‘In giving we receive’
Flame of Charity honorees recognized for care and compassion
Every day, Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Metuchen ministers with charity and compassion to those most in need through its many divisions and services dotted throughout Middlesex, Hunterdon, Warren and Somerset Counties.
One day each year, however, the spotlight shines on two special individuals for how they reach out to others, and embody the compassionate heart of Christ.
Bishop Paul G. Bootkoski and Marianne C. Majewski, executive director, Catholic Charities, Diocese of Metuchen, joined more than 800 people Oct. 27 at the 21st Annual Flame of Charity Dinner in New Brunswick’s Hyatt Regency Hotel to congratulate this year’s honorees: Anthony P. La Rocco, Esq., partner in the firm of Kirkpatrick & Lockhart Nicholson Graham LLP, and Father Sean G. Winters, diocesan Coordinator of Hospital Chaplains.
Bishop Bootkoski presented the Humanitarian of the Year award to La Rocco, and the Community Service award to Father Winters.
The bishop described La Rocco as, “a man of faith. I thank God for the gift of Tony, and what he has done for us.”
Msgr. William Benwell, vicar general and moderator of the curia, observed that there have been changes with health care, education and respect for human life.
“I cannot tell you what a relief it is, and how comforting it is, to work on [the changes] with Tony La Rocco, our legal counsel since 1998. What Tony brings to a problem, besides a fine legal mind, is calmness, a sense of purpose and confidence that puts you immediately at ease. You always know that you are in good competent hands.
“We must give a nod of appreciation and gratitude to Tony, as the Diocese of Metuchen has been roundly praised, nationally, for its fair minded and compassionate response to the clergy sexual abuse scandal. The last couple of years have tested our faith and endurance, but God has been good in sending the right leaders, like Tony, for troubled times,” Msgr. Benwell said.
La Rocco acknowledged his family’s support. “I thank my wife, Karen, for her infinite patience, and my teenage daughters, Jenna and Lauren. They make me so proud every day, all day long. I thank my parents. They taught me what is right,” he said.
“Over the last decade, I’ve learned quite a bit about the Catholic Church,” La Rocco said. “The greatest understanding that I’ve gained personally has been an appreciation for the limitless capacity that this ancient institution has for love and compassion.”
He pointed out that Catholic Charities in the diocese sponsors 128 programs which serve men, women and children in need, regardless of race or religion. “They are open to all, and all do come. In the past two years, this agency has served more than 144,000 individuals and families in Central New Jersey, with an emphasis on excellence,” La Rocco said.
In presenting the Community Servant award to Father Winters, Bishop Bootkoski said, “I wish I had a thousand Seans. I’m so proud of Sean, and thank God for the gift of his priesthood.”
“I know a priest deals in death and dying,” Father Winters said, “but when you are a hospital chaplain, you are on the front lines. The greatest gift we bring tonight, when people are suffering in pain, is our presence. Whether you are married, single, a priest, a bishop, a monsignor or a nun, serve Christ, serve the Church,” Father Winters said.
“I thank my family for their support, love, affirmation and care,” he said. “The hallmark of being a good priest is family life. My parents gave me the greatest gift that anyone can give, the gift of faith.”
Majewski, the evening’s principal speaker, explained that, “Tonight is about service to those who are less fortunate. At Catholic Charities, we are committed to providing quality compassionate service to those who are most in need: the poor, the hungry, the homeless, and to those in the community who are voiceless, the children.”
“According to recent statistics,” Majewski said, “there are close to 12,000 children in New Jersey’s foster care system. The Therapeutic Foster Care Division of Catholic Charities partners with families in the community [to help] keep children safe.”
Children in Catholic Charities’ foster care programs receive ongoing counseling and support as they adjust to an out of home placement.
Majewski praised the blessing of Therapeutic Foster Care resource families.
“These generous men and women give not only shelter and food to children, but they give guidance, compassion, understanding and hope. Our resource families provide a haven where children can flourish. After all, where children grow best is in families.
“One such family is Margaret and Louis Riccio, who have served as resource parents since 1998, and have provided a home to five children, who would otherwise have been abandoned,” Majewski said. “The work of the Riccios, and all of the Catholic Charities families, is one of the finest examples I know of.”
Margaret Ricco, a retired Rutgers University administrator said, “Being a resource family is one of the greatest experiences you can have in life. You fall in love with each of these kids. They become part of your family.”
While thanking the speakers, Bishop Bootkoski noted that none of them credited nor spoke about themselves, but focused on their ministries.
“They get such beautiful satisfaction in their lives, not by collecting and hoarding, but by giving, as in the Prayer of Saint Francis, ‘In giving, we receive.’
“What a gift, the presence of Jesus Christ in our midst, by what we do, what we say and who we are.
“I thank you for walking the journey of life with me here in Metuchen. I thank you for the gift of faith and for all that you do. May God bless you always,” Bishop Bootkoski said.
*The attached/referenced article was originally published in The Catholic Spirit, the official newspaper of the Diocese of Metuchen, and is protected under U.S. and international copyright law