challenges. This Coordinated Children’s Services sees high levels of success. 79 children received services in 2013. Only four needed to leave their home for inpatient services. 

Counseling, financial assistance, advocacy, collaboration with other agencies, parishes and organizations are all part of the services and programs provided with care and compassion by the staff and volunteers of Catholic Charities.

Choosing to live in the light brings challenges. Remember, that old song, “I can see clearly now the rain has gone”? Remember the next line, “I can see all obstacles in my way”? Clarity brings us face to face with reality. But obstacles are only bumps in the road or streams to wade through. They are not deal breakers.

Pope Francis gives witness to the extraordinary synthesis of humanity and divinity that is the heart of the Catholic faith. (Rev. Louis Caneli, Human development, Issue 1, fall 2014)

That ability to see Christ in the face of another person lights our path. That gift of attentiveness to the grace of the moment allows that other person to see the look of Christ in our eyes and their burden is lightened, if only for a little while. I truly believe that the secret lies in the way Jesus looked at people, seeing beyond their weaknesses and failings (Caneli).

Tonight we are grateful for the legacy of love that Penny has left for us. We celebrate the witness of the Catholic Daughters of the Americas in their commitment to Unity and Charity.

I implore you to not be “bushel basket believers”. Come out from that hiding place. Unclench your fists, Open your arms and let your light shine for all to see.

Collectively, we can shine the light of the Gospel on the dark places and join Pope Francis in his mission to heal the wounds of our broken world and warm the hearts of all who come into our lives as gift and grace each day.

Caritas

Photos by Pat Hendrick
Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Ogdensburg honored the Catholic Daughters of the Americas during its 2014 Caritas dinner in October. The Caritas Award was presented posthumously to Penny Martin who was active in the CDA on the state and local levels. In the photo at left, Bishop Terry R.LaValley presents the Caritas Award to her husband, Edward of New Russia. Also pictured are  Tina Bigelow, regent of Court St. Joan of Arc #867 in Willsboro; and Bishop LaValley congratulating Carey Sayles, regent of Court St. Bernard #787 in Saranac Lake.

 

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