A record crowd gathered to celebrate Gospel-based service to people in need and honor several people for their active service and witness April 22 at the 12th annual Communities of Salt and Light Awards dinner at Stratigos Banquet Centre, North Huntingdon.
Three awards were presented by Bishop Lawrence E. Brandt during the festivities.
James Froelicher, a parishioner of St. Bernard of Clairvaux Parish, Indiana, received the humanitarianism award; Raymond and Elizabeth Hanley, parishioners of St. Agnes Parish, North Huntingdon, received the philanthropy award; and Bishop Emeritus Anthony G. Bosco received a lifetime achievement award for his work establishing the Salt and Light awards and dinner and his lifelong support of Catholic Charities’ mission.
Bishop Brandt also announced a new initiative, the Diocesan Poverty Relief Fund, which will be administered by the board of trustees of Catholic Charities and help the agency provide additional assistance to people in need. (See article on page 5 of this issue.)
Msgr. Raymond E. Riffle, managing director of Catholic Charities, served as master of ceremonies for the evening. He introduced Froelicher and the Hanleys, and Bishop Brandt introduced Bishop Bosco.
Msgr. Riffle told the nearly 370 people in attendance that Catholic Charities helps make important connections for people and works in conjunction with United Way agencies, parishes and many other groups.
He explained that "every penny of the profit from the dinner" goes directly to Catholic Charities to provide material assistance to people in need in the diocese’s four counties. He praised the generosity of the people of the diocese for helping Catholic Charities raise and distribute nearly $600,000 in material assistance to nearly 6,000 people and families in need as a result of the dinner, which started in 1999. (See chart at right.)
The net proceeds will be boosted this year as the winners of the 50-50 raffle and the grand prize drawing for a trip to Disney World both returned the prizes to Catholic Charities.
Msgr. Riffle extended special thanks to Bishop Bosco.
"The dinner started because of your concern for the poor," Msgr. Riffle said.
"I know none of the people being recognized here do it for the recognition," Msgr. Riffle added.
Bishop Brandt also addressed the attendees, noting that Catholic Charities is celebrating its 100th anniversary in the United States.
The impetus for the formation of what is now Catholic Charities USA was Pope Leo XIII’s encyclical "Rerum Novarum," which was to become "the foundational document for all modern Catholic social teaching," Bishop Brandt said.
The encyclical gave first expression to the modern Catholic principle of the "preferential option for the poor," Bishop Brandt said.
"Christ’s expectation that we care for the poor and disenfranchised is embodied every day by the women and men who work at Catholic Charities as staff, volunteers and members of the board of trustees," Bishop Brandt said.
He praised Bishop Bosco for his life of service to the people of God and for "your vision and example leading us to a deeper sensitivity for those among us who are in need."
Bishop Brandt thanked the Salt and Light honorees, including past recipients, and everyone in attendance.
"You good people follow the rich tradition of service which has always defined Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Greensburg," Bishop Brandt said. "I want to also thank you for your loyalty to the teachings of the church. Today, more than ever, that loyalty is appreciated and necessary to provide a clear witness to the Gospel message in all areas of interaction in the social service arena."
— Jerry Zufelt