In 1968, at the direction of Archbishop Henry J. OBrien, Father Timothy A. Meehan, now Pastor of St. Therese Parish, North Haven, founded the Office of Urban Affairs, working closely with Bishop Joseph F. Donnelly, the first chairman of the board. Together they launched a work that was to have far-reaching impact not only here in Connecticut but also across the United States.
As Father Meehan explains it today, the purposes of the OUA were to bring priests and others working in urban parishes closer together for more effective collaboration, to provide resources both financial and personal for urban parishes, and to raise awareness in other parishes as to the needs and activities of urban parishes.
With the approval of Archbishop OBrien, Father Meehan launched Cooperative Parish Sharing on Oct. 16, 1968, a program that continues to grow in these years. (The OUA dinner this year will be held on Oct. 16.) Father Meehan was also instrumental in helping to start the national Catholic Campaign for Human Development, helping poor people to help themselves in an extensive variety of ways across the country. Our Office of Urban Affairs continues to coordinate that effort for the Archdiocese of Hartford. Father Meehan was successful as executive director here for four years, to the point that he was authorized for two years to travel all over the United States and bring the Connecticut model to dioceses throughout the country.
Father Meehan set the pace, and the Archdiocese has been extraordinarily blessed in the directors who have succeeded him, all noted for high talent and exemplary dedication: Jack Middleton, 1972 to 1976; Fred Perella, 1976-1990; Joseph Smyth, active in various positions in the office from 1973 to 1990, executive director from 1990 to 2008. It is most appropriate that Joe will be honored with a special award at the OUA dinner this year. He was selected earlier this year by the National Catholic Campaign for Human Development Committee of Bishops as the 2008 Diocesan Director of the Year.
Cori Thibodeau, our current executive director, has already exhibited superb skills and extensive work in the few months she has been here. She held a similar position in the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, where she received rave reviews, before coming home to Connecticut. We are delighted that Leah Stroman will continue to serve as president of the board.
The growth of OUAs services, projects, and programs over the years has been a phenomenal blessing from God. Bishops, priests, deacons, religious, lay men and lay women have worked hard through OUA to bring the social teachings of the Church, reinforced in Vatican Council II, to concrete realization. Assistance to parishes, help for immigrants, housing work, fuel banks, coalitions with other community-based charities and service agencies, work for the environment, education programs, work for prisoners, advocacy on public policy, and help with neighborhood struggles are only some of the endeavors involved.
The OUA now coordinates the education for and the implementation of the annual Catholic Relief Services (CRS) collection in our Archdiocese. CRS is the official arm of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops in providing assistance to people in difficulty all over the world.
It is always gratifying to see the collaboration of the OUA with other Catholic agencies. Many are involved, but special mention must be made of the parishes, Catholic Charities, and the Connecticut Catholic Conference. The Catholic Church in Connecticut after government is the largest provider of social services, educational services, and health services, not to mention pastoral services. The more cooperation there is among these providers, the more effective the services are.
The Archbishops Annual Appeal helps to support the OUA. Other contributions come from individuals, religious orders, corporations, and foundations.
There is simply not sufficient space here to describe all the programs and assistance it provides. For more information, you may contact the Office of Urban Affairs, 81 Saltonstall Ave., New Haven, CT 06513-4356, email at oua@ouaadh.org, or refer to its Web site at www.oua-adh.org.
The dinner on Oct. 16 will be a welcome celebration to applaud all who have made the OUA the meaningful story that it is: directors, board members, staff, and all those who work with it in solidarity. It is a special opportunity to pray our thanks to God for the difference it makes every day in the lives of vulnerable people. Our aspirations look to continued expansion of the work and Gods rich blessings on all who serve and are served.
Happy 40th anniversary to the Office of Urban Affairs. May you continue to bring justice and love in abundance to a broken world.
Archbishops Annual Appeal
Following mention of the Archbishops Annual Appeal in the above column, it is fitting to report that as I write this, the total for the Appeal 2008 is $9,237,941.32. That is $61,651.23 higher than last years total at this time, $9,176,290.09.
The average gift this year is $181.39. Last year it was $170.53. The increases and the momentum continue, thanks to your ongoing goodness.
It should also be noted that on Aug. 12 we dedicated and blessed the new Catholic Charities Center in New Haven. The previously closed St. Donatos Church is now a state-of-the-art Charities service center, made possible by your support for the Appeal.
There are four months to go before Appeal 2008 is officially closed, but it will take years to express gratitude to you properly, because the effects of your giving will resonate for decades and generations. Please know of my profound and prayerful appreciation.
