Efforts for community recognized

For Catherine Andrews, director of the Caring Neighbors program of Albany diocesan Catholic Charities of Delaware and Otsego Counties, community comes first: family, friends, fellow parishioners and the people in her town.

For that commitment, she was recently named a 2005 New York State Woman of Distinction. The award recognizes women whose work and actions have made a positive impact on their localities.

"I was extremely surprised and honored," Ms. Andrews said of the award. "It was a thrilling feeling. I'm sure there were many, many individuals nominated. I was humbled."

For less fortunate

Over the years, Ms. Andrews, a parishioner at St. Mary's Church in Oneonta, has put her skills to use in public relations, and in development for organizations and charities that help youth, the chronically ill, the poor and the elderly.

She said she's been "zealous" in her efforts to make life a little easier for those given short shrift by illness or age. "Fundraising to perpetuate anything is essential," she explained, "and it is the thing I enjoy. I love doing things for other people. It's perpetuating goodness."

For example, as director of the Catholic Charities program, she coordinates a host of volunteers who help elderly, disabled and chronically ill people stay in their homes and out of long-term care facilities. The help can include home repair, grocery shopping, paying bills and gardening.

Lifelong service

Ms. Andrews has been involved in this type of service for a long time:

* As a young woman, she watched over terminally ill and elderly neighbors;

* she spent 12 years as an administrator at an assisted-living facility;

* as a board member for Saturday's Bread, a hot-meal program operating out of an Oneonta Methodist church, she coordinates volunteers and obtains funds;

* she visits Alzheimer's patients, coaches youth sports and serves as a literacy volunteer;

* she participates in fund-raising activities through Kiwanis International; and

* she coordinates the bereavement team at her parish.

Part of faith

For Ms. Andrews, her involvement is required of her as a Catholic.

"The way my parents brought all of us up was to help other people," she explained. "I believe that should be everyone's mission in life, no matter what you do. I have always wanted to become part of the community spirit, and it's done nothing but improve my life."

She called faith an "intrinsic" part of her life since she was a teenager in the folk group at church. She recalls having a "very powerful experience of community" that still drives her.

Musical tone

Her love for music remains with her. She plays guitar, banjo and mandolin, and enjoys coordinating concert fundraisers for Catholic Charities, St. Mary's and children with serious illnesses.

"A concert was where I felt most at home," she explained.

As she reflects on her life of service, she told The Evangelist: "I believe the greatest things you do in life, you do quietly, and you do them for the good of others and not the good of yourself. What greater honor is there in life than to help people? What greater satisfaction can you get?"

(6/16/05)