Legacy Leader: Fr. David Polich
“The Corporal Works of Mercy* are not extra credit for Christians, they are essential,” said Fr. Polich. “Catholic Charities is actively living out the Works of Mercy and addressing people’s needs.”
Why I Lead
Fr. David Polich has helped Catholic Charities grow as an organization through his leadership and guidance. His passion for social justice has shaped the programs offered to better fulfill the needs of those being served.
Fr. Polich’s connection to Catholic Charities started when he was young. Growing up, he would often serve Mass for Monsignor Paul Connelly who served as Executive Director of Catholic Charities at the time. Father also connected with and got to know other influential Catholic Charities Executive Directors over the years including Chuck Roth and Larry Breheny.
Through Father’s years in the seminary and early years of priesthood, he was involved with many different committees, mainly focusing on the topic of social justice. Through these committees, his connection with Catholic Charities grew.
“For me, I always felt like I was supposed to be a priest,” said Fr. Polich. “God’s call and answering his call is the most important thing, but the people, those I work with, those I serve, that’s the most pivotal thing for me.”
“What Catholic Charities does is certainly what the Church is about, serving the people.”
Fr. Polich joined the Catholic Charities Board of Directors in the early 1980s and served again in the late 1990s to early 2000s. During his time on the board, he helped grow and expand programs offered at the organization while focusing on social justice. He also acted as a liaison for the priest council and other ministries within the Diocese of Des Moines.
“As time went on, the umbrella of care [at Catholic Charities] grew to include more program areas so there was a lot of interacting in different directions,” said Fr. Polich. “All of the programs are very important and near to my heart in different ways.”
Father is grateful to see Catholic Charities continue to grow and care for those in need. As the organization celebrates its 100-year anniversary he hopes there continues to be a focus on social justice and how to better serve those who are struggling.
“The Corporal Works of Mercy* are not extra credit for Christians, they are essential,” said Fr. Polich. “Catholic Charities is actively living out the Works of Mercy and addressing people’s needs.”
Father encourages more people to learn about Catholic Charities and the vital work being done.
“People need to know Catholic Charities is here and is here for them and anyone else that is in need,” said Fr. Polich.
For more information on how to support the vital work being done at Catholic Charities, contact Director of Development, Bobbi Jo Smith at 515-237-5064 or bsmith@catholiccharitiesdm.org.
*The Corporal Works of Mercy are charitable actions by which we help our neighbors in their bodily needs. They include: feeding the hungry, giving drink to the thirsty, sheltering the homeless, visiting the sick, visiting the prisoners, burying the dead and giving alms to the poor.
