– As I walk through our office, I am constantly reminded of wonderful people who have gone on to their reward. Many of them shaped my life.

My childhood pastor, Msgr. Carson LaCaze, intimidated me when I was young with his gruff demeanor and high standards. He was also the first priest I ever heard swear (it was very mild), which taught me that priests are people too.

His name is on the list of Founding donors in our waiting room. Every time I see it, I hear him teasing me and smile.

Then there’s Fr. Richard Lombard, who in the early 2000s often celebrated the 5:45 p.m. Mass at St. Joseph’s. I was in my mid-20s and would regularly meet a group of friends there as we tried to sort out what it meant to be an adult. Fr. Lombard’s homilies frequently recalled the words of the Psalms, and I learned a new appreciation for those prayers.

His picture now hangs in our entry way in honor of his generous bequest. Those funds allowed us to renovate our building and withstand some financially difficult years.

There are also names of people I did not know personally: Arthur and Joyce Trowbridge, Dr. and Mrs. Joseph Bianca, Fred and Willetta Moffitt, and others. All of them chose to support the work of Catholic Charities in meaningful ways, so I know they were people of great faith and love. As Jesus said in the Sermon on the Mount “where your treasure is, there also will your heart be.” (Matt 6:21)  

None of these individuals and families could have known what would become of their gift except that it would somehow help make the community better than how they knew it. And it has.

Since those initial investments, Catholic Charities has covered rent or utilities for thousands of people. Hundreds of babies have had a healthy head start because of the support and supplies their parents received. And countless immigrants have found a new home.

While many of those we serve visit us only once, others come repeatedly. And some of those refer their family and friends to us. One Gabriel’s Closet mom came faithfully with her daughter and then sent her niece to us when she had a baby. Some of our ESL students have been with us for years, increasing their knowledge of English.

A few clients have gone on to become donors themselves. We recently received an anonymous check “for help rendered to a family member.” They are proof that a small investment reaps enormous rewards for years to come.

When people choose to make a gift in their will or set up a foundation, they ensure their impact on the community they love continues. They provide an example of faith and compassion that carries on for generations.

For my part, I am eternally grateful for the vision and trust these donors have had in the work of Catholic Charities. And I pray that we are able to honor them with each person we serve.

Authored by Diane Libro, Executive Director
Featured in the November Edition of the Catholic Connection