A Letter from the Archbishop of New York

His Excellency, the Most Reverend Timothy M. Dolan

Dear Friends of Catholic Charities:

Just over a year ago, I became Archbishop of New York. My first goal was to get to know the people here. It has been an amazing year and fulfilling my goal has been immensely rewarding.

One of my favorite parts has been visiting those served by Catholic Charities. For instance, on only my third day as Archbishop of New York, I went to a Catholic Charities food pantry in the Highbridge section of the Bronx with one of our great supporters, Rusty Staub. As we distributed healthy food, staff introduced me to hungry neighbors whom they know by name.

Not long afterwards, I dedicated a new building at the Cardinal Hayes School in Millbrook, NY and met children whose bodies had been compromised by severe physical disabilities but whose spirits reminded me of God’s love. Then, I enjoyed a morning snack with tiny preschoolers at the Cardinal McCloskey’s Little Angels Head Start program in the Bronx. I got my hair cut – perhaps too much – by talented teens who had gotten into trouble and were given the opportunity to restart their lives fresh at Lincoln Hall in Westchester. I celebrated Christmas with teenagers living with HIV/ AIDS at Incarnation Children’s Center in Washington Heights.

During this inspiring first year, I have been reminded of St. Paul’s words. Three things last, he tells us; faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love. I have seen love in action at Catholic Charities programs throughout the Archdiocese of New York. Thank you for supporting Catholic Charities’ vital work. I look forward to getting to know you better during the years to come.

With prayerful best wishes, I am,
Gratefully in Christ,

Most Reverend Timothy M. Dolan,
Archbishop of New York