Catholic Charities USA Awards Centennial Medal to Sr. Maureen Joyce

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Jan 11, 2010, 10:55 ET

ALBANY, N.Y., Jan. 11 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Rev. Larry Snyder, president and CEO of Catholic Charities USA, today awarded the organization's 2010 Centennial Medal to Sr. Maureen Joyce, longtime head of Catholic Charities of the Albany Diocese.

(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20081008/CCUSALOGO)

Sister Maureen is the second recipient of the prestigious award which was created to honor 100 people throughout CCUSA's 2010 centennial year. Cardinal Theodore E. McCarrick, Archbishop Emeritus of Washington, received the first medal in November 2009.

"Sister Maureen Joyce has represented Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Albany for more than three decades and for the last 20 years as its Chief Executive Officer," said Fr. Snyder. "She has always been a living example of the mission of Catholic Charities USA. It is an honor to be able to present this prestigious award to her during our Centennial year."

The Catholic Charities USA Centennial Medal recognizes the contributions of individuals and organizations to the reduction of poverty in the United States and their commitment to the vision and mission of Catholic Charities USA. Recipients are chosen by a Centennial Medal Committee, which includes Fr. Snyder and key national CCUSA Board Members and leadership within CCUSA.

Catholic Charities USA's 2010 centennial activities celebrate the work of the Catholic Charities movement, bringing dignity and respect to all people and advocating the broader community to live a life of justice and social concern.

Catholic Charities USA's members -- more than 1,700 local Catholic Charities agencies and institutions nationwide -- provide help and create hope for 8.5 million people a year regardless of religious, social, or economic backgrounds. For almost 300 years, Catholic Charities agencies have worked to reduce poverty by providing a myriad of vital services in their communities, ranging from health care and job training to food and housing. In 2010, Catholic Charities USA celebrates its centennial anniversary. For more information, visit www.CatholicCharitiesUSA.org.

SOURCE Catholic Charities USA