Bishop Lennon's Catholic Universe Bulletin column
Since coming to the Cleveland Diocese, I have continued to be impressed and inspired by the work of Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Cleveland.
This year marks the 100th anniversary of this vital organization and the ministries and services that Catholic Charities provides to people in need in Northeast Ohio.
For a century, the parishes of the Diocese of Cleveland as well as generous individuals, families and organizations have supported Cleveland Catholic Charities in responding to the health and human services needs of Northeast Ohio?s poor and most vulnerable citizens.
Inspired by the Gospel message, "as often as you did it for one of the least of my brothers, you did it for me," Catholic Charities employees, board members and volunteers continue to bring the healing ministry of Jesus to those in need.
With the support of many over the years in our diocese, Cleveland Catholic Charities has grown to become one of the largest health and human services organizations in the world.
Today, the work of Catholic Charities spans over 150 different services and programs offered to more than 330,000 people across our eight-county diocese. Catholic Charities provides services for those in need across the human life span--children, families, persons with disabilities, older adults and persons in need of emergency assistance.
As we approach the celebration of Pentecost, we are reminded of our important responsibility in helping to support our Catholic Charities.
Christ gave to us three vital mandates as his followers--mandates about which I?ve written and spoke many times during the years.
Do this in memory of me. Go therefore and tell all nations. And what you do for the least of my brothers and sisters, you do for me.
Everyday, the good people who serve in our Catholic Charities reflect these mandates in many ways, from the celebration of Mass at our Catholic nursing homes to the community meals offered to our homeless and hungry at the family centers in Cleveland, Lorain and Akron.
Mostly, however, the work of Catholic Charities speaks to the Gospel mandate to "go and tell all nations," about the Good News of Christ.
Everyday, tireless employees and volunteers show their faith by living their faith with the most forgotten and vulnerable members of our community.
They are evangelizing by what they do and who they help.
The good news is, we, as Catholics, can take part in this important work through our own volunteerism and donations to the ministries that are so life-saving and life-changing for so many in our midst.
It is my sincere hope that all may join me this year in celebrating the 100th anniversary of our Cleveland Catholic Charities.
Please join me in my prayer of thanksgiving for the work they do everyday and in my prayer that Cleveland Catholic Charities will have many more anniversaries in the years to come.