Diocesan Catholic Charities held its annual ball Feb. 2 at the Ritz-Carlton in Tysons Corner.
Around 970 people came together to celebrate the work of Catholic Charities. The initial goal of $1.4 million was surpassed, and more than $1.6 million was raised to support Catholic Charities ministries.
“Catholic Charities served more than 90,000 people in the last three years,” said Stephen Carattini, president and CEO. Carattini shared the story of a man, Joseph, who came to this country seeking a better life but found himself living in homeless shelters and on the streets of Alexandria until he was accepted into the Christ House program. With help from the staff, he was able to find a job in a local hotel and found he had a gift for hospitality. Later, Joseph announced he was moving to California once he had saved enough money. He was not Catholic, but the day before he left, he asked his case manager to teach him to pray the rosary.
“This is where the story usually ends for us,” said Carattini. “But every once in a while, we are blessed to hear the rest of the story.”
Joseph called Catholic Charities about six months after leaving Christ House and shared his deep gratitude for the help he received while in their care. He shared that he was working and had a good place to live, and he was happy. When asked where he was working, Joseph said, “At a hotel here in the Los Angeles area. Maybe you’ve heard of it. It’s called the Beverly Wilshire Hotel.”
“Sometimes, my friends, stories do have a Hollywood ending,” said Carattini.
Bishop Michael F. Burbidge thanked everyone in attendance and reminded people that all must radiate the Lord’s light, especially in times where there is so much darkness like war, violence, mental and emotional health challenges, and so many people in need.
“I share with you my heartfelt and deep gratitude in the goodness that is in this room this evening. (Your) generosity is absolutely incredible, overwhelming and inspiring,” said Bishop Burbidge.
The James J. Matthews Legacy Award was bestowed on Kathy and Peter Prominski, longtime parishioners of St. Agnes Church in Arlington. The Prominskis have a long connection to the ball, going back three decades to 1988 when they were dating and attended using the young adult discount. Since then, they have been involved in some aspect of the ball every year.
Kathy has volunteered in many aspects of the ball from invitations to reservations, decorations and advisory. She also co-founded the young adult event and served as a Ball Chair in 2002. Peter has served on the Special Gifts Committee for 25 years, including as chair in 2003. The Prominskis are grateful for the friendships and relationships they have developed over the years working with Catholic Charities and the Arlington diocese.
“It is very humbling (to receive the award) as many of the previous winners are friends and role models,” said Peter. “There are so many volunteers who have quietly done so much more work than us.”
St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Church in Lake Ridge received the Bishop Paul S. Loverde Legacy Award in recognition of their commitment to serving the poor. St. Elizabeth Ann Seton has supported Mother of Mercy Free Medical Clinics in Woodbridge and Manassas by providing volunteers, funds for a fetal monitoring machine, and other medical supplies, and hand-knitted blankets for patients. They also support St. Margaret of Cortona Transitional and Maternity Housing in Woodbridge and Catholic Charities St. Lucy Food Project and the Mobile Response Center, donating funds, food, baby supplies, and hygiene items.
After the awards, a video highlighting Catholic Charities ministries was screened. The video shows the testimonials of people Catholic Charities has helped and its employees.
“There are some clients who come to Catholic Charities not because they are Catholic but because they know that we are,” says Sarah Strenio in the video, a clinical social worker of Family Services Counseling. “Catholic Charities allows me and my colleagues to provide these essential services to people who would never be able to afford it otherwise.”
Next year’s Catholic Charities Ball will be Feb. 21.
Watch the video
Batista can be reached at [email protected]
