Cross Catholic Outreach’s executive leadership and board of directors from left to right: Most Rev. Stephen D. Parkes, Bishop of Savannah, Most Rev. Joseph J. Tyson, Bishop of Yakima, Most Rev. Mitchell T. Rozanski, Chairman and Archbishop of St. Louis, Jim Cavnar, Co-Founder and CEO of Cross Catholic Outreach, Michele Sagarino, President of Cross Catholic Outreach, Most Rev. James R. Golka, Archbishop of Denver, Most Rev. Salvatore J. Cordileone, Archbishop of San Francisco, Most Rev. Timothy P. Broglio, Archbishop of the Military Services, USA.
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 Benedict XVI 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.
Rev. David G. Caron, O.P.
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.
John Felix
Chief Information Officer
John Felix is a seasoned information technology leader with extensive experience across various industries, including manufacturing, consulting services, local government and nonprofits. After earning his Bachelor of Science in electrical engineering from Purdue University, John dedicated his career to transforming information systems and technology departments into business-driven, value-focused teams. He is the co-inventor of four U.S. patents and has held key leadership roles at Mercy Housing; Gunnison County; Tree Top, Inc.; and JBS USA, where he spearheaded significant technological and cultural transformations.
John’s passion for mission-driven organizations led him to Cross Catholic Outreach, where he is able to apply his expertise in information technology leadership to ensuring the organization’s impactful and sustainable growth.
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.
Saunya Moore
Chief Financial Officer
Saunya Moore joined Cross Catholic Outreach in 2024, bringing over 25 years of nonprofit financial and operational leadership expertise developed by working for various charitable organizations, including Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Tulsa, Parkside Hospital and Clinic, and Morton Comprehensive Health Services. Saunya received her MBA from Oklahoma State University and is a certified public accountant. Throughout her career, she has served on several not-for-profit boards and committees, including Youth Services of Tulsa, Porta Caeli House, Tulsa Advocates for the Protection of Children and the Tulsa Chamber of Commerce OneVoice Task Force. Her work reflects a deep commitment to living out her Catholic faith and to the values of service, compassion and stewardship.
Sandi Pino
Chief of Staff
Since 2011, Sandi has managed strategic partnerships and represented the organization at conferences, retreats and faith-in-action community events. She now serves as chief of staff to the Office of the President. Sandi especially enjoys accompanying Catholic groups on mission trips to countries such as Guatemala, Nicaragua, Belize, the Dominican Republic and Haiti — witnessing firsthand the transformation made possible by the generosity of faithful Catholics and partners throughout the world. Sandi’s professional experience spans over 40 years, allowing her to gain expertise in business, budgeting, fundraising and development, staffing, personnel management, and sales.
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.
His Eminence Cardinal Daniel N. DiNardo
Archbishop Emeritus of Galveston-Houston
Motto: Ave Crux Spes Unica (Hail, O Cross, Our Only Hope)
Bio: Cardinal Daniel N. DiNardo, Archbishop Emeritus of Galveston-Houston.
Born May 23, 1949, in Steubenville, Ohio.
Ordained a priest for the Diocese of Pittsburgh on July 16, 1977, by Bishop Leonard.
On Aug. 19, 1997, Pope John Paul II appointed then-Father DiNardo as Coadjutor bishop of the Diocese of Sioux City to assist Bishop Lawrence Soens. Bishop Soens consecrated DiNardo to the episcopacy, with then-Bishop Donald Wuerl and then-Bishop Raymond Burke serving as co-consecrators. He succeeded Bishop Soens as the sixth bishop of Sioux City when Bishop Soens resigned on Nov. 28, 1998.
On Dec. 29, 2004, Pope John Paul II elevated the diocese to an archdiocese, resulting in Pope John Paul II naming Bishop DiNardo coadjutor bishop of Galveston-Houston on Jan.16, 2004. Upon Archbishop Joseph Fiorenza’s retirement, DiNardo succeeded him as the second archbishop of Galveston-Houston on Feb. 28, 2006.
Pope Benedict XVI elevated Archbishop DiNardo to the College of Cardinals on Nov. 24, 2007, at St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome. In November 2013, his brother bishops elected Cardinal DiNardo vice president of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB). After serving three years as vice president, he was elected president on Nov. 15, 2016.
He is a member of the Pontifical Council for Culture, the Pontifical Council for the Pastoral Care of Migrants and Itinerant People, and the Pontifical Council for the Economy, and he serves on the board of trustees of the Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C.
