Special to the Herald
(From the issue of 10/9/03)

Steve Luteran, executive director of Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Arlington, went before the television camera Oct. 2 to explain the agency’s mission of "living the Gospel of Jesus Christ by helping the poor and vulnerable."

The television appearance was made possible by Channel 10, Fairfax County Public Access Television, which airs on the Cox cable network. "Catholic Life," a new series hosted and directed by John Buckreis, a parishioner at St. Michael Parish in Annandale, focuses on the work of Catholic organizations and ministries.

Luteran spoke about the agency’s programs at Christ House, which include a soup kitchen, food pantry, and thrift shop. Patrick Starr, a student at Bishop O’Connell High School, described the food drive held each year at O’Connell to collect canned goods for the food pantry, which supports Christ House’s evening meal for the hungry.

Also appearing on the program were a couple (Vikki and Keith) who had adopted children through Catholic Charities and a couple (Joyce and Darryl) who serve the agency as foster parents. They explained the adoption procedure and the role of foster parents.

Nelsie Saunders, a participant of St. Martin de Porres Senior Center, described the services provided by the center: wellness classes, congregate meals, education, and social services outreach/referral.

In his comments, Luteran also explained the agency’s family services (counseling), prison ministry, assistance for immigrants (Hogar Hispano), and aid to the disabled. He referred viewers to Catholic Charities’ Web site at www.ccda.net for more detailed information.

Buckreis reported that other groups appearing on "Catholic Life" will include the National Council of Catholic Women, the Office of Family Life, and the Office of Youth Ministry. The series airs on Sundays at noon, Tuesdays at 8 p.m., and Wednesdays at 10 a.m.