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Archives Deacon Donahue named Catholic Charities director

Oct. 11, 2017

Bishop Terry R. LaValley and the Catholic Charities Board of Directors have announced the appointment of Deacon DonahueDeacon Patrick J. Donahue, M.S.W., D.Min. as the Director of Catholic Charities for the Diocese of Ogdensburg.
Deacon Donahue will succeed Daughter of Charity Sister Donna Franklin who has served as the Director of Catholic Charities for the past 27 years.

“We are all so grateful for Sister Donna’s inspiring leadership that has seen outreach to various defenseless groups greatly expanded,” said Bishop LaValley.

Deacon Donahue brings over 25 years of experience as caseworker and administrator at private, public and church agencies, including Catholic Charities, in the mental health and human services field.

Since 2009, he has served the diocese as Director of Formation for Ministry and Assistant Director of the Western Regional Office of Faith Formation.

Deacon Donahue received a Master of Arts in Social Work in 1976 from Syracuse University. He later earned a Masters in Divinity Studies from St. Bernard’s School of Theology and a Doctor of Ministry from Washington Theological University.

In 2013, Bishop LaValley ordained Deacon Donahue a permanent deacon for the diocese. He is currently assigned as deacon assistant at St. Mary’s Parish in Evans Mills.

“I am thrilled to become part of Catholic Charities,” Deacon Donahue said. “Charity goes to the core of our identity as Catholics. For me, this is a wonderful opportunity to merge my background and experiences in both social work and diaconal ministry to serve the people of the Diocese of Ogdensburg.

Succeeds Sister Donna Franklin who has led the agency for 27 years

“I look forward to serving in this new capacity, both continuing and hopefully contributing in some meaningful way to the 100-year legacy of Catholic Charities in our diocese,” he said

Sister Donna plans to retire in the spring of 2018. She will serve as a consultant for several months and work with Deacon Donahue after his appointment becomes effective Jan. 1, 2018.

Bishop LaValley said, “The Board of Directors and I are eager to see Deacon Patrick Donahue apply his unique blend of education, experience and ministry to Catholic Charites and its vital mission – responding to the needs of the most vulnerable members of our communities.”


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