Catholic Charities USA Presents Centennial Medals to Catholic Leaders

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Nov 02, 2010, 09:47 ET

WASHINGTON, Nov. 2, 2010 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Catholic Charities USA (CCUSA), the 100-year-old social service network working to reduce poverty in America, has presented specially-commissioned Centennial Medals to national and international Catholic leaders and organizations in recognition of their deep commitment to the vision and mission of the organization. The awards were presented during Catholic Charities USA's 2010 Centennial Celebration.

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The Centennial Medal was presented to the following individuals:

Cardinal Francis George, president of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops
Most Rev. William Skylstad, Catholic Charities USA Episcopal Liaison from 2000-2002, former president of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops
Most Rev. Michael Driscoll, Catholic Charities USA Episcopal Liaison 2002-present

Catholic Charities USA also honored Caritas Internationalis, CCUSA's international partner organization reducing poverty and injustice throughout the world, and the Pontifical Council Cor Unum, the Vatican agency which oversees the Church's charitable activities around the world. Msgr. Robert Vitillo accepted the award for Caritas Internationalis. Cardinal Paul Josef Cordes accepted the award for the Pontifical Council Cor Unum.

Catholic Charities USA was founded in 1910 "to bring about a sense of solidarity" among those in charitable ministries. Since 1910, Catholic Charities USA has encouraged professional social work practice, provided opportunities for training and networking, and served as a national voice and expert on poverty issues. The Centennial is a time to reflect on past accomplishments and renew the commitment to serve those in need.

For more information about Catholic Charities USA, visit http://www.catholiccharitiesusa.org.

Catholic Charities USA's members provide help and create hope for more than 9 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.

SOURCE Catholic Charities USA