Delivering food, shelter, and hope to the poorest of the poor
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Board and Leadership
Cross Catholic Outreach Leadership
Jim Cavnar
Co-Founder, Chief Executive Officer
A deeply committed Catholic, Jim Cavnar co-founded Cross Catholic Outreach to follow Christ’s command to care for the poorest of the poor. Jim’s career spans more than four decades in ministry management and leadership. He has traveled around the globe to speak at conferences and parishes, and he has been called upon to minister to church-based humanitarian programs. Representing Cross Catholic Outreach, Jim has traveled to the Vatican on numerous occasions, meeting St. John Paul II, Pope Emeritus Benedict and, most recently, Pope Francis.
Michele Sagarino
President
Michele Sagarino has nearly three decades of experience in nonprofit leadership. After graduating from the University of Maryland, Michele answered the call on her life to begin service for various charitable organizations, including Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, Gateway Community Outreach and Food For The Poor. She joined Cross Catholic Outreach in 2004, and she served as vice president for Development for 15 years. Through the years, Michele has been an important leader in the organization. Her expertise and heart for service will continue to lead us forward with wisdom and integrity, allowing us and our donors to impact even more lives.
Brian Schutt
Co-Founder, Senior Vice President for Image, Values & Content
Brian Schutt is a co-founder of Cross Catholic Outreach. He has held public relations and marketing positions since 1982, beginning in commercial marketing and leading his own commercial marketing firm before transitioning into the nonprofit sector in 1991. Brian is responsible for founding the creative and marketing aspects of Cross Catholic Outreach, including launching a radio program, setting up web and print communications, and creating a Catholic speakers’ bureau called Outreach Priests. Brian’s brand perspective continues to successfully serve Cross Catholic Outreach and the Catholic poverty relief projects now spanning dozens of countries around the globe.
Wade Crow
Chief Financial Officer
Wade Crow brings to his role over 25 years of finance and operations experience. His move into full-time Christian ministry came in 2001, when he began serving as chief financial officer for a large Christian media organization. He joined Cross Catholic Outreach in 2012 and, after a short hiatus, returned in 2018. Today, Wade oversees multiple departments, including Accounting and Finance, Technology Services, and Human Resources. His passion is facilitating greater cross-functional collaboration within organizations to achieve organizational goals and provide greater opportunities to care for those in need overseas.
Shana McCracken
Vice President for Development
Shana McCracken, CFRE, is a graduate of Texas Christian University and a lifelong Christian who has a career in nonprofit leadership. After serving with Easterseals, Dallas Regional Chamber of Commerce, American Cancer Society and Hope Cottage, Shana joined Cross Catholic Outreach in 2010. She was immediately thrust into Cross Catholic Outreach’s response to the devastating Haiti earthquake that year. She has since led fundraising teams as senior director of Development, where she connected the hearts of Catholic donors to their commitment of serving the poor.
Michael Veitenhans
Vice President, International Programs
Raised in the Catholic Church, Michael Veitenhans felt called from a young age to serve the poor and vulnerable. He came to Cross Catholic Outreach in 2019, bringing 25 years of experience with World Vision, where he held executive positions in both the U.S. and Zambia and played a key role in developing the ministry’s Gifts-in-Kind program. Today, Michael oversees our International Programs Group which includes disaster relief response, grants, material aid, institutional grants acquisition, global program partnerships, program monitoring, evaluation, accountability, learning and impact measurement, reporting and compliance.
Rev. David G. Caron
Vice President for Spiritual, Cultural & Staff Development
Fr. David G. Caron, O.P. D.Min., joined Cross Catholic Outreach in 2021. Previously, he was the director of the Office of Evangelization and was the promoter of the Jubilee Year of Mercy for the Archdiocese of New Orleans. In 2015, he was named a Missionary of Mercy by Pope Francis, and continues to serve in that capacity. Fr. Dave previously served as president and assistant professor of Liturgical and Sacramental Theology of Aquinas Institute of Theology. A former diocesan priest and parish administrator, he joined the Dominican Order in 2000. In addition to pursuing his passions of preaching, leadership development, evangelization and liturgy, Fr. Dave has a deep admiration for Pope Francis’ invitation to the whole Church to go to the peripheries and there “accompany” the poor and others by modeling God’s mercy.
Patron
His Eminence Cardinal Wilton Gregory
Archbishop of Washington
Motto: We are the Lord’s
Bio: Cardinal Wilton Gregory, Archdiocese of Washington.
