Archbishop's web site Denver Catholic Register Parishes Catholic Pastoral Center
October 9, 2002
Mass celebrates Catholic Charities' 75 years of service in the archdiocese
Liturgy honors past, looks to the future of organization serving 20,000 people monthly
By Roxanne King
Seventy-five years is not so long, in the history of the world, Archbishop Charles Chaput, O.F.M. Cap., told those attending Catholic Charities' anniversary Mass at Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception the afternoon of Oct. 5.
But, he added, the milestone anniversary marking three-quarters of a century of service in the Archdiocese of Denver "is an extraordinary moment" for the Church's social services organization.
"(Anniversaries) are moments to pause and reflect in gratitude for the past and look forward to the future," the archbishop said during his homily.
"An essential part of what it means to be a Christian is to work for justice," he said. "One of the ways we give expression to that is through Catholic Charities — is through our response to the poor and the need of the time."
Thanking "all who have helped Catholic Charities in any way," including Catholic Charities President Jim Mauck and concelebrants Father John Lager, O.F.M. Cap., director of Catholic Charities Samaritan House, and former Catholic Charities leader Colorado Springs priest Father Donald Dunn, as well as the benefactors and those who work for the organization, the archbishop said their dedication and work "teach all of us how to be better Christians."
Tying the anniversary to the Scripture reading from Isaiah about a vineyard that went bad despite loving care from the owner, the archbishop said: "There is a sense of distress in Isaiah: 'What more was there to do that I had not done?'
"All of us must listen to those words," he said. "No matter how much we have done, we can do more. An anniversary is a call to greater generosity: 'What more can we do for Him?'"
Mauck echoed the archbishop's comments on the significance of the occasion during a reception following the liturgy at the downtown Knights of Columbus Hall near the cathedral.
"(This) is a real opportunity for us to pause and reflect on what has happened with Catholic Charities over the years," the 22-year president said. "One of the reasons I've spent so many years with it is because of the people — they really are concerned about others."
The organization's mission has remained steadfast over the years, he said.
"It's always been about service to the poor," Mauck said, adding that "poor" refers to more than economic status and includes a host of ills plaguing individuals and families.
Although the organization that today provides services ranging from emergency assistance to migrant ministry and child care to senior services for more than 20,000 people monthly was made official in 1927, Mauck said faithful Catholics had been ministering to immigrants and the needy, primarily through parishes and community centers, long before the agency was formed.
Citing an example, Mauck said today's Mile High United Way, which like Catholic Charities offers a multitude of charitable services, was founded by two Catholic priests back in 1887.
Nationally, he said, "Catholic Charities traces its roots back 275 years ... to 12 nuns in Louisiana."
Father Dunn, vicar general for the Diocese of Colorado Springs, recalled his years as a social worker and then administrator with the organization in Denver and Colorado Springs as "formative" ones for him.
"I'm most proud of hiring Jim Mauck," he said to applause, noting that Mauck was then director of Catholic Charities in Wheeling, W.Va. "I always thought he was a wonderful, wonderful person. I know from working with him that's true."
The opportunity to both work with and to serve wonderful people is what attracts and keeps many who labor for the organization, employees from Mauck down said.
"I'm inspired by the kids and the families I work with," said Janine Angello, 23, a Catholic Charities Child Development Center teacher. "I feel like the child development center really reaches out and helps families.
"Who you are is shaped by who you were surrounded by as a child and how you were cared for," she continued. "It's a two-way street: There is a positive influence for me and I hope it is for the kids in class, too."
Mike Durkin, president of Mile High United Way, was among the agency's partners attending the event.
"It's an important occasion to recognize and celebrate the role and vision Catholic Charities plays in the entire community," he said. "We give Catholic Charities almost a million in funding because they're one of those organizations that really meets the needs of people in crisis: the homeless, the poor and those unable to take care of themselves.
"Jim Mauck and his staff earn special praise for the immense commitment they make and the professionalism with which they discharge their work," he added.
What does the president think the future holds for the organization?
"Constant change and continued growth," Mauck said. "Every day the people of this archdiocese get increasingly involved in meeting the needs of others. They see that as an opportunity to respond to the Gospel message."
Contact Us
