Bishop Driscoll of Boise Named Episcopal Liaison for Catholic Charities USA

Catholic Charities USA
Tuesday, 29 January 2002

The Most Reverend Michael Driscoll of Boise, ID, has been named episcopal liaison for Catholic Charities USA by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. In his new role, Bishop Driscoll will be the liaison between the U.S. bishops and Catholic Charities USA, serving as an ex officio member of Catholic Charities USA's Board of Trustees.

"I am honored to have been chosen by the U.S. bishops to serve as the episcopal liaison with Catholic Charities USA. I am following in the footsteps of two 'giants' in the field of social service—Bishop Joseph Sullivan of Brooklyn, NY, and Bishop William Skylstad of Spokane, WA. These bishops, along with all the men and women who make up Catholic Charities USA, have been an inspiration to me and have modeled the kind of commitment it takes to be leaders who speak for the poorest and most neglected in our communities. I am humbled to be chosen to follow in their footsteps. I look forward, with God's help, to be of service to all who work in Catholic Charities throughout our nation," said Bishop Driscoll, who was installed as Bishop of Boise in March 1999.

One of his first priorities upon becoming bishop was to start a Catholic Charities agency in the state. Today, Catholic Charities of Idaho is already working to provide counseling and assistance for people suffering grief, anxiety, unemployment, and many other personal crises. The agency is also reaching out to youth to prevent teen pregnancy, teaching good parenting skills to young parents, and organizing services for new immigrants.

Bishop Driscoll also served as Vicar of Charities in his last diocese of Orange, CA, and was active in the community through his service on the board of Catholic Charities of California, the United Way of Orange County, and the Leadership Council of Families and Communities Together.

Catholic Charities USA is not the only national organization Bishop Driscoll gives his time and talents, serving on the board of the Catholic Legal Immigration Network (CLINIC).

Bishop Driscoll replaces Bishop William S. Skylstad of Spokane, WA, as episcopal liaison.

Catholic Charities USA's members--1,640 local agencies and institutions nationwide--provide help and create hope for more than nine million people a year regardless of religious, social, or economic backgrounds. For more than 275 years, local Catholic Charities agencies have been providing a myriad of vital services in their communities, ranging from day care and counseling to food and housing.

For more information, or to contact Catholic Charities USA, see their website at: www.catholiccharitiesusa.org