Morristown Man Honored for Work Overseas

One Morristown man is being honored for his work overseas.

Father Joe Healey, a Maryknoll missionary, has worked in East Africa for years and is being honored this year by RENEW International.

RENEW International, a Catholic not-for-profit organization based in Plainfield, New Jersey, will hold its twelfth annual fundraising gala on June 6, 2013 at the Pleasantdale Chateau in West Orange. Sr. Terry Rickard, OP, RENEW International’s president and executive director, will present awards to three notable Catholics who have played a significant role in fostering RENEW International’s mission of spreading gospel values in daily life.

“I am delighted to receive the Thomas A. Kleissler Award from RENEW International on behalf of the small Christian communities in eastern Africa," said Healey. "In 1976, Catholic bishops from nine countries of eastern Africa decided that building small Christian communities are a key pastoral priority. Today, we have more than 120,000 small Christian communities in these countries.”

Rev. Joseph G. Healey, MM, will be this year’s recipient of the Msgr. Thomas A. Kleissler Award, named in honor of RENEW’s president emeritus and co-founder. This award goes to a person who exemplifies the remarkable qualities of Msgr. Kleissler: a visionary spirit of church renewal, commitment to justice as integral to faith, dedication to the formation of lay leadership, and devotion to spiritual renewal through the building of small Christian communities. Since his arrival in Kenya in 1968, Father Healey, an American Maryknoll missionary priest, has been a tireless promoter of small Christian communities as a model of Church life. His pastoral ministry, academic career, and writings have made him a leading voice in the spread of SCCs throughout Africa and around the world.

“We at RENEW International are truly blessed to pay tribute to the faithfulness, leadership, and service represented by these three exemplary individuals,” said Rickard. “They are models of Catholic commitment in their personal and professional lives, with a level of dedication that is exceptional.”

Michael Catanzaro will receive the President's Award which is presented to a person who, through his/her actions and support, have advanced RENEW’s mission of evangelization, spiritual renewal, and faith formation, and played a significant role in bringing those efforts to people, parishes, and dioceses throughout the world. Drawing on his successful banking career, Catanzaro brings his gifts and talents to his role as controlling trustee, secretary and treasurer of the George Link Jr. Charitable Trust. In this capacity, he has advocated for and supported RENEW International's initiatives for many years. His dedication to many philanthropic causes and devotion to family stems from his strong Catholic faith.

Lisa Marie Meehan will receive the Spirit of RENEW Award, given to a person who, through his/her actions in both private and public life, has exemplified the Catholic values central to the mission of RENEW, and through word and deed, has spread the message of the Gospel. Meehan personifies RENEW's vision of connecting faith to life. A successful business professional at Merck & Co. Inc., a wife and mother, she finds time to lead ambitious outreach efforts in her parish and community that support both young and old.

These awards will be presented as part of RENEW’s gala reception, auction, and dinner. During cocktails beginning at 6 p.m., guests will have the opportunity to explore the landscaped grounds and graciously decorated rooms of this French Norman-style former family residence, built in the 1920s. The dinner will begin at 8 p.m. in the circular ballroom and will feature dancing to the music of Fortune Entertainment.

RENEW International’s gala raises funds each year to support the organization’s mission of building dynamic communities of faith. Through RENEW’s pastoral services for parishes and campuses in the United States and beyond, many Catholics have been strengthened in their faith, returned to the sacramental life of the Church, and reached out to others with acts of charity and justice.

A special feature of this year’s event is the silent auction. Auction items include luxury products, unique event tickets and experiences, and special trips. Bidders can view these items and compete for them before the event by visiting www.biddingforgood.com/renewintl. Final bidding will take place the evening of the event with an option for absentee bids.

Those who are interested in supporting RENEW International’s mission can attend the event, place a journal ad, make a donation, or donate an auction item. For more information, contact Sr. Honora Nolty, OP, at (908) 769-5400 x162 or honoran@renewintl.org or visit www.renewintl.org/gala.