Born December 7, 1947 in Chicago, Illinois.
Ordained a priest of the Archdiocese of Chicago on May 9, 1973
Ordained an auxiliary bishop of Chicago on December 13, 1983 and was installed as the seventh bishop of the Diocese of Belleville, IL on February 10, 1994.
Appointed by Pope John Paul II as the sixth archbishop of the Archdiocese of Atlanta on December 9, 2004.
Pope Francis appointed Bishop Gregory as the seventh Archbishop of the Archdiocese of Washington on April 4, 2019. Pope Francis named Archbishop Gregory a cardinal on October 25, 2020. He was elevated to the College of Cardinals in a November 28, 2020
Endorsed CCO as Archbishop of Washington on August 8, 2019
In June 2021, the Cross Catholic Outreach board of directors unanimously approved Cardinal Wilton Gregory, Archbishop of Washington, as their new Patron.
About Cross Catholic Outreach: In a letter to Cross Catholic Outreach, Cardinal Gregory shared, “The work of Cross Catholic Outreach continues to be an instrument of God’s grace. With your focus on helping the poor through Catholic Missionaries throughout the world, you are fulfilling the call of Pope Francis to remember those who are poor and show them the love of God.”
Board of Directors
Most Rev. Samuel J. Aquila
Director
Archbishop of Denver
Motto: Quodcumque Dixerit Facite (Do whatever he tells you)
Bio: Archbishop Samuel J. Aquila, Archdiocese of Denver.
Born September 24, 1950, in Burbank, California.
Ordained a priest for the Diocese of Denver on June 5, 1976.
He was appointed Co-adjutor Bishop of Fargo, North Dakota, on June 12, 2001; then on March 18, 2002, he became bishop of Fargo.
He was named the archbishop for the Archdiocese of Denver on May 29, 2012, by Pope Benedict XVI and installed as the eighth archbishop on July 18, 2012.
Endorsed CCO as Archbishop of Denver on February 12, 2013.
About Cross Catholic Outreach: “The service that Cross Catholic Outreach provides to the poor and needy throughout the developing world is a great witness to Jesus Christ and his love for the poor and suffering. Your collaboration and partnering with many different organizations in many countries, from parishes and religious orders to the Pontifical Council Cor Unum, is an authentic and inspiring display of the unity of the Catholic Church and the real solidarity among her children. I wholeheartedly support the efforts of Cross Catholic Outreach, and I pray that the Lord will continue to bless your ministries and services dedicated to the poorest of the poor.”
Most Rev. Gregory M. Aymond
Director
Archbishop of New Orleans
Motto: God Is Faithful
Bio: Archbishop Gregory Michael Aymond, Archbishop of New Orleans.
Born November 12, 1949, in New Orleans, Louisiana.
Ordained a priest for the Archdiocese of New Orleans in 1975.
He was ordained an Auxiliary Bishop of New Orleans in 1997.
He was named Bishop of Austin in 2000.
Then he was installed as Archbishop of New Orleans on August 20, 2009.
Endorsed CCO as Archbishop of New Orleans on April 15, 2010.
About Cross Catholic Outreach: “I have known about your ministry for quite some time and appreciate all that you and Cross Catholic Outreach does to provide assistance and evangelization to developing countries. Your thoughtfulness and generosity are indeed a blessing from God, as was your kindness after Hurricane Katrina. My gratitude and prayers go to all those at Cross Catholic.”
Most Rev. Salvatore J. Cordileone
Director
Archbishop of San Francisco
Motto: In Verbo Tuo (At Thy Word)
Bio: Archbishop Salvatore J. Cordileone, Archbishop of San Francisco.
Born June 5, 1956, in San Diego, California.
Ordained a priest for the Diocese of San Diego on July 9, 1982, by Bishop Leo T. Maher.
On July 5, 2002, Pope John Paul II appointed then-Monsignor Cordileone as Auxiliary Bishop of the Diocese of San Diego. He was ordained a bishop on August 21, 2002, by Bishop Brom.
On March 23, 2009, Pope Benedict XVI appointed Bishop Cordileone as the fourth Bishop of Oakland. He was installed as Bishop of Oakland on May 5, 2009. Three years later, on July 27, 2012, he was appointed the Archbishop of San Francisco and was installed on October 4, 2012, the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi.
