 | From the desk of Msgr. Raymond E. Riffle, managing director
Since 1954 Catholic Charities has been answering the call to serve the human needs of individuals and families, regardless of their religious affiliation, social, or economic backgrounds, and to provide leadership in building collaborative efforts with parishes and communities in addressing those needs.
The role of Catholic Charities comes from a special mandate we receive from Jesus Christ. As Bishop Emertius Anthony G. Bosco, states:
| “Christians are not the only ones who perform humanitarian acts. There are many generous people, believers and unbelievers, who serve humanity and wash the feet of their brothers and sisters. But the significant difference between what we do and what they do, should be that we do it because we are a Eucharistic people. ...We must seek to transform out homes, our neighborhoods, and our society. Through us the kingdom must come” (Bishop Anthony G. Bosco Pastoral Letter "On Bended Knee: The Eucharist and Service" 2001). |
As we respond to people with great and small needs alike, we do not have all of the answers. We believe that the divine plan is often shrouded in mystery. Making sense of events is often just not possible in this life. What is possible is to make peace with them. It is our responsibility to offer the option of hope. It is a most precious commodity, which we can offer in great confidence because of our faith perspective.
People come to us with many needs and questions. Approximately 50 percent of our direct client service is devoted to our counseling program.We provide individual and family counseling, marital or couples counseling, post-abortion healing and reconciliation (Project Rachel), support groups addressing (ongoing) anger management for men and women and specifically defined groups, which are formed as needed.
The comprehensive information and referral we provide is considered among the best in the four-county area. Our information and referral specialists complete in-depth interviews with callers to assess complete needs and connect individuals to all possibilities and options that might be available to them. The goal is to provide a response at some level to alleviate the caller’s distress. Sometimes the outcome of our efforts is the provision of material assistance. A toll-free “HelpLine” is also available to those with immediate needs after regular business hours.
“The Adoption Center" at Catholic Charities has been the longest standing program. Infant, older children, sibling groups, special needs, open, and closed adoptions are all handled by highly trained professionals. As a licensed agency with the Department of Public Welfare, prospective parents have an opportunity to adopt through us, as well as benefit from pre and post adoption counseling and support groups.
The Catholic Charities "pregnancy center" assists with life decisions before, during and beyond the birth experience. Trained professionals provide support for expectant parents and extended family members from first contact up to the baby’s first birthday. All pregnancy support services provided through this program are free and include pregnancy test kits, counseling for mom and family, baby items, maternity clothing, medical, educational and child-care referrals, and emotional support. A toll-free 24-hour hotline is also available. The pregnancy center also encompasses educational programs that address age-specific abstinence and prevention programs. CM-BBT instruction, which is a safe and effective planning option, is also available through the pregnancy center as well as post-abortion counseling through the Project Rachel ministry.
The parish social ministry program brings the resources of Catholic Charities and the local parishes together to help provide a wider range of services to those in need. Training is provided to parishioners in Catholic social teaching as well as assistance in identifying and responding to a prioritized community need. As these groups are formed in parishes, Catholic Charities is able to refer individuals in the same geographic areas with specific needs that match those being addressed.
With this brief overview of some of the things we do I hope you will find your visit helpful and informative. If you have further questions or comments please click here to e-mail me.
The Diocese of Greensburg funds Catholic Charities by a generous yearly grant as well as through United Way appeals in the four counties (Westmoreland, Armstrong, Fayette, and Indiana), state, government, and independent contracts, client fees, private foundation grants, individual contributions and bequests. Some insurances are accepted, and out-of-pocket fees are based on family household income. We are governed by a Board of Trustees. |