As archbishop of Galveston-Houston, Cardinal DiNardo endorsed Cross Catholic Outreach on Dec. 12, 2008.
About Cross Catholic Outreach: “Your ministry is a fine example of how the Church is called to respond to the needs of the poorest of the poor by offering hope in the name of the entire Catholic community.”
Most Rev. Mitchell T. Rozanski
Chairman
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. Timothy P. Broglio
Director
Archbishop of the Military Services, USA
Motto: Seek God’s kingdom
Bio: Archbishop Timothy P. Broglio, Archdiocese for the Military Services, USA.
Born December 22, 1951, in Cleveland Heights, Ohio.
Ordained to the priesthood for the Diocese of Cleveland by Cardinal Sergio Pignedoli on May 19, 1977.
Pope Benedict XVI named Broglio head of the Archdiocese for the Military Services, USA, on November 19, 2007.
Endorsed Cross Catholic Outreach as Archbishop for the Military Services, USA, on July 1, 2015.
About Cross Catholic Outreach: “It is my desire that the work of Cross Catholic Outreach be ever more widely known and supported. You offer others the opportunity and the path to authentic compassion.”
Most Rev. Salvatore J. Cordileone
Director
Archbishop of San Francisco
Motto: In Verbo Tuo (At Thy Word)
Bio: Archbishop Salvatore J. Cordileone, Archdiocese 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 Cross Catholic Outreach 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.”
Most Rev. Earl K. Fernandes
Director
Bishop of Columbus
Motto: Veni per Mariam (Come through Mary)
Bio: Bishop Earl K. Fernandes, Diocese of Columbus
Bishop Fernandes was ordained a priest for the Archdiocese of Cincinnati on May 18, 2002, by Archbishop Daniel Pilarczyk at the Cathedral Basilica of St. Peter in Chains in Cincinnati.
On April 2, 2022, Bishop Fernandes was appointed 13th bishop of the Diocese of Columbus by Pope Francis, with his episcopal consecration and installation by Archbishop Dennis Schnurr occurring on May 31, 2022 at St. Paul the Apostle Church in Westerville, Ohio. Bishop Fernandes was also named a Missionary of Mercy by Pope Francis for the Extraordinary Jubilee of Mercy that year, 2016. He is a fourth-degree Knight of Columbus, as well as a member of the National Catholic Bioethics Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
Endorsed Cross Catholic Outreach as Bishop of Columbus on November 21, 2022.
About Cross Catholic Outreach: “The charitable actions of Cross Catholic Outreach demonstrate God’s immense love for the poor. Through the ministry of Cross Catholic Outreach, lives are being changed. I am especially fond of your Box of Joy ministry to children. I am pleased to endorse Cross Catholic Outreach for its demonstration of authentic charity and its strengthening of the bonds of solidarity and human fraternity.”
Most Rev. James R. Golka
Director
Archbishop of Denver
Motto: “Stewards of God’s Mysteries” (1 Corinthians 4: 1)
Bio: Archbishop James R. Golka, Archdiocese of Denver
Archbishop James R. Golka was born Sept. 22, 1966, in Grand Island, Nebraska.
He was ordained a priest for the Diocese of Grand Island on June 3, 1994, by Bishop Lawrence McNamara.
Pope Francis appointed Golka as bishop of the Diocese of Colorado Springs on April 30, 2021.
On June 29, 2021, Golka was consecrated by Archbishop Samuel J. Aquila.
About Cross Catholic Outreach: “The model of Cross Catholic Outreach to embrace the whole person in the spirit of integral human development is a witness to the world that, in addition to the great material needs of food, water and other physical needs, the Church must address the problem of poverty in a way that includes spiritual development.”
Most Rev. Stephen D. Parkes
Director
Bishop of Savannah
Motto: Gaudete In Domino semper (Rejoice in the Lord always)
Bio: Bishop Stephen D. Parkes
Born on June 2, 1965, Bishop Parkes grew up in Massapequa, Long Island, New York.
On May 23, 1998, Parkes was ordained by Bishop Norbert Dorsey to the priesthood for the Diocese of Orlando at Saint James Cathedral in Orlando.
Most Reverend Stephen D. Parkes was appointed the fifteenth Bishop of the Diocese of Savannah by His Holiness Pope Francis on July 8, 2020.
He was consecrated and installed on September 23, 2020, at the Cathedral Basilica of St. John the Baptist, Savannah, by Archbishop Gregory John Hartmayer, OFM Conv.
