‘I can’t imagine the church without the work you do’

Kerry Alys Robinson, new leader of Catholic Charities USA (seated in green) poses with Catholic Charities of Oregon staff.

Catholic Charities USA works with 168 agencies nationwide bringing support, financial opportunities, advocacy, training and unity of vision.

Robinson acknowledged that lately, Catholic Charities employees labor under perilous circumstances. Aware of false stories regarding the agency’s work with immigrants and pursuant threats, Robinson said no one should face condemnation for spreading love.

Kerry Alys Robinson, new leader of Catholic Charities USA (center), tours Catholic Charities of Oregon with Sally Erickson, Community Services Director, and Virginia Archer, Senior Director of Development.

“That is bad not just for Catholic Charities but for all of society,” Robinson said after a day of learning about Catholic Charities of Oregon’s work with low-income families, people experiencing homelessness, refugees and immigrants. “The most holy thing we can do is care for people in deep distress and who are on the fringe of hope…. People are suffering from a variety of social challenges but know they can find mercy here.”

Kerry Alys Robinson, new leader of Catholic Charities USA, speaks with staff of Catholic Charities of Oregon.

Robinson lauded Catholic Charities volunteers. She said more than 215,000 Americans pitched in for the agencies last year. At Catholic Charities of Oregon, almost 600 volunteers served more than 13,000 hours in 2023.

Natalie Wood, executive director of Catholic Charities of Oregon, reminded her team that they are part of not just a national organization but the worldwide Caritas network that serves people of need in almost every nation.

“You and people all over the globe are impacting the world,” Wood said.

Robinson was in Portland to speak at the University of Portland commencement.

“I hope you will cultivate a disposition of other centeredness,” she told the graduates packed into the school’s sports dome. “Be a beneficial presence in the world.”

Robinson urged the graduates to take delight in the good fortune of others.

“Allow your heart to crack wide open because of love,” she said.

PHOTOS:

Catholic Charities of Oregon worker Adam Lunceford (left) speaks with Community Services Director Sally Erickson and Catholic Charities USA leader Kerry Alys Robinson (right).

Kerry Alys Robinson, new leader of Catholic Charities USA, smiles as she chats with staff of Catholic Charities of Oregon.

Kerry Alys Robinson, new leader of Catholic Charities USA, gathers around a table with staff of Catholic Charities of Oregon.