"You are the salt of the earth. You are the light of the world."
Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Greensburg hosted their largest annual fundraiser, Thursday, April 20, 2017. All proceeds from the event are redistributed to the most vulnerable and at-risk residents of the diocese by granting temporary emergency financial assistance with food, light, water, sewage and all heating sources.

Now in its 19th year, the event has netted more than $1 million dollars to help nearly 9,000 individuals and families in the four counties served by the diocese — Armstrong, Fayette, Indiana and Westmoreland.

The 2017 awards were held at Stratigos Banquet Centre, North Huntingdon.

Bishop Edward C. Malesic presented the awards following the evening's dinner. Msgr. Raymond E. Riffle, managing director of Catholic Charities, served as the master of ceremonies.

​In 1998, the diocese established the Communities of Salt and Light Awards to recognize individuals whose deeds exhibit a significant level of time, talent and treasure. Nominees are measured by criteria epitomizing the mission of the church in our diocese and reflective of the core essence of Catholic Charities.

The criteria was established by an independent committee of lay and clergy representatives of the diocese and inspired by the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops' document "Communities of Salt and Light: Reflections on the Social Mission of the Parish" (1993).

The Communities of Salt and Light Awards recognize outstanding individuals or groups in the categories of humanitarianism (time and talent), philanthropy (treasure) and outstanding human service (service and action) organization.

Nominations are accepted September 1st through October 31st, though deadline for the 2017 nominations was Monday, October 31, 2016.

Please contact Heather Rady, director of community relations and special events, at 724-837-1840 for additional information.

​Jerry Overman, Jr. | Humanitarian
Our Lady of the Assumption, Coral
Overman, a resident of Homer City, was cited in his nomination for service on the Indiana County Suicide Task Force, the Critical Incident Stress Management Team, the county’s Drug Free Coalition and the Center for Organ Recovery and Education. He also was lauded for his and his staff’s work with families when they face the death of a loved one, especially in the cases of suicide and drug overdose.

Patricia A. Smiy | Philanthropy
Immaculate Conception, Irwin
Smiy, a resident of Irwin, is being honored for giving her time, talent and resources to her parish and the diocese. She was a longtime volunteer at the Norwin Hills Health Care Center for the former Mercy-Jeannette Hospital, has served on multiple parish committees and projects and was an honorary co-chairwoman for the diocese’s “Today’s Challenge ~ Tomorrow’s Hope” capital and endowment campaign. She is a member of the parish’s Christian Mothers/Women’s Guild and the Comfort Blanket Ministry; member of the Diocesan Council of Catholic Women; serves on the Bishop’s Commission for the Diocesan Heritage Center; and is a Lady Commander in the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem.

SpiritLife | Outstanding Human Service Organization
Indiana, PA
SpiritLife, Inc., is a nondenominational organization that was founded in 2013 and addresses the physical, psychological and spiritual needs of individuals ravaged by chemical addiction and provides assistance to the families affected by addiction, according to the nomination. SpiritLife collaborates with other service organizations to help provide assistance to people when they return to their homes, families, communities and jobs. The nomination included praise for the faith that drives this organization’s work and its compassion and commitment to the recovery of the whole person.

The Communites of Salt and Light Awards Dinner is always made possible by generous donations, including underwriters, sponsorships and auction item donations. If you would ilke to be a special part of this year's dinner, please contact Heather Rady, director of community relations and special events, at 724-837-1840, for additional information.

Ads must be submitted in digital black and white format no later than March 27, 2017. Submissions should be emailed to Heather Rady, and attached as follows .jpg, .tiff, .doc, .pub, or .pdf formats. Checks made payable to Catholic Charities.