Fr. Gary Smith, SJ, Joins Oprah Winfrey and Other Prominent Authors for Nationwide Storytelling Initiative

Published on May 2, 2026

Fr. Gary Smith, SJ, a member of the Jesuits West Province who does street and jail ministry in Portland, Oregon, is one of 15 celebrated authors who have agreed to feature key excerpts from their books in People of Hope: Faith-Filled Stories of Neighbors Helping Neighbors. The program, a nationwide storytelling initiative and traveling museum, is produced by Catholic Charities USA (CCUSA).

Continue reading on website
Other news

National Volunteer Week: Time, talent and heart at CSS Auburn

April 28, 2026
St. Francis Gift & Thrift volunteers show up week after week, serving with dignity, integrity, empathy, trust and sustainability. I couldn’t be more appreciative of every volunteer who gives their time, talent and heart.As the store manager, I know I shouldn’t have favorites—but two volunteers hold a very special place in my heart.

Catholic Charities USA encouraged by Pope amid challenges of service

May 4, 2026
Pope Leo XIV offered words of encouragement and gratitude to the leadership of Catholic Charities USA during a meeting on Monday at the Vatican, affirming their mission to serve the poor and vulnerable as “a manifestation of Christ’s love for humankind.”Speaking to journalists after the papal audience, Kerry Alys Robinson, president of the organisation – the American branch of Caritas Internationa