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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.
I am disheartened to learn that Catholic Charities is helping/taking money to relocate the illegal immigrants invading our country. I understand the humanitarian aspect; however, what about the humans being affected/killed by the DRUGS crossing our border? I have family members who have died because of fentanyl, as do most families. What about the women and children affected/abused by the traffickers? Yet, those lives don't matter to your organization. You support that atrocity. "CCUSA advocates for policies that protect family unity..." First of all, immigrant families are broken up due to the traffickers and death in the efforts to cross our border. Second, you are Catholic Charities USA...USA - spend your money and efforts protecting our families. Until there are no homeless on our own streets, stop bringing in illegals and finding homes for them. Makes no sense. I am a life-long devout Catholic. This is just another reason to be disgruntled in the direction my religion is going. Catholic Charities will not receive any more funds or donations from me.