Catholic Charities focus of Feb. 11-12 second collection

    Of the many worthy second collections taken up in the Archdiocese of New Orleans each year, the one scheduled at all Masses Feb. 11-12 will have a direct benefit to the continuing local work of Catholic Charities.
    “Every second collection is important,” said Gordon Wadge, president and CEO of Catholic Charities Archdiocese of New Orleans. “We want to share with the whole archdiocese the good news that Catholic Charities belongs to us, and we, in turn, share in the responsibility to support these ministries.”
    Wadge said Catholic Charities is highlighting two new ministries this year that were launched at the request of Archbishop Gregory Aymond: the Isaiah 43 parenting and mentoring program for at-risk families; and Catholic Charities’ northshore pastoral center.
    The Isaiah 43 program, which is being piloted in three parishes (St. Joseph the Worker in Marrero, St. Peter Claver in New Orleans and Holy Family in Franklinton), hopes to reduce violence in the region by offering parenting classes that will teach real-life skills and mentoring programs to help youth resolve conflict without resorting to violence.
    The northshore pastoral center will bring church and social services closer to those who live across Lake Pontchartrain.