"The thing the church needs most today is the ability to heal wounds and to warm the hearts of the faithful; it needs nearness, proximity. I see the church as a field hospital after battle.” -Pope Francis
One of the many privileges we have at Catholic Charities is the opportunity to be close to people who are hurt and suffering. Thanks be to God, and the generosity of so many in our diocese, we are able to offer competent and compassionate care to thousands of men, women and children throughout northern Virginia.
If the church is a field hospital, then perhaps Catholic Charities can be thought of as the emergency room. Every day the wounded arrive at our doorstep seeking, and expecting, not only quality care, but to be treated with respect and kindness. We encounter people at some of the most vulnerable moments in their lives whether that be a single mom receiving an eviction notice, a father needing to find food for his children, a newcomer needing to improve their language skills, or as you will read in this edition of our newsletter, a young teenager, scared and pregnant, in need of pre-natal care.
As in an emergency room, we can never fully know how a person was treated prior to coming to us, or how they will be treated after they leave us; but while they are with us, it is our prayer that they will know and experience the love and consolation of God.
In this issue of The Mission, you will also encounter three very remarkable and dedicated volunteers who have chosen to share their gifts of time and talent with us, and with those in our care. During the month of April, we gratefully acknowledge and express our deepest gratitude to all of our volunteers who share in our ministry to all those in need.
In this season of Easter, let us rejoice in the risen Lord, and give thanks to God for the opportunity to be of service to our wounded brothers and sisters, and in so doing warm the hearts of the faithful.
Gratefully yours in Christ,
Stephen Carattini
President and CEO
Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Arlington
Mission Newsletter, Spring 2023
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