Gala supports three ministries that do the work of Christ in changing lives
Dr. David Wolf and his wife Anne enjoy the annual archdiocesan Legacy Gala at the JW Marriott in Indianapolis on Feb. 10. The Wolfs, members of SS. Francis and Clare Parish in Greenwood, were co-chairpersons of this year’s event. (Photo by Rob Banayote)
By John Shaughnessy
When Dr. David Wolf was asked to be the co-chairperson of the archdiocese’s Legacy Gala this year with his wife Anne, he viewed it as a way of giving back for a gift he once received, a gift that changed the course of his life.
He recalled growing up in the Indiana community of Evansville, part of a family that didn’t have the money to pay for his tuition to a Catholic school.
“I know that someone else paid that for me, and I feel like now I’ve been very fortunate, very blessed,” he said. “And I feel an obligation that now’s the time where I need to help others that would like to have that opportunity, but don’t have the means to do that.”
The couple also praised the efforts of Catholic Charities’ agencies across southern and central Indiana for their ability to change lives, and they view supporting the education of seminarians as so important because “we need great priests.”
“The reason for this event is to give money to three very important causes,” David said.
The program for the Legacy Gala in Indianapolis at the JW Marriott on Feb. 10 shared some of the ways that Catholic Charities, Catholic schools and the Bishop Simon Bruté College Seminary in Indianapolis have an impact on lives.
Catholic Charities has served 195,000 meals to people who are hungry, provided shelter and crisis relief services for 40,000, and helped 2,800 people with pregnancy and adoption services.
The 67 Catholic schools in the archdiocese educate and share the faith with about 21,000 students through the dedicated efforts of nearly 2,300 staff members.
The Bishop Simon Bruté College Seminary has formed 40 priests, and there are currently 27 seminarians studying for the priesthood there.
“All we’re really talking about is how we’re creating community, and that’s what we all do,” said David Bethuram, executive director of Catholic Charities for the archdiocese, describing the impact of these three ministries. “That’s what we’re teaching in our seminary, and that’s what we’re teaching in our schools, and that’s what we’re experiencing in Catholic Charities.”
As the rector of the Bishop Simon Bruté College Seminary, Father Joseph Moriarty sees the three ministries as representing to people “the hands and feet of Christ, reaching out to them, touching them, helping them in some way.
“And I’m so aware that we couldn’t do what we do without the support of our generous benefactors.”
For Brian Disney, the superintendent of Catholic schools in the archdiocese, these three ministries are all about doing God’s work.
“We go out to serve others which really fits with our ministries,” Disney said. “We’re taking Christ out into the world. And when we go with that attitude, what an opportunity it gives us to make a difference in the world.” †
Related story: Emotion marks archdiocese’s Legacy Gala celebrating two people of faith and love
