Legacy Leader: Bishop Joseph Charron
“Catholic Charities has been so successful because it has been lived out by generations of people committed to its mission,” said Bishop Charron. “That is part of the real power of a faith-based organization, when you have people there who are really living out their faith it makes a real difference.”
Why I Lead
Bishop Joseph Charron served as Bishop of the Diocese of Des Moines for more than 13 years. During his time as Bishop, he connected with the mission and theological meaning behind Catholic Charities and the tremendous good the organization does.
Prior to becoming a Bishop, he served as an assistant professor of theology at St. John’s University in Collegeville, Minnesota and as Assistant General Secretary and Associate General Secretary of the United States Catholic Conference and the National Conference of Catholic Bishops. He came to Des Moines in 1993 after serving as Bishop for three years for the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis in Minnesota. He quickly became acquainted with Catholic Charities shortly after arriving in Des Moines.
Reflecting on the work of Catholic Charities, Bishop Charron notes the importance of the organization, not just because of the programs and services offered, but the “why” behind what the organization stands for and what it does for the people it serves.
“In many ways Catholic Charities is a way for us, as an institution and as a community, to live out our faith,” said Bishop Charron. “Catholic Charities is really our faith in practice.”
In the Gospel of Matthew (Matthew 22:35-40), Jesus calls us to love our neighbor. Bishop Charron believes this Gospel message is alive through the work of Catholic Charities.
“Jesus gave us so many examples and so many of his teachings are about loving one another,” said Bishop Charron. “Catholic Charities and the work done by the organization allows us to live out this commandment which Jesus has given us.”
During his tenure as Bishop for the Diocese of Des Moines, Bishop Charron witnessed a time of growth within Catholic Charities. The Catholic Charities’ Emergency Family Shelter had newly begun its vital work of caring for families experiencing homelessness in Des Moines. The Catholic Charities’ Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault program broke ground on a new shelter and office location in Council Bluffs while enhancing the services offered. The Catholic Charities’ Food Pantry moved into its current location at 1815 Hubbell Avenue to better serve the growing need to feed the hungry. Catholic Charities’ Refugee Services and the Catholic Charities’ Counseling program were also expanding and thriving.
“Something I love about Catholic Charities is that the organization responds to the needs of the time and the programs evolve to respond to those needs,” said Bishop Charron.
He also fondly remembers the different community events held by the organization and expressed his enjoyment for the chance to interact with the community while sharing and promoting the work of the organization. Bishop Charron warmly remembers throwing out the first pitch for the Iowa Cubs at Catholic Charities’ ‘Step Up to the Plate’ event.
Bishop Charron acknowledges the great leaders Catholic Charities has had to help lead the organization into the future. As Bishop, he worked closely with former Catholic Charities Executive Directors Larry Breheny and Nancy Galeazzi and continues to be impressed by the leadership at the organization. He also recognizes the great support, work and dedication from the members of the Catholic Charities Board of Directors, staff and volunteers to carry out its mission.
“Catholic Charities has been so successful because it has been lived out by generations of people committed to its mission,” said Bishop Charron. “That is part of the real power of a faith-based organization, when you have people there who are really living out their faith it makes a real difference.”
One thing he hopes parishioners in the Diocese of Des Moines understand is that the work Catholic Charities does is a real way to live out the Gospel message to “love your neighbor.”
“You love your neighbor when they need counseling, or when they need to pay their electric bill, or when they need some food, or when they need to be protected from an abusive situation,” said Bishop Charron. “Catholic Charities is putting flesh and bone on the message to ‘love one another as I have loved you.’”
As Catholic Charities celebrates 100 years of providing help and hope to our neighbors in need, Bishop Charron hopes the organization will continue its vital work to meet the ever-changing needs of our communities. He also encourages others to get involved with the organization whether it is through volunteering or making a financial gift.
“One hundred years of Catholic Charities is really a celebration rooted in faith, hope and charity and the mission God sends us on,” said Bishop Charron. “So much of what Catholic Charities does is an expression of love for those in need of help.”
For more information on how you can get involved and support the mission at Catholic Charities, contact Director of Development and Marketing, Bobbi Jo Smith at 515-237-5064 or bsmith@catholiccharitiesdm.org.