He endorsed Cross Catholic Outreach as Bishop of Savannah on February 27, 2023.
About Cross Catholic Outreach: “I wish to express my heartfelt gratitude for the work of Cross Catholic Outreach to serve the neediest throughout the world. I am grateful for an organization such as yours that helps the faithful of our Diocese to grow in awareness of those who are often forgotten … the least, the last and the lost of our society.”
Most Rev. Charles C. Thompson
Director
Archbishop of Indianapolis
Motto: Christ the Cornerstone
Bio: Archbishop Charles C. Thompson, Archbishop of Indianapolis.
Born April 11, 1961, in Louisville, Kentucky.
Ordained a priest for the Archdiocese of Louisville on May 30, 1987, by Archbishop Thomas Kelly.
Pope Benedict XVI appointed Thompson the fifth bishop of the Diocese of Evansville on April 26, 2011. Archbishop Joseph Kurtz, Archdiocese of Louisville, consecrated him on June 29, 2011, at Roberts Municipal Stadium in Evansville, IN.
Archbishop Thompson was appointed Archbishop of Indianapolis by Pope Francis on June 13, 2017. His Installation Mass was July 28, 2017, when he also received the Pallium, the insignia of his role as Metropolitan of the Indianapolis Province.
Endorsed Cross Catholic Outreach as Archbishop of Indianapolis on February 27, 2018.
About Cross Catholic Outreach: “In reviewing the various activities and mission of Cross Catholic Outreach, I am reminded of Pope Francis’ words in his 2013 Apostolic Exhortation, Evangelii Gaudium (“The Joy of the Gospel”): This is why I want a Church which is poor and for the poor. They have much to teach us … We need to let ourselves be evangelized by them.”
Most Rev. Joseph J. Tyson
Director
Bishop of Yakima
Motto: Christo Lumen ad Gentes
Bio: Joseph J. Tyson, Diocese of Yakima.
Born October 16, 1957, in Moses Lake, Washington.
Ordained a priest for the Archdiocese of Seattle on June 10, 1989, by Archbishop Raymond Hunthausen.
On May 12, 2005, Pope Benedict XVI appointed then-Father Tyson as Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Seattle. He received his episcopal consecration on June 6, 2005, as auxiliary bishop by Archbishop Alexander Brunett with co-consecrators Bishops George Thomas and Gustavo Garcia-Siller.
On April 12, 2011, Pope Benedict XVI appointed Bishop Tyson as the seventh Bishop of Yakima. He was installed as Bishop of Yakima on May 31, 2011.
Endorsed Cross Catholic Outreach as Bishop of Yakima on June 28, 2012.
About Cross Catholic Outreach: “I am pleased to know that in providing the needy with food, water, medicines, clothing, shelter and self-help projects, Cross Catholic Outreach works directly with bishops, priests, religious and Catholic lay leaders who operate ministries overseas and that Cross Catholic Outreach also enjoys a special relationship with Cor Unum, the Holy Father’s own Relief Agency. Both share the belief that charity enables us to see Jesus Christ in the poorest of the poor in our world.”
Most Rev. Robert J. Carlson
Archbishop Emeritus of St. Louis
Motto: Ante crucem nihil defensionis (Before the cross there is no defense)
Bio: Archbishop Emeritus 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 Cross Catholic Outreach 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 Emeritus of Mobile
Motto: Caritas Christi Urget Nos (The love of Christ compels us)
Bio: Archbishop Emeritus 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 Cross Catholic Outreach 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.”
Most Rev. Alfred A. Schlert
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 Cross Catholic Outreach 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.”
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 Benedict XVI and, most recently, Pope Francis.
Brian Schutt
Co-Founder
As co-founder of Cross Catholic Outreach, Brian Schutt developed the branding and marketing strategies that have enabled our ministry to fund poverty relief projects spanning dozens of countries and transforming many thousands of lives. When the ministry was founded in 2001, Brian drew on 19 years of prior marketing and public relations experience that prepared him to launch radio and advertising programs, set up web and print communications, and create a Catholic speakers’ bureau called Outreach Priests that raises awareness of the Church’s global work. He was driven by the conviction that our on-the-ground ministry partners are the real heroes and should be celebrated for their selfless work. After 24 years in executive leadership, Brian retired in 2025 from his position as Senior Vice President for Image, Values & Content. Brian’s commitment to educating donors on the plight of the poor and supporting local ministries in developing nations continues to profoundly impact Cross Catholic Outreach’s mission today.