Have you heard?

New York State Industries for the Disabled (NYSID), a statewide non-profit organization that helps persons with disabilities to find employment and other opportunities, has a new president/CEO: MAUREEN O’BRIEN (pictured at right), an active local Catholic. She and her husband, DR. PAUL VOGT, are communicants of Mater Christi parish in Albany and are raising four sons, one of whom was profiled in The Evangelist recently (search for “Gabe” at www.evangelist.org). A native of Albany, Ms. O’Brien is a trustee at Maria College; her other sons attend The College of Saint Rose in Albany and Notre Dame-Bishop Gibbons School in Schenectady. Catholic Charities of the Albany Diocese is a NYSID member agency; Ms. O’Brien will meet with state legislators and agencies to help increase jobs Catholic Charities clients and other NYSID member agencies statewide.

Also in Catholic Charities news, Catholic Charities of Delaware, Otsego and Schoharie Counties is selling bricks for a “fireplace” that will be displayed in the windows of its Oneonta and Cobleskill offices. Donors can purchase a brick for $25; 100 percent of the money raised will be used in the local community to help keep children, seniors and adults warm this winter. Learn more at www.charitiesccdos.org and call (607) 432-0061....

The Mission Doctors Association will recognize DR. TOM CATENA, a native of the Albany Diocese serving since 2009 as the only permanent doctor at Mother of Mercy Hos­pital in Sudan’s war-torn Nuba Mountains (see previous stories at www.evangelist.org), as its “Catho­lic doctor of the year.” The “World of Difference Award” will be presented Nov. 4 at the Los Angeles Arch­diocese’s annual Mass for healthcare professionals at the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels.
Dr. Catena cares for more than 750,000 people in Sudan; he was recently featured in the documentary “The Heart of Nuba,” and director KEN CARLSON will accept the award on his behalf. Mission Doctors executive director ELISE FREDERICK observed: “Dr. Catena is far more than a humanitarian. His faith both drives his work and gives him the strength to endure the numerous challenges he faces daily. Recognizing him as the Catholic Doctor of the Year provides Mission Doctors Association the opportunity to place the spotlight on the faith that motivates his selfless service”....

FRED BOEHRER of Albany Catholic Worker Community spoke Oct. 22 at a panel discussion at Syracuse University on the legacy of the BERRIGAN BROTHERS (DAN, PHIL AND JERRY) and Catholic peace activism. Other speakers included FRIDA BERRIGAN, JERRY BERRIGAN and KATHLEEN RUMPF.