ROCKFORD—Catholic Charities in the Diocese of Rockford held an “All Hands” Meeting on Aug. 29, bringing together employees new and old from many offices around the diocese. 

 

Catholic Charities Mission Statement   “Catholic Charities in the Diocese of Rockford continues the ministry of Jesus in faithfulness to the Magisterium of the Church. Our mission is to serve God's people for the common good with compassion, dignity and respect; to assist people in achieving a degree of independence consonant with their human dignity; and to work in solidarity with the Church and other people of goodwill in advocating for justice.”

The gathering at the Cathedral of St. Peter began with a prayer and reflection from Bishop David Malloy who spoke about the first sentence of the Catholic Charities’ mission statement: “Catholic Charities in the Diocese of Rockford continues the ministry of Jesus in faithfulness to the Magisterium of the Church.”

 

In his talk, the bishop spoke of “personal moments” of living that mission, using the Gospel story of the loaves and fishes multiplied by Jesus for the crowd as an illustration.

 

Later in the day’s program, Kevin Fuss, diocesan director of the Office of Research and Planning, introduced an exercise where attendees divided up into groups to reflect and discuss the other parts of the Charities’ mission statement.

 

Fuss reflected briefly on Bishop Malloy’s use of the loaves and fishes story, noting that there is “an unbroken, direct line” between the bishop and St. Peter. Back then, the apostles enlisted others to help distribute the food to the crowd, and “that’s you and me,” Fuss said. “You’re part of a group that’s doing truly amazing things” in serving those in need with Jesus’ help.

 

The exercise provided space for at least some of employees’ personal moments to be shared as the six small groups considered how their piece of the mission statement is reflected in their work, and how it impacts them and those they serve.

 

The day also provided an opportunity for employees to learn more about the scope of the work of Catholic Charities and meet people who serve in the various offices and ministries within the diocesan organization.

 

Cathy Weightman-Moore, director of Catholic Charities in the diocese, was happy to find a day when most of the extensive and always-busy staff could attend the gathering. 

 

“I am deeply grateful to all the staff and volunteers who serve so generously as the heart, hands, and feet of Jesus in the various ministries of Catholic Charities,” she says.