Page 35 - Catholic Extension Magazine Spring 2020

Extension | Spring 2020 35

struggle. When he was in a posi- lic Church does so much good But in areas with a limited Church
tion to assist others, he set up a in the world,” Kathleen said. “It presence, people are so eager for
channel to help,” said Kathleen. plays such a huge role in soci- more access to the Church.”
“My mother always said if you have ety—founding hospitals and “It is especially important to
something to give, do it. She came schools—but many of its good build up the laity,” she added.
from a generous family and when- works, like what Catholic Exten- “Since so many places across
ever they had an opportunity to sion does, are under the radar. America don’t have a priest on
help someone, they did it.” The Church deserves more credit every street corner, we need to
The foundation supports many for all it does.” help laypeople become leaders in
Catholic causes. “The Catho- the Church.”
Connecting with Catholic Kathleen also applauds the
Extension entrepreneurship and creativity of
Since 2014, the foundation has people served by Catholic Exten-
supported Catholic Extension sion. “I am always amazed by how
in its work to build up vibrant people like my father, who lacked
and transformative Catholic financial resources, can accom-
faith communities. plish so much with so little,” she
“One’s faith is important said. “They find new and differ-
not only every day, but par- ent avenues to achieve their goals.
ticularly in times of cri- And their faith can be so transfor-
sis,” said Kathleen. “It mative in these situations.”
makes all the difference “We have to reach out to those in
in the world.” need,” she added. “Our faith brings
She appreciates the us together and unites us.”
work of Catholic Exten-
sion in building churches and Extending the family legacy
acknowledges her good for- In building the foundation,
tune in always living near a Cath- Thomas and Dorothy wanted to
olic church. “When you grow up keep their family active in its mis-
with the Church and you’ve sion. Kathleen and her sister joined
always had it, it’s easy to its board at a young age. Kathleen’s
take for granted— late husband, J. Thomas McCarthy,
it’s just part had also been on the board. “Early
and parcel on, my parents taught us how the
of life. foundation works and why it’s
important,” Kathleen said.
Today, most of Thomas and Dor-
othy’s nine grandchildren are on
the foundation’s board, rotating
turns to serve. “We are sustaining
my parents’ vision and instilling
the value of giving to the next gen-
eration,” Kathleen said.
“My parents started something
very special,” she said. “We are
continuing their dream.”