New Season. New Opportunities to Work Together.
Spring reminds us that growth happens best when we work side by side. As life stirs all around us, it’s a great time to explore new ways to collaborate — with one another, and especially with Catholic Charities. Whether it’s addressing local needs or launching a joint outreach effort, our shared mission is strongest when we combine our gifts. Together, we can serve more deeply and connect more meaningfully with our parishes and the wider community.
Let’s plant something new together — reach out to our Parish Relations staff.
Program Spotlight
Adult Day Center
The Adult Day Services Center provides a safe, supervised setting that meets the varying daily care needs of the members, while encouraging them to maintain self-help and social skills. Our Center is large enough to offer a wide range of services, yet small enough to respond personally and promptly to individual needs.
The Center provides certified nursing assistants to respond to care needs, varied daily programming based on participants' needs and wants, recreational activities, snacks and lunch in a beautiful, homelike setting. For additional fees, participants have access to on-site specialized bathing facilities, podiatrists, beauticians and individual counseling sessions.
Adult Day Center members benefit from the variety of activities, socialization and staff interaction. Participant medical conditions may include stroke, arthritis, Parkinson's Disease, Alzheimer's disease or other forms of dementia, as well as developmental disabilities. Services are provided through private pay, state, county or Veteran Administration public benefits or reduced fees based on income eligibility.
Did you know ...
The Adult Day Center is located within walking distance of St. Sebastian Parish in Milwaukee and less than 9 miles from St. Anthony Parish in Menomonee Falls.
Catholic Charities Annual Report
Volunteers partner with us to make a difference for neighbors in need
Mary’s journey with Catholic Charities began in 2012, and it’s been a path of deep, heartfelt service ever since. After losing her father, she felt an undeniable calling to serve others. Her work, particularly with the Adult Day Center (ADC), goes far beyond typical care. She’s not just a volunteer; she’s a lifeline, offering a sense of peace and connection that so many need.
The members of the ADC are touched by Mary’s presence in many ways. She hosts services for them as some cannot attend Mass. They gather in song and prayer, and she provides peace through communion.
Mary recalls countless special moments during her time volunteering, but one particularly stands out. Years ago, one resident was nearing the end of her life. The family wished for their loved one to peacefully pass at the ADC. Mary witnessed this special moment, providing comforting prayer and a warm spirit.
Mary has been moved by encounters like this, receiving personal comfort and being reminded of her loved ones. She says,
At the end of the visit, I usually am given quite a few hugs, and they tell me to come back!"
Volunteers like Mary embody the mission of Catholic Charities, bringing Christ’s love to life.
Coalition Receives State Support to Serve the Disconnected
“The initial idea was to reach out to senior parish members — many who had become disconnected from the church after COVID, but also for other reasons,” said Fr. Matthew Perumpil, M.I., who serves as pastor of Mother of Perpetual Help. “For example, they may have moved to a senior home or are unable to come to church due to health issues.”
Under Fr. Perumpil’s leadership, the parish quickly got to work identifying those who had become disconnected and established a pastoral ministry team to serve them. Sr. Lincy Augustine, S.J.T., joined the team to lead this effort.
“The whole idea is to create a replicable model to address social isolation and loneliness in older adults and disabled individuals that could be used for a variety of parishes across the 10-county archdiocese and beyond,” Gaglione said.
Just sharing ideas within the coalition is valuable. There is so much we can learn from one another, and we don’t have to reinvent the wheel."
Catholic Charities is proud to collaborate with this ministry in combating senior isolation.
Lenten Luncheon Recap
More than just a meal, the Lenten Luncheons shine a light on Catholic Charities, the social service arm of the Archdiocese of Milwaukee. With a vision to improve lives of the most vulnerable, the agency provides quality, compassionate human services, making a difference for 52,000 people throughout southeastern Wisconsin, 97 percent of whom are affected by poverty.
This year, Archbishop Jeffrey Grob joined the celebrations sharing his thanks to Archbishop Emeritus Jerome Listecki for establishing this important “friend-raiser” for Catholic Charities. Honoring the history of service, he noted to Archbishop Grob,
Since 1920, Catholic Charities has been caring for the well-being of families impacted by poverty with compassion, dignity and respect. I am happy to be a part of that mission."
