“Moving Forward Together” was the theme of the 17th Annual Gala of Catholic Charities, Diocese of Allentown, March 2 at the Aster Event Center, Allentown.
In his welcoming remarks to the gathering of 220, Bishop Alfred Schlert praised the work of Catholic Charities.
“In the Church, we have what we call the corporal works of mercy,” the Bishop said. “For Catholic Charities, that's their job description. Not only do they do these corporal works of mercy, but they do them in the name and with the compassion of Christ.”
Catholic Charities assists people and communities throughout the five counties of the Diocese. Its stated mission is to provide compassionate human services with respect for the sanctity of all human life.
Andrea Kochan Neagle, Executive Director of Catholic Charities, noted that the annual gala served “not only to celebrate the incredible work that we do at Catholic Charities, but to strengthen our collective commitment to making a difference.”
“Making a difference” in a big way is Monsignor Thomas Orsulak, who was honored for his dedication to the work of Catholic Charities. Since 2005, the Carbon County native has advocated for the poor and vulnerable as Director of Hispanic Ministry in Berks, Carbon, and Schuylkill counties.
Pastor of St. Peter the Apostle, Reading, he likened himself to “the priest in a dunk tank. I know I'm not going to get dunked!” he quipped, noting that in his case, “the priest is there to draw attention to a very worthy cause for a wonderful agency, an arm of charity of the Diocese.”
Also recognized were Ray and Teri Bishop, founding chairs of the annual event and longtime Catholic Charities sponsors and committee members.
The Bishops, who are parishioners of Notre Dame of Bethlehem, are active members of the Diocese. Teri has filled posts on several boards, including those of Meals on Wheels and the Moravian University Alumni Association. A former schoolteacher, she serves her parish as a lector and Eucharistic Minister. Ray has acted as treasurer for several organizations, among them Bethlehem Catholic High School. He was president of the Diocese chapter of Legatus for 10 years, and is currently a member of Legatus’ International Board of Governors.
A highlight of the afternoon was the bestowal of the fourth annual Jeffrey P. Young Youth Service Award. Given to a senior attending a Catholic high school within the Diocese of Allentown, the award recognizes a student who has made an outstanding contribution to his school and community, while exemplifying a Christian lifestyle.
This year’s recipient was Tyler Berlanda of Marian High School, Tamaqua. Besides scheduling students to man the Catholic Charities food truck, he assists with the organizing of clothing and food drives at the high school. He and the other student volunteers have helped to serve over 7,500 meals to the needy of Pottsville.
Father Allen Hoffa, Pastor of Holy Guardian Angels, Reading, emceed the gala and served as its celebrity auctioneer. Auction items included a past favorite, “The Hoffa Experience,” a soup-to-nuts feast for eight prepared in-home by Father Hoffa himself.
Also drawing lively bidding was “Puttin’ on the Ritz,” a “party on wheels” for 25 guests prepared in the Catholic Charities Community Café Food Truck, and created by Father Eugene Ritz, Vicar for Clergy, and a team of sous chefs. Rounding out the auction offerings were a Washington, D.C. tour package and a “VIP Sports Experience.”
The afternoon’s festivities concluded with a blessing by Deacon Christopher Kinsella, Catholic Charities Board Chair.
Bishop Schlert expressed his gratitude to all present “for sharing a deep commitment to Catholic Charities and living out Christ’s call to serve one another.”
By Celeste Behe
Photo by Norm Steinruck.
