New and returning members of the Board of Directors of Catholic Charities were welcomed and installed at a luncheon at The Plaza Club on February 4, providing for the needs of the community through selfless service under the sign of love.
Archbishop Gustavo García-Siller, MSpS, Catholic Charities President/CEO, J. Antonio Fernández and Chairman of the Board Larry Benson, Jr., spoke to the attendees and thanked them for their service.
“You have responded to the pivotal duty of discerning together how we can become ‘the saints next door’ to those suffering in our city. As board members of Catholic Charities, making God’s love tangible to everyone you accompany is no small task – yet we are called to make it simple and daily,” said Archbishop Gustavo. “This is our challenge and our privilege. May prayer for you is that the simplicity and totality of God’s love will be deeply rooted in you to guide everything you do as a new board member, leading us in new endeavors that the Holy Spirit has yet to reveal.”
Fernández talked of the great gains make in serving people in the community over the past year. This included expanding the mobile relief fleet with a mobile shower trailer, opening the St. Stephen’s Care Center, a client choice food pantry, clothes closet, and Texas Diaper Bank.
He explained that the need in San Antonio continues to grow, so there is much work to do. “As we look ahead, we are focused on reducing poverty and increasing self-sufficiency for thousands of people from birth to natural death,” the Catholic Charities CEO said. “With you as a guiding light, we will discuss ways to serve all people by expanding programs, services, and reach to empower them from crisis to independence.”
Board members concluded the gathering by taking an oath, promising to walk with Catholic Charities and assist in guiding the agency throughout this upcoming year.