The Mass was a “time for rejoicing,” said Cardinal Thomas Collins, archbishop of Toronto, who was main celebrant at the Mass, which was followed by a reception.
“We celebrate 100 years of Catholic Charities, of a charity that is rich and deep because it is energized by hope rooted in faith,” said the cardinal. “That is the mission of Catholic Charities, it has been over the last 100 years and it will be for the years to come.
“May the Lord bless all who are engaged in the work of Catholic Charities.”
About 300 people attended the Mass on Oct. 6. Among the special guests was Fr. Paul Lennon, former executive director of Catholic Charities, who said it was “an honour” to have concelebrated the Mass.
Lennon, like the cardinal and many of the guests, remained only briefly at the reception which was held under a large tent on the parish grounds due to unsettled weather.
Despite the inclement weather, Michael Fullan, Catholic Charities’ executive director, called the celebration a success.
“I think it was a resounding success,” he said. “It’s not about having a party on that specific day, it is recognizing all of those men and women over the last century that have made great sacrifices and committed so much. It is important that we pause as a faith-filled people to recognize those accomplishments.”
Before Collins ushered the parishioners out of the pews, Catholic Charities took a few moments to acknowledge each of the 27 member agencies it serves with the presentation of a plaque.
“Catholic Charities isn’t about the office that is in the Pastoral Centre, it really is about the agencies out there on the frontline,” said Fullan. “They’re the ones that provide the direct services. So we would be remiss if we were just honouring ourselves in our office.”
Toronto’s Sisters of St. Joseph and the Loretto Sisters also received this recognition. Although not funded by Catholic Charities, these and other local religious orders laid the ground work for what Catholic Charities has grown into, said Fullan.
“We owe those women, those congregations, so much. So we just wanted to take some time to honour them,” he said.
“You look at so many of our agencies and you see these religious orders present in them.”
This event marked the third formal celebration of Catholic Charities 100th anniversary. It was preceded by a dinner held May 16 and the Doors of Hope installation at the outdoor art exhibit Nuit Blanche, held the previous evening, which highlighted the various agencies supported by Catholic Charities.
Now that the party is over it is time to get back to focusing on what Catholic Charities does best — distributing more than $8 million annually in the name of charity, said Fullan.
“It’s wonderful to be planning and doing this but our regular jobs, our regular work, has to continue,” he said.