Endorsed CCO as Bishop of San Diego on July 8, 2008, and then as Archbishop of San Francisco on August 7, 2013.
About Cross Catholic Outreach: “You should be commended for your organization’s partnering of the charitable works of the Church and the call for a New Evangelization. By providing hope to the faithful overseas by feeding the hungry, clothing the naked, delivering medical relief to the sick, shelter to the homeless and through self-help projects, you are embodying the Papal Encyclical Deus Caritas Est. Your outreach to the Church in the United States to help educate our parishioners about the important missionary works and evangelization taking place in all corners of the globe is an important aspect of your ministry. By allowing our Catholic faithful to join in solidarity with the mission of the Church to spread the good news to the entire world, you help promote the faith and encourage the corporal works of mercy.”
We were blessed to sit down with the archbishop at the beginning of 2022 to answer some more detailed questions about the mission of serving the poor around the world. Watch the video interview and read the full transcript here.
Most Rev. Ronald W. Gainer
Chairman
Bishop of Harrisburg
Motto: From His Fullness Grace Upon Grace
Bio: Bishop Ronald W. Gainer, Diocese of Harrisburg.
Born August 24, 1947, in Pottsville, Pennsylvania.
Ordained a priest for the diocese of Allentown on May 19, 1973.
He was consecrated and installed as Bishop of Lexington, Kentucky, on February 22, 2003.
On January 14, 2014, his appointment as Bishop of Harrisburg by Pope Francis was announced. Installed on March 19, 2014.
Endorsed CCO as Bishop of Harrisburg on October 14, 2014.
About Cross Catholic Outreach: “The breadth and depth of your programs in aiding our poor and suffering brothers and sisters in the neediest regions of the world is a magnificent response to our Lord’s challenging words in the Gospels, ‘Whatever you do to the least of these, you do to me.’ Your close collaboration with Cor Unum, the Pontifical Council for world-wide charitable assistance, is a sign of your authentic ecclesial mission and of the Church’s solidarity with the poor.”
Most Rev. Mitchell T. Rozanski
Director
Archbishop of St. Louis
Motto: Serve the Lord with gladness
Bio: Archbishop Mitchell T. Rozanski, Archdiocese of St. Louis
Born August 6, 1958, in Baltimore, MD.
Ordained a priest for the Archdiocese of Baltimore on November 24, 1984.
On June 19, 2014, he was appointed Bishop for the Diocese of Springfield, MA by Pope Francis. Installed on August 12, 2014.
Then on June 10, 2020, he was appointed as Archbishop for the Archdiocese of St. Louis by Pope Francis. Installation on August 25, 2020.
Endorsed Cross Catholic Outreach as Bishop of Springfield on September 10, 2015, and then as Archbishop of St. Louis on October 27, 2020.
About Cross Catholic Outreach: “In accord with Catholic Social teaching, Cross Catholic answers the call of serving the poor through your collaboration with the Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development. Your model of working through Catholic missionaries around the world and with the support of their local bishop shows great collaboration with the Universal Catholic Church.”
Most Rev. Alfred A. Schlert
Director
Bishop of Allentown
Motto: Pasce Oves Meas (Feed My Sheep)
Bio: Bishop Alfred A. Schlert, Diocese of Allentown.
Born July 24, 1961, in Easton, Pennsylvania.
Ordained a priest for the Diocese of Allentown on September 19, 1987.
On June 27, 2017, he was appointed bishop for the Diocese of Allentown by Pope Francis. Installed on August 31, 2017.
Endorsed CCO as Bishop of Allentown on June 5, 2018.
About Cross Catholic Outreach: “I am pleased to offer my personal commendation and support to Cross Catholic Outreach for the extensive missionary work accomplished in assisting the poorest of the poor in various countries throughout the world. Your collaboration with Cor Unum, the Pontifical Council for worldwide charitable assistance, is a sign of your authentic ecclesial mission and of the Church’s solidarity with the poor. It is my fervent hope and prayer that through the collaboration of Cross Catholic Outreach and the People of God in the United States, the suffering of the poor will be alleviated throughout the world.”
Most Rev. Joseph E. Strickland
Treasurer
Bishop of Tyler
Motto: Ut Inhabitem in Domo Domini (That I may dwell in the house of the Lord)
Bio: Bishop Joseph Strckland, Diocese of Tyler.
Born October 31, 1958 in Fredericksburg, Texas.
