CCDA Volunteers Honored for Dedication, Service

Special to the Herald
(From the issue of 5/15/03)

Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Arlington (CCDA) honored 18 volunteers at a May 3 awards ceremony at St. Agnes Church in Arlington.

Oblate Father Mark S. Mealey, episcopal vicar for pastoral services, celebrated Mass and served as master of ceremonies at the awards reception, which recognized the volunteers for their dedicated service to the agency.

The volunteers’ support ranged from repairing donated computers at the St. Martin de Porres Senior Center to helping with annual fundraisers such as the Catholic Charities Classic golf tournament and the Walk for Life.

Recipients of award certificates and angel statuettes were Katherine Speck, Nubia Cepeda, JoAnn Blaker, Msgr. Tom Cassidy, Thomas Jackson, Jim Wright, Jack Emery, Rev. Joseph Durkin, S.J., Grace Maslyn, Ray O’Brien, Ralph Schneider, Kevin Crowder, Harry Leipfert, Gary Andrew, William Delaney and Sergio and Debbie Mueller

Two awards were given to group recipients: Bishop O’Connell High School students, who organize an annual canned soup drive for the food pantry at Christ House; and Bishop Ireton High School students, who routinely help prepare and serve the daily meal at the Christ House soup kitchen. Jeanine Musgrove, student council moderator, accepted the award on behalf of Bishop O’Connell students.

Anne Murphy, CCDA coordinator of volunteer management and director of parish social ministry, cited a recent survey indicating that volunteers often begin their service because they are asked to help by someone they know. Murphy said that this shows the importance of "invitation" and urged the attendees to invite others to contribute their time and talent to CCDA.

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