What's Happening

November 15, 2021, San Diego, California – “We are committed to putting the Gospel into action in this sacred work we undertake these days.”

That was the message of Sister Donna Markham, OP, PhD, President and CEO of Catholic Charities USA (CCUSA) in her recent Presidential Address during the 2021 CCUSA Annual Gathering in San Diego, California. In attendance were CCUSA professionals, volunteers, and partners who serve in agencies throughout the United States 

In her address, “What Time Is It?” Sister Donna noted the suffering that people in the United States have undergone in the past year and a half from the pandemic, racial violence, the insurrection at the U.S. Capitol, natural disasters, and the trauma of migrants and refugees who come to the United States seeking safety. After these difficult months, “I believe this is a time for healing,” she said. “This is a time for hope, a time to be reinvigorated.”

Sister Donna enumerated the various ways that CCUSA staff and volunteers reached out to suffering people in the United States in the past months: through food distribution; distribution of supplies such as masks, face shields, and hand sanitizers to protect people from the virus; help for people facing eviction, as well as emergency housing, senior housing, and units of supportive, affordable housing; support to migrants and refugees coming from the southern border and, most recently, from Afghanistan and Haiti; mental health and wellness services; and workforce development and job training.

Finally, Sister Donna spoke of the mandate of Pope Francis to bring hope to all who are suffering and in need. “Regardless of race, creed, nationality, social status, orientation, or age, we extend our care so people may reclaim hope and live a full life,” she said. “Catholic Charities is a profound expression of the healing ministry of the Church.”

Watch Sister Donna’s entire Presidential Address.