Cardinal Egan and Catholic Charities

Since becoming Archbishop of New York in May of 2000 Cardinal Egan has supported the work of Catholic Charities as a centerpiece of his leadership. Cardinal Egan has energized our Board of Trustees by recruiting dedicated leaders from major New York business sectors. His Eminence appointed John J. Phelan, Jr., former chairman and CEO of the New York Stock Exchange, as the first lay Board Chairperson, and fostered the highest standards of quality and accountability for Catholic Charities agencies serving poor and vulnerable New Yorkers.

Every year Cardinal Egan visits Catholic Charities programs throughout all ten counties of the Archdiocese. He traditionally participates in the Annual Catholic Charities Distribution of Thanksgiving meals to hundreds of families at the Lt. Joseph P. Kennedy Memorial Center in Harlem, and enjoys Christmas visits, complete with gifts, to Catholic Charities agencies that serve children. The Cardinal’s schedule often includes visits to Catholic Charities programs such as the new gym and recreation center at the Mission of the Immaculate Virgin, Mount Lorretto on Staten Island, prison outreach programs in Sullivan County, the Astor Home “little read schoolhouse” for children with learning disabilities, and the “free store” in Kingston where the homeless can “shop” for basic necessities.

Cardinal Egan initiated an innovative channel of communications, The Catholic Channel on Sirius XM Satellite radio, in 2006. JustLove, a program that highlights the work of Catholic Charities and the social mission of the Church, is broadcast weekly on The Catholic Channel. The Cardinal restructured and revitalized the Cardinal’s Committee of the Laity to become the Cardinal’s Committee for Charity. The Committee members focus on securing needed resources for Catholic Charities services. In addition, the Cardinal is a strong advocate for strengthening the partnership between Catholic Charities agencies and government in the delivery of services to New Yorkers.

In 2008, The Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of New York presented Cardinal Egan with its first Deus Caritas Award in recognition of his strong support of the work of Catholic Charities.