I write with strong negative emotions. The recent Pennsylvania grand jury report depicts a 70-year narrative that cries out to heaven. Outrage, sadness, disappointment, disgust, anger, frustration, etc. are part of what I feel. My first reaction was simple: “What …!?!” Many in, and outside the Church, have spoken. I won’t quote them, but simply mention a few words and phrases that to me are on target: tragedy, sick, criminal, mishandling, clericalism, repentance, accountability, firm purpose of amendment, cover-up, institutional self-preservation, betrayal. These recent revelations of the abuse of children by clergy and its mishandling by bishops rend asunder in very particular ways the hearts of our Catholic Charities family.…
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- Commentary, Protecting and Nurturing Children and Youth, Strengthening Families and Resolving Crises
In Honor of 4th of July Family Picnics & BBQ’s
One aspect of the administration’s executive order on the travel ban against nationals from certain countries merits special 4th of July attention, viz. what is a bona fide family relationship? After the recent Supreme Court decision[1], the administration issued guidelines that interpreted a bona fide (real) family relationship to include parents, children and siblings. They left out grandparents, grandchildren, uncles, aunts and cousins. They also initially excluded fiancées, but then subsequently included them. By that action alone, the administration demonstrated that there is discretion in the interpretation of a bona fide family relationship.
- Commentary, Feeding the Hungry and Sheltering the Homeless, Holidays and Holy Days, Protecting and Nurturing Children and Youth, Strengthening Families and Resolving Crises, Welcoming and Integrating Immigrants and Refugees
This July 4th Weekend: Pledge Allegiance to One Another
The following message was sent to our Catholic Charities network for the 4th of July weekend. Allow me a word of appreciation and thanks for all you do to make our world a better place – each, in your own way, as trustee, staff, volunteer, donor, or friend. I attach my own picture of the Capitol of the United States from the visit I made two days ago with Catholic Charities people from throughout NYS to visit with members of Congress and convey to them the need to enact policies and budgets that give due consideration to the needs of the poor and vulnerable. Included among our discussions were Catholic…
- Commentary, Protecting and Nurturing Children and Youth, Strengthening Families and Resolving Crises, Welcoming and Integrating Immigrants and Refugees
Diversity Reigns
Catholic Charities is a the center of building a more just and compassionate society. We engage in a wide range of activities and interact with many different people. Here’s a collage for this week – Twelve consul generals from Latin American countries meet at the Catholic Charities Community Services Immigration and Refugee Resettlement offices. (Top Left) Evi Siskos from Telemundo was the MC for Astors Services Junior Gala at the Supreme Courthouse in lower Manhattan. (Top Right) Zoe Saldana was taping her guest satellite radio appearance in the same Sirius studios that JustLove was taping. Here’s a picture of her as she was leaving. (Bottom Left) Two talented Catholic Charities immigration attorneys from our expert legal team. (Bottom Middle) On…
- JustLove, Protecting and Nurturing Children and Youth, Supporting the Physically & Emotionally Challenged
Remembering International Down’s Syndrome Day & Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month
On this week’s JustLove episode, Monsignor Kevin Sullivan speaks with Katie Driscoll, Founder of Changing the Face of Beauty and Kristy Chau, Education Director of the Kennedy Child Study Center, a Catholic Charities affiliated agency. On the show, Katie Driscoll discusses with Monsignor her founding of Changing the Face of Beauty, its successes so far, and what her hopes are for the future of including people with differing abilities in all facets of the mainstream media. Msgr. Sullivan and Kristy will be discussing her work at the Kennedy Child Study Center, where she directs all activities at 16 classrooms serving the developmentally disabled, ensuring that each student receives an education that is appropriate for his or…
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Gazing Upon the Nativity with Fresh Eyes
On JustLove this week, Monsignor Sullivan speaks with two guests: Pat Keay of Director of Community Engagement of Heifer International and Professor David A. Croteau, Ph.D. of Columbia International University in South Carolina. On the show Pat Keay speaks with Monsignor Sullivan about Heifer International – a charity that donates livestock as well as environmentally sound agricultural training to families in need around the world. Heifer International also partners with Churches and other faith based and civic organizations to support their mission and how JustLove listeners can also contribute. Professor Croteau discusses his book “Urban Legends of the New Testament: 40 Common Misconceptions” and popular beliefs regarding Jesus’ Nativity. http://justloveblog.org/audio/2016/JustLove%2012.7.16.mp3
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Helping Those In Need During Fashion Week
On this week’s episode of JustLove, Monsignor Kevin Sullivan focuses the show on Fashion Week and how individuals are working to help those in need. He invites guests Kirsten Dickerson, Founder and CEO of Raven + Lily : Empowering Women Through Design and Rachel Alexander O’Neill, Founder of Little Dresses For Africa. Kirsten Dickerson talks with Monsignor about how her company alleviates poverty among women around the globe. And Rachel Alexander O’Neill talk about how her organization not only provides clothing to to vulnerable children throughout Africa but raises awareness to their needs.
- Commentary, Feeding the Hungry and Sheltering the Homeless, Protecting and Nurturing Children and Youth, Strengthening Families and Resolving Crises, Welcoming and Integrating Immigrants and Refugees
Affordable Housing Needs the Catholic Community’s Continuing Partnership
The topic of housing was covered extensively in the media this past week. The focus has been the announcement of New York City’s plan to build or preserve 200,000 units of affordable housing. For those who work with low-income individuals and families, there is perhaps no more pressing need. Families have the most difficult time finding decent housing they can afford. Too many families are forced to make choices among essentials – food, rent, or medicine. It was also good that the work of the Catholic Church over the past four decades in building and constructing affordable housing was recognized. Of the many positive things the Church has done to help…
- Commentary, Protecting and Nurturing Children and Youth, Strengthening Families and Resolving Crises
“I Don’t Get It.” A Different Take on Aftermath of Philip Seymour Hoffman Death
Famous actor Phillip Seymour Hoffman dies of overdose: large scale publicity and police hunt to find drug seller. Read more on the New York Post What about the thousands of unnamed youth in the communities and neighborhoods of NYC and across the nation who suffer similar tragic fates? Where’s the interest, concern and caring? I don’t get it. Are not these youth and their families and friends also made in the image and likeness of God?
