Oct. 17, 2018

OGDENSBURG – Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Ogdensburg will hold its annual Caritas Dinner on Oct. 24 at the Gran View Restaurant in Ogdensburg.

Each year, Bishop Terry R. LaValley and the Board of Trustees presents awards to individuals, groups and families who have made a significant contribution to the mission of the agency in serving the poor and underprivileged in the diocese.

This year, two individuals have been selected.

Receiving the Caritas Award will be Sister Donna Franklin, the former director of Catholic Charities, an agency she headed for over 20 years. She retired last December.

Receiving the Legacy Award, a special distinction reserved for youth and young adults, will be Ciara LeRoy of Malone.

According to Deacon Patrick J. Donahue the current Executive Director of Catholic Charities: “These are two very deserving recipients and their tireless and devoted work in their communities have inspired so many others to join in and to do the same.”

The awards are given to those who demonstrate a clear understanding of charity and social justice issues and who have a passion for addressing their resolution.

Sister Donna, who now resides in Albany, faithfully served as executive director of Catholic Charities in the diocese since 1995 before retiring last year.

Sister Donna has been exemplary in her past service to Catholic Charities and the mission to serve the poor, marginalized and under privileged in the North Country.

She has left a legacy that has inspired all those who follow and continue the important works of charity in the Diocese of Ogdensburg.

Donahue said that Sister Donna personifies the Caritas Award that was established by the Board of Trustees of Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Ogdensburg in 1979.

The award acknowledges individuals and organizations in the North Country who promote the mission of Catholic Charities and social justice ministry of the Catholic Church.

The individual or group should exemplify the gospel mandates of charity and justice.

Ciara LeRoy, who is a parishioner of St André Bessette Parish, resides with her family in Malone.

She is a graduate of Holy Family School and a fourth year altar server for the Malone Catholic parishes. She is an active high school athlete whose involvement in sports include cross country and track and field.

Donahue said that with all of her involvement, “Ciara still finds time to emulate the Gospel values as an active member of St André youth group through community service projects that include visiting the homebound and raising funds for the Advent Wreath project. Ciara is also the youth representative on St Andre’s pastoral council.”

The event begins with a cash bar at 5 p.m., entertainment 5:30 and dinner at 6 p.m.

The cost is $45 per person.

Reservations, which are required, may be made by calling Catholic Charities (315) 393-2255 by Oct 17th.
All funds raised through the Caritas dinner are used to provide counseling and financial assistance to individuals and families who have critical needs.

No administrative funds are paid for with funds raised through the dinner.