| Office of Urban Affairs Gains Head Whose Passion is Parishes |
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| Wednesday, 07 May 2008 04:54 | |||
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Cori Thibodeau NEW HAVEN Only three weeks into her new job as director of the Archdiocesan Office of Urban Affairs, Cori Thibodeau has already gotten the lay of the land. My first task is to understand the history and contacts, and to make some assessments, she said.
But the one thing that I was encouraged about by this office, she emphasized, is that there is a clear commitment to being at the service of the parish and empowering parishes to live out the social mission of the Church.
Thats an important distinction for Ms. Thibodeau, who comes from the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, where she developed a reputation for being passionate about helping parishes and communities to create a just society.
She worked there for more than seven years, most recently as regional director of the Catholic Social Action Offices, and as diocesan director for Catholic Relief Services.
I was very happy with my current job and not really looking for a job, she said about the opening in the Hartford Archdiocese. But when I saw the advertisement for the job, I was really impressed and encouraged by the work that was being done in the Archdiocese.
Throughout the interview process, every piece fell absolutely right in place, she said about the match. And I saw the potential to move in some different directions because of a staff size that is larger than the office in
With a budget of more than $1 million and a staff of two people, she was responsible for the northern area of the Cincinnati Archdiocese, comprising 75 to 80 parishes.
In that position, she worked closely with the Catholic Campaign for Human Development, which provides grants to help break the cycle of poverty; and fostered the development of a Catholic social justice collaboration in the Greater Dayton area to help reduce and end chronic homelessness.
She also helped to establish numerous social justice efforts in parishes by organizing faith formation programs such as JustFaith and Communities of Salt and Light, as well as educational sessions on faithful citizenship, immigration and legislative advocacy on issues including homelessness and minimum wage.
As director of Catholic Relief Services, she worked with such programs as Operation Rice Bowl, Food Fast and Fair Trade; and worked on the countrys largest one-day Work of Human Hands Fair Trade sale held in the Archdiocese of Cincinnati.
Ms. Thibodeau, who turns 30 this month, also traveled to Angola, Africa, as part of a legislative delegation to examine the role of the Church in calling for a more just use of natural resources.
In making the appointment, Archbishop Henry J. Mansell noted that Cori brings to this position dedicated commitment and a strong faith-based stewardship approach to the programs in accord with the philosophy and mission of OUA.
Cori was selected based on her experience and her dedication to program implementation and her relational approach in working with individuals, offices and agencies, he said.
In making the announcement, Auxiliary Bishop Peter A. Rosazza and Leah Stroman, president of the OUA board of directors, also acknowledged her for being gifted in heart, mind and, most of all, spirit.
Ms. Thibodeau holds a Master of Divinity degree from United Theological Seminary in
After interning with the Campaign for Human Development out of college, she was quickly offered a job; and the rest, as they say, is history.
She is a native of
Ms. Thibodeau succeeds P. Joseph Smyth, who resigned Feb. 29 after three and a half decades at the helm. Under his leadership, the office, which celebrates its 40th anniversary this year, grew into one of the most highly regarded Catholic social justice offices in the country.
However, Ms. Thibodeau brings her own vision and mission to the job. I appreciate what the office here has accomplished and the wonderful reputation it holds nationally, she said. And I feel humbled to be in Joes place after hes committed so many years of service here.
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