Happy 90th Birthday, Catholic Charities!

Whatsoever you do to the least of my brothers, so you do unto me (Matthew 25:40).

This was the theme of a Catholic Charities celebratory mass offered by Archbishop of Hartford Henry J. Mansell at St. Rose of Lima Church in Meriden Tuesday. That bible verse also sums up the mission of Catholic Charities, Archdiocese of Hartford, which celebrated its 90th anniversary with the special mass, followed by a luncheon across the street for approximately 300 guests, including State Senator Len Suzio of Meriden.

Catholic Charities serves more than 30,000 families of all faiths throughout Hartford, Litchfield and New Haven counties. As the state’s largest non-governmental provider of social services, the agency employs more than 500 human service workers who deliver a wide range of services including counseling, adoption services, migration and refugee services and child care. Right here in Meriden, Catholic Charities has a Family Service Center and a Child-Development Center at 61 Colony Street.

Archbishop Mansell told Patch that Catholic Charities aims to address “the basic needs of people trying to meet the challenges of every day. We’re looking out for those who need our help—and they’re all over.”

“Catholic Charities reaches out to individuals who have nothing at all,” said Father Jack Hoak, pastor of St. Rose of Lima, the host church for the event. “If someone comes up to me and says they are out of work and behind on their electricity bill, I can’t take that money out of the church. I send them to Catholic Charities.” The agency verifies the legitimacy of the need, and then arranges for the person to get the necessary help, he explained.

Lois Nesci will assume the role of CEO for Catholic Charities, Archdiocese of Hartford, on Friday. When asked what her goals are for the agency, she replied, “My goal is to ensure that we advance the mission of Catholic Charities and continue to provide health and hope to those who need it the most.”

In addition to celebrating the agency’s anniversary, Tuesday’s event also honored its dedicated staff and included service awards. Said Rose Alma Senatore, who will be stepping down as CEO at the end of the week, “We have a very committed staff, as you can see,” gesturing to the huge crowd comprised mostly of Catholic Charities employees.

“These people don’t make a lot of money,” added John Ruben Flores, Chairman of the Board of Trustees. “They are dedicated people who want to help their community.”

Archbishop Mansell echoed those sentiments, remarking on how well the huge staff gets along and works together.

One of the award recipients, Christine Monroe, was recognized for 30 years of service to the agency. She works in the Basic Human Needs program in Hartford and has seen a lot of changes since first joining Catholic Charities.

“It was mostly men when I first started,” she related. “We’re into women’s lib now. Mostly women are in charge.”

Monroe also noted another big change. “A lot more people need help today,” she said.

Congratulations, Catholic Charities, on a long history of reaching out to help the growing ranks of those in need.