My Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

It is with great delight that I welcome you to the Archdiocese of Cincinnati for the 2007 Catholic Charities USA Annual Gathering. I hope that your time with us will be an opportunity for prayer, study, reflection, and a renewal of your commitment of service to and advocacy for those in need.

The theme of your meeting this year, “Crossing the Rivers of Freedom” is important and timely. Poverty and racism are two of the most pressing issues facing our country today and our Catholic Charities agencies have been and must continue to be in the forefront of the struggle to confront these issues and to seek solutions for their elimination. It is good for you to be in this area as you consider and reflect upon the issue of racism. The greater Cincinnati area played a significant role in the struggle for freedom during the years preceding the Civil War and was an important stop for the Underground Railroad. The Ohio River became the symbol of freedom for so many people fleeing the terrors of slavery. However, when we see the challenges faced by so many in our community, we are reminded of the work that still faces us.

That is why it is so important that you come here to join with us and take some time to consider the challenges that we still face, to learn some new strategies and to renew our commitment to ensure that all live in the dignity that is the God given right of each of us.

I hope, too, that during your time with us, you will have an opportunity to enjoy the many cultural riches of the Greater Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky area. Your hosts for this Annual Gathering, the diocese of Covington and the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, will do all that we can to ensure that your visit with us is a memorable one.

Sincerely yours in Christ,

Most Rev. Daniel E. Pilarczyk
Archbishop of Cincinnati

My Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

It is with great pleasure and joy that I welcome you to Northern Kentucky and the diocese of Covington to participate in the 97th Annual Gathering of Catholic Charities USA. I wish to extend my warmest greetings to the members of Catholic Charities organizations from across North America and to the speakers, outstanding scholars and leaders in the field of human services who are convening in the Greater Cincinnati area.

At your meeting you stand ready to explore and learn how best to approach the pressing issues of poverty and race that confronts our nation. Certainly, Cincinnati/ Northern Kentucky, the northern terminus of the Underground Railroad, is an appropriate setting to reflect upon and explore your theme: “Crossing the Rivers of Freedom.” While here, I hope you will have the opportunity to take some time getting to know our area better and exploring our rich cultural and spiritual heritage.

I pray that God will bless you as you celebrate your accomplishments, plan for the reduction of poverty and racism in our great Commonwealth and rekindle your spiritual determination to bring Christ’s love and concern to those in our society who have least.

Yours devotedly in the Lord,

Most Reverend Roger J. Foys, D.D.
Bishop of Covington