What, exactly, does Catholic Charities do?
Jenna was pregnant and in rehab. She had previously lost custody of her older children, 6 and 12, and was about to deliver a third when she turned to Catholic Charities for help. Through the First Step Program, she met a case worker who listened to her story, provided tangible assistance and linked her with additional community services to help her care for herself and her baby.
Audrey struggled to find housing and navigate the VA system after serving in the Army. She reached out to Catholic Charities, who “took the time to listen” and helped get her back on her feet.
Both of these stories were shared widely last fall, as part of Catholic Charities’ national We Are There campaign—but neither story is unusual when it comes to the types of cases that Catholic Charities’ workers encounter on a daily basis. Catholic Charities’ services are for all people—from newborn babies to senior citizens, for Catholics and non-Catholics alike—and they cover a vast array of needs. Really, whenever a need becomes apparent in a community, you’ll find Catholic Charities addressing the need in short order.
For example, after the explosion that destroyed the Chase Bank building in Youngstown in May 2024, Catholic Charities immediately offered monetary assistance to those who lost their jobs and shelter to those who lost their homes—all with little to no fanfare. It is simply what they do.
Here in the Diocese of Youngstown, we’re celebrating Catholic Charities Awareness Month. I encourage you to engage with Catholic Charities Diocese of Youngstown on social media, visit their website, look at the extensive list of their services published in this magazine on page 18—and take a real genuine look at how Catholic Charities has impacted your community.
Other stories you’ll find in this magazine include a photo essay on the recent construction projects at St. Michael Parish in Canfield (page 12), an Ask Father column on the mingling of the Body with the Precious Blood during Communion (page 24) and coverage of the opening of the jubilee year, both here in Youngstown and at the Vatican (page 23). In a special way, I’d like to call out the Boyd/Pentello Peanut Butter Fudge recipe on page 21—a favorite treat of Father Pentello’s. Because I ignored the part about “soft-balling” the fudge mixture when I went to make this recipe at Christmas time and wound up with nothing but a burnt hand and a delicious pile of fudgey goo to show for my efforts, I ask that you follow the recipe carefully!
And on that note, please enjoy this issue of The Catholic Echo!
Until next time,
Katie Wagner
