'The Face Of Christ'

Priests, deacons, religious and laity were welcomed by staff and board members for the Sept. 9 dedication of the new diocesan offices for Catholic Charities and Hispanic Ministry. The new offices are located at 610 E. Walnut Street in Evansville.

Bishop Emeritus Gerald A. Gettlefinger presided over the blessing and dedication of both offices, noting staff members are “devoted to helping our brothers and sisters. Helping others is what we strive to do here, reaching out to those in need, especially those in the direst of need.”

Lisa Ice-Jones, president of the board of advisors for Catholic Charities, noted that before the move, the Catholic Charities offices occupied nearly half of the space they now have, and did so for 78 years.

“We’ve always been able to do a lot with a little,” she said, adding, “but now it’s nice to have the proper tools to service the community.”

The new offices offer additional space for better office flow and future outreach expansion, a classroom, accessibility by public transportation, a centralized location and ease of parking.

“We are the face of Christ in the community,” said Ice-Jones. “We offer service to people, not because they are Catholic, but because we are Catholic.”

Sharon Burns is the diocesan director of Catholic Charities and the Office of Hispanic Ministry. “We are blessed to be able to serve as the face of Christ, and we appreciate the continued support we receive that allows us to help others.”