Sister Maureen Joyce Honored

The Times Union's Tim O'Brien has a wonderful article today about Sr. Maureen Joyce, head of Catholic Charities for the Diocese, who is the second person in the United States to be honored by the national organization for her efforts to help the poor.

On Monday, before 130 friends, family members and supporters at St. Vincent DePaul Church, Joyce received the Centennial Medal, an honor being given to 100 people, by Catholic Charities USA. The national organization is marking its 100th year by distributing medals to one person for each year of its existence.

For 20 years, Joyce has served as director of the regional nonprofit that serves the poor, the homeless, immigrants and people suffering from HIV/AIDS. For a decade before that, she led the charity's Community Maternity Services program.

The Rev. Larry Snyder, president of Catholic Charities USA, said the Albany chapter is one of the most effective in the country.

"There was a great desire on our board of trustees that Sister Maureen receive our second medal," he said. "She has earned the loyalty and admiration of her staff, and she's also earned the respect of this community."

When Hurricanes Katrina and Rita hit New Orleans, Snyder said, Joyce immediately sent her staff to help. "They were the first to come and the last to leave," he said.

He called her support for the less fortunate "immediate, unwavering and passionate."

The rest of the article is here. Sister Maureen presently is facing a tough fight with cancer, so please keep her in your prayers.