Bishop Duca Praises Role of CCDBR During Difficult Year

David Aguillard used one simple phase to capsulate the past year as he gave his address at the annual Catholic Charities meeting, which was held virtually March 24.

“2020,” the CCDBR executive director said.
“I don’t know what else I can say,” he somberly added. “It was an extremely difficult time. We provided services like we have never before.”

Aguillard also broke down the “incredible trust” placed in the agency to meet the tremendous needs of people struggling in the Baton Rouge area.

“No other agency in the community did the work we did or continues to do as we changed from financial assistance model to more sustained, ongoing support of vulnerable families, especially those in rural areas,” he said. “We could not have done this without our team members, staff, personal commitments, the life of faith and generosity each of you live in your personal lives and at Catholic Charities. I am inspired and thankful to have been a part of this organization this past year.”

He praised CCDBR employees for making the jobs a priority even as many faced their own personal struggles. 

“There will never be another year like this year, I hope,” Aguillard said.

During his address, Bishop Michael G. Duca, while expressing his tremendous pride in CCDBR’s response during the pandemic, said although 2020 was difficult, “every year is different” at Catholic Charities.

“You rise to the challenges, whether it’s floods, tornadoes, hurricanes, the difficulty of dealing with the criminal justice system or the challenges in your own person lives.”

“What is unique about this year,” he added, “is for some of it we had to do it separated, quietly in our homes, separated from the ones we love, where we draw our strength. But the fact that we are able to continue to respond and prosper in this time is not only a testimony to the organizational qualities of this organization but through the spiritual capital and depth, although we had to call upon it this year to make it through. I think that is a blessing.”

He said the daily lives of CCDBR employees are focused on running into and meeting the challenges of the day. He said the agency’s tremendous response this past year is testimony to the commitment of the organization as well as its team members.

“We may need this year to recharge that spiritual capital we get by coming together,” the bishop said. “We need to heal from that. But at the same time while you are helping others you are often the one who is hurting. 

“The way we help ourselves when we are spiritually challenged is by helping others. The ones who give their life is the one who finds their life.”

He called CCDBR a great gift to the church and the community and commended the agency’s  employees for the work they do.

“I am so proud of you,” he said. 

Annual award winners from the past two years were also presented, since the 2020 meeting was cancelled because of the pandemic.

Lisa Namikas was chosen as the recipient of the prestigious David Hamilton Volunteer of the Year for 2019 and Laura Holmes was selected for 2020. The award is presented to a volunteer who demonstrates excellence in service and exemplifies the Catholic Charities mission, values and commitment to the community.

Aguillard said Namikas has logged hundreds of hours since she began to volunteer with the agency’s Refugee Resettlement Program in 2017. Aguillard said Namikas will drive clients hundreds of miles to obtain a green card and has raised money to buy school supplies, organized CCDBR’s New Americans’ Thanksgiving event, coordinated volunteers and spearheaded the agency’s Virtual ESL summer camp.

“In her ‘off time’ she teaches history at Baton Rouge Community College and two summers ago, she traveled to Africa to help set up an online college program for refugees,” Aguillard said.

Holmes has spent the past decade as a CCDBR volunteer and helps low-income families prepare taxes at no cost. She also keeps CCDBR updated on new tax laws and is passionate about helping families in need and training other volunteers.

Julia Fontenot was selected as the 2019 Gene Dominigue Coworker of the Year winner and Cecilia Perez was chosen as the 2020 recipient.