On Nov. 20, Bishop George J. Lucas presided at the blessing of Catholic Charities’ new administrative offices in Springfield. “The work that goes on here in Jesus’ name is crucial,” said Bishop Lucas, stating that “the heart of the work of the church” is always in helping those who are in need. Shown at the left of Bishop Lucas is Steven Roach, executive director of Catholic Charities. On Bishop Lucas’ right are Leroy Jordan, coordinator for Black Catholic Ministry and Rick Faccin, Madison County auditor and a former employee and board member of Catholic Charities.

On Nov. 20 Bishop George J. Lucas blessed the new administrative offices for Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Springfield in Illinois, which are now located in a facility adjoining the Catholic Pastoral Center at 1625 W. Washington St. The blessing was followed by a reception with refreshments and tours of the facility.

Catholic Charities had been located at 800 S. Fifth St. since 1991, but moved into the newly-renovated office space in mid-October, said executive director Steven Roach. The offices on South Fifth Street were demolished the week of Nov. 16 to make room for additional parking and landscaping as part of the Built on Faith Renewed in Hope Cathedral restoration project.

In all 21 staff members work out of the Springfield administrative office, which oversees seven area Catholic Charities offices in Springfield, Quincy, Decatur, Mattoon, Effingham, Madison County and Carlinville, along with the Catholic Children's Home in Alton, and St. Francis Community Clinic and The St. Anne Residence, both in Beardstown.

The mission of Catholic Charities is to "extend to all the healing and empowering presence of Jesus," said Roach. "Now we have this new space that provides a much more professional atmosphere," he added. "It is also much more conducive to confidentiality, which is so important."

Each of the administrative staff members now has his or her own office space, while the new two-story area also includes a library, two conference rooms, plenty of storage space and a comfortable lobby and reception area.

"Needless to say, we are delighted with our new offices," Roach said. "We're very grateful to Bishop Lucas for his investment in Catholic Charities and for his support of the mission of Catholic Charities."