By Michael F. Flach
Herald Staff Writer
(From the issue of 4/21/05)

From serving meals at Christ House in Alexandria to visiting inmates at the Culpeper Juvenile Detention Center, volunteers perform a variety of essential ministries for Catholic Charities.

Thousands of volunteer hours often go unnoticed during the course of the year. That changed April 17 when Catholic Charities publicly recognized 13 individuals for their contributions to the agency.

The biennial event was held at the Cathedral of St. Thomas More in Arlington. Bishop Paul S. Loverde was the celebrant and homilist at the Mass. Father Robert J. Rippy, Cathedral rector, Father Philip S. Majka, pastor of St. Patrick Parish in Fredericksburg; and Father C. Donald Howard, S.A., pastor of Christ the Redeemer Parish in Sterling, concelebrated. Deacon Tom Bello from St. James Parish assisted.

Bishop Loverde asked the congregation if Jesus is the center of their lives. He said we should ask ourselves three questions to find out the answer: Do we pray? Do we receive the sacraments regularly? Do our lives reflect that we are genuine disciples of Jesus?

"The answer to these questions will determine whether Jesus is at the center of our lives," the bishop said.

"Catholic Charities volunteers are seeking to integrate into their lives the call by Jesus to help those in need. We all take courage from the example of our volunteers. Our volunteers reflect the Good Shepherd."

During the reception following Mass, Steve Luteran, executive director of Catholic Charities, recapped the agency’s past year. Over 700 inmates were contacted, 105 cars were donated, 16,800 meals were served at Christ House, 21 babies were placed with adoptive families, 3,600 people received legal assistance and 1,200 families received emergency assistance.

Father Howard was among the group singled out for service. Father Howard opens the doors of his parish to Catholic Charities five days a week. Representatives from Hogar Hispano, Family Services and Children’s Services use the location to service clients in Loudoun and western Fairfax County.

Elsie and Kevin Sullivan of Woodbridge have been foster parents for 18 years. During that period they have cared for 60 babies.

Mike Dante spends countless hours on the weekend and evenings visiting juvenile prisoners at detention homes and jails.

Ann Melmer from St. James Parish in Falls Church provides invaluable service at the agency’s Arlington office.

Other volunteers recognized were Joseph Russon (Hogar Hispano), Don Templeman and Mike Turk (St. Martin de Porres Senior Center), Richard Lindenauer and Melonie Peters (Fredericksburg office), Whit Schuyler (Family Services) Gary Andrew and Michele Ziny and family (Christ House) and Mary and Paul Filipowicz (Children’s Services).