CATHOLIC CHARITIES OF SOUTHWESTERN OHIO
HOPE IN THE TIME OF COVID-19 B Y REB ECCA S O N TA G
“Where, God, do You need me right now?” It is that simple yet incredibly profound prayer that has guided much of Tony Stieritz’s career thus far. It is a prayer that led him through his 14-year tenure as Director of Social Action for the Archdiocese of Cincinnati. It is also the prayer that brought him to Catholic Charities of Southwestern Ohio (CCSWO) as Chief Operating Officer (COO) in 2018. And it was that ongoing discernment, following where Christ leads, that landed Stieritz in this current role as Chief Executive Officer (CEO) for Catholic Charities following the retirement of his predecessor, Ted Bergh. It is difficult to imagine a more comprehensive introduction to Stieritz’s new position as CEO when considering his background. In his previous role as COO, he oversaw operations of the 11 charitable programs that Catholic Charities provides its clients; mental health services, mobile food pantries, support for refugees and assistance for immigrants and the elderly counted among them. Additionally, Stieritz had about 18 months to form and forge solid relationships anchored in trust both with colleagues and community partners alike. However, in between the time he accepted the position in February and officially started on April 6, the entire world radically changed. Stieritz’s prayer has never been about him, but about what God wants of him. The answer has consistently been to serve God by serving others. That is one thing this global pandemic did not change. “What we are about at Catholic Charities is building a community of hope,” said Stieritz.
“What we are about at Catholic Charities is building a community of hope.” 3 0 | NEWS
The community to which Stieritz refers to is far reaching, and it includes the life-giving and mission-sustaining donors – both large and small – who keep the doors open and the services available. It is the clients in need, young and old, black, brown and white, who desperately need