Recognizing efforts to uplift neighbors in need, each awardee received a Treasures of the Church award, a unique framed drawing that depicts St. Lawrence. A team member from 2025 awardee Kinship Community Food Center remarked,
What a great event! This beautiful celebration brought so many good people together who make an impact in our world."
Greater Milwaukee Lenten Luncheon
Hosted at Saint Francis de Sales Seminary
Now in its 10th year, Catholic Charities held its first Lenten Luncheon at Saint Francis de Sales Seminary in 2015. Much more than soup, salad and a dessert, it’s become a Lenten tradition for so many throughout the Archdiocese. In March, Archbishop Emeritus Jerome Listecki recognized the Treasures of the Church awardees, community leaders who care for our neighbors in need and live out their faith in service.
- Susan & Tom Mountin: We recognized Susan, and remember Tom’s commitment to Catholic Charities, the archdiocese and their parishes, Gesu, St. Leo’s and St. Sebastian. Tom and Susan embraced a life of service for others and supported each other in their pursuits of peace and justice. Among his many volunteer roles, Tom was a Catholic Charities volunteer, providing legal support for refugees and immigrants. Susan worked in mission and ministry at Marquette University for 47 years, plus has volunteered with the Christ Child Society. She also served on the Catholic Charities board from 1995-2000 and served as Board Chair in 1999-2000. Susan says her service to others “flows from my Catholic faith, my belief in God, my relationship with prayer and Jesus.”
- Community of Saint Paul: Wishing to live the Gospel of Jesus, this nonprofit community works tirelessly to foster the dignity of all — especially of the most vulnerable brothers and sisters. Through sacramental and pastoral work, they establish ties with local churches and diverse ministries. The Community of Saint Paul also focuses on social programs related to health, nutrition, education, agriculture and the needs of children.
- Kinship Community Food Center: Inspired by Catholic Social Teaching, Kinship Community Food Center addresses food insecurity by bringing people from all cultural and socio-economic backgrounds together. Its team members and volunteers are committed to improving lives and growing community well-being throughout the city of Milwaukee. Each year, Kinship Community Food Center serves 350,000 pounds of food to more than 15,000 community members.
Lake Country Lenten Luncheon
Hosted by St. Charles Parish
At St. Charles parish in Hartland, guests attending the Lenten Luncheon enjoyed meeting and visiting with Archbishop Jeffrey Grob. He was there to recognize the efforts of local leaders who have provided services for those in need. Over a humble meal of soup, salad and dessert, guests heard stories of compassion, resilience and impact. Attendees often say they leave filled with hope and inspiration – a true Lenten takeaway.
- Terri Blazek: Terri has had a lifelong passion for justice and compassion for neighbors in need. She was a natural choice to lead the Human Concerns Committee of St. Charles Parish, now called the Outreach Services Team. With Terri’s leadership, the Outreach Services Team has supported those in need within local communities, created a partnership to support students and families of St. Anthony School in Milwaukee and developed a new partnership with La Sagrada Familia in the Dominican Republic. She has also led efforts in creating strong partnerships to support the Hebron House Shelters for men and women, the Hope Center and Jim Luther New Hope Center.
- Fr. Ariel Orozco: As associate pastor at St. Charles, Fr. Ariel brings joy everywhere he goes. He takes time out to visit school students on a weekly basis and attends many of the parish and school events, interacting with families and building relationships. Fr. Ariel has been instrumental in helping the people of La Sagrada Familia in the Dominican Republic. This includes overseeing groups of parishioners who have traveled there to provide dental and medical services. While in seminary, Fr. Ariel dedicated time to volunteering with Catholic Charities. He led support groups to help parents and families from refugee and immigrant backgrounds learn about daily life in the U.S. as well as providing one-on-one support for a family, providing English tutoring and help connecting with local resources.
- Society of St. Vincent de Paul – St. Charles Conference: Formed in 1962, St. Vincent de Paul - St. Charles Conference offers person-to-person services for individuals and families in Waukesha County. This includes: Home visits to assist neighbors, running a food pantry and providing assistance with rent or utility bill. Last year, members met the needs of neighbors through 5,550 hours of service — this includes 400 hospital visits, 40 prison visits and nearly 700 eldercare visits.
