"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 for its 20th Anniversary, Thursday, April 19, 2018. All proceeds from the dinner 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 at its 20th 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 2018 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.

Nominations for Salt and Light awards are accepted September 1st through October 31st.

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

​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.

​Paul Whalen | Humanitarian
St. Vincent de Paul Society, St. Paul Parish, Carbon

Thomas and Alice Zaucha | Philanthropy
St. Thomas More, Indiana, PA

Tim Phillips, Director

The Communites of Salt and Light Awards Dinner is always made possible by generous donations, including underwriters, sponsorships and auction item donations.  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 Friday, March 23, 2018. Submissions should be emailed to Heather Rady, and attached as follows .jpg, .tiff, .doc, .pub, or .pdf formats. Checks made payable to Catholic Charities.