Ordained a priest for the Diocese of Dallas on June 1, 1985.
In September 2012, he was appointed bishop for the Diocese of Tyler by Pope Benedict XVI. Installed on November 28, 2012.
Endorsed CCO as Bishop of Tyler on April 29, 2013.
About Cross Catholic Outreach: “Cross Catholic Outreach is an essential element of living out the Gospel mandate to provide assistance to the poor in our world today. I am sure you are excited to hear the message of Pope Francis as he takes up his mantle following on the good work of Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI. He renews the clear mandate that flows from the message of Christ Himself, ‘always remember the poor.’ I look forward to providing my support in any ways that are helpful. Let us pray for one another as we seek to be reminded ourselves and to remind the people of God that we must always be aware of those in need and provide real and meaningful outreach to them in the name of Jesus Christ.”
Most Rev. Gerald Vincke
Director
Bishop of Salina
Motto: Rich in Mercy
Bio: Bishop Gerald “Jerry” Vincke, Diocese of Salina.
Born July 9, 1964, in Saginaw, Michigan.
Ordained to the priesthood on June 12, 1999, at St. Mary Cathedral in Lansing, MI by Bishop Carl F. Mengeling.
In June of 2018, he was named as the Bishop-elect of the Diocese of Salina. He was ordained a bishop on August 22, 2018. Archbishop Naumann of Kansas City, KS was the principal consecrator at the episcopal ordination.
Endorsed Cross Catholic Outreach as Bishop of Salina, KS on December 13, 2018.
About Cross Catholic Outreach: “Your ministry of caring for the poorest of the poor is impressive and very important.”
Bishops' Advisory Board
Most Rev. Robert J. Carlson
Archbishop Emeritus of St. Louis
Motto: Ante crucem nihil defensionis (Before the cross there is no defense)
Bio: Archbishop Robert J. Carlson, Archdiocese of St. Louis.
Born on June 30, 1944, in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
Ordained a priest for the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis on May 23, 1970.
On November 19, 1983, Pope John Paul II appointed Carlson as Auxiliary Bishop of St. Paul and Minneapolis – Installed on January 11, 1984.
On January 13, 1994, Pope John Paul II named Carlson coadjutor bishop of Sioux Falls, South Dakota. Installed on March 21, 1995.
As part of the last episcopal appointment to the American Catholic Church made by Pope John Paul II, he was appointed Bishop of Saginaw in Michigan on December 29, 2004. Installed on February 24, 2005.
He then was appointed Archbishop of St. Louis by Pope Benedict XVI on April 21, 2009 – installed on June 10, 2009.
Endorsed CCO as Bishop of Saginaw on June 6, 2006, and then as Archbishop of St. Louis on December 3, 2015.
About Cross Catholic Outreach: “I am most appreciative of the work and outreach done by Cross Catholic Outreach in their efforts to evangelize and encourage people to become the best that they can be, both in their humanness and in their spirituality. I congratulate you on the witness to Christ that your organization demonstrates on a daily basis throughout the world. It is my hope that this ministry will continue to flourish and reach as many people as possible.”
Most Rev. Thomas J. Rodi
Archbishop of Mobile
Motto: Caritas Christi Urget Nos (The Llove of Christ compels us)
Bio: Archbishop Thomas Rodi, Archdiocese of Mobile.
Born March 27, 1949, in New Orleans, Louisiana.
Ordained a priest for the Archdiocese of New Orleans on May 20, 1978.
He was appointed Bishop of Biloxi by Pope John Paul II on May 15, 2001. Installed on July 2, 2001.
Appointed Archbishop of Mobile by Pope Benedict XVI on April 2, 2008. Installed on June 6, 2008.
Endorsed CCO as Archbishop of Mobile on February 12, 2015.
About Cross Catholic Outreach: “It is a privilege for me to support Cross Catholic Outreach. This organization funds ministries to our neighbors in need in Africa, Asia, Central and South America, and the Pacific. Through the generosity of so many private donors, the love of God is made visible to many who are coping with the most difficult of daily living conditions.
I am particularly impressed that Cross Catholic Outreach has a special relationship with Cor Unum, the Pontifical Council that assists people of the Church in areas of the greatest need of help and hope. Cross Catholic Outreach, through its extraordinary work, allows people in our country to express in a tangible and concrete fashion that we are part of the Universal Church, responding to the needs of our brothers and sisters throughout the world.”