Tri-Counties South Lenten Luncheon
Hosted by St. Anne Catholic Church, Pleasant Prairie
This April, Archbishop Jeffrey Grob was a part of the Lenten Luncheon celebrations in Bristol. To honor community leaders and their commitment to uplifting neighbors in need, he presented Treasures of the Church awards: unique framed drawings that depict St. Lawrence. He noted, “Since 1920, Catholic Charities has been caring for the well-being of families impacted by poverty with compassion, dignity and respect. I am happy to be a part of that mission.”
- Mary LaBadie: In 2015, with the help of Fr. James Volkert, Mary established the Helping Hands ministry. Its mission is to help older adults in their 80s and beyond by bringing joy and providing needed care and support. If they need resources, assistance with groceries or home tasks, or simply a friend to talk to, they can always count on a “helping hand" from St. Charles Parish/Burlington Lyons Catholic Community. Today, after 10 years and with Mary’s leadership, the ministry continues to be supported by volunteers who want to show their love for our elders.
- Deacon Roberto Fuentes: Dcn. Roberto has dedicated his life to helping people, including leading many outreach efforts in Racine focused on serving Spanish speaking families. This includes helping Racine Unified School District create a bilingual program for students and families, developing a bilingual AA group, serving on many local boards with a focus on providing immigration and human services. Dcn. Roberto found a passion in serving inmates at the Racine Correctional Institution, which he continued for 22 years! Today he serves his community by leading bilingual grief support groups in Milwaukee and Waukesha counties.
- The Sharing Center: The Sharing Center, established in 1983 and located in Trevor, is a vital resource and crisis center dedicated to supporting and empowering low-income individuals and families in the rural communities of Western Kenosha County. Ten years ago, the Sharing Center served 1,400 people. With growing needs among local families, in 2024, it served 6,500 individuals. With the help of many partners, The Sharing Center provides the community with 250 tons of food, 4,000 holiday meals, thousands of Christmas gifts, hundreds of winter coats and boots, and housing and employment resources.
Quad Counties North Lenten Luncheon
Hosted by Holy Family Catholic Community, Fond du lac
Holy Family Catholic Community in Fond du Lac hosted Catholic Charities last Lenten Luncheon of the season. Archbishop Jeffrey Grob was there to present awards to leaders who make a difference in their community, serving the poor and those in crisis. Witnessing the positive ways in which lives are impacted is an inspiration for all who attend. “This is part of our Lenten tradition,” one couple shared. ‟We have such a great time.”
- Maggie & Tim Patton: Tim and Maggie have been dedicated volunteers with the Holy Family Human Concerns Committee, investing countless hours into the Blessed Bites food program. Holy Family launched the Blessed Bites initiative in Fall 2020, recognizing the growing need for food and essential items as the COVID-19 pandemic affected so many families and individuals. By 2021, as their neighbors continued to face challenges, Tim and Maggie stepped up to volunteer weekly, offering both nourishing meals and heartfelt words of encouragement. Thanks to their unwavering compassion and the support of many fellow parishioners, Blessed Bites has flourished, continuing to provide free weekly to-go meals to anyone in need.
- Fr. Pat Heppe: Fr. Pat has served the archdiocese in a variety of ways since his ordination in 1977: as parish priest, vocation director for the seminary, vicar for clergy and as the vicar general for the Archdiocese of Milwaukee. For most of his priesthood (20 years), he served as pastor of St. Joseph Parish in Fond du Lac. With a heart to bring people together, he was chosen to be the moderator of a priest team when the six parishes merged to form Holy Family 25 years ago. Fr. Pat currently serves at four parishes in Waukesha.
- Elaine Graf Real Estate, First Weber: For more than 24 years, Elaine Graf and her team at First Weber have been serving and supporting the Fond du Lac community. In 2022, they led the effort to find a location for Holy Family’s new Warming Shelter that would provide up to 30 adults with a warm place to sleep along with hot, nutritious meals and access to community resources. They also assisted in cleaning and painting the space to get it ready for its opening in 2023. Elaine’s team continues to lead efforts to collect personal care items and provide meals and snacks for guests of the Holy Family Warming Shelter.
By working together and opening our hearts even wider, we can support each other as we expand and strengthen the direct services to our neighbors who are faced with hardships caused by poverty in our society."
Catholic Charities Parish Relations program will do this by developing educational, collaborative and outreach strategies between the Agency, parishes of the archdiocese, various Catholic institutions and fraternal organizations.