CCS remembers Msgr. Fitzgerald's beneficence
SALT LAKE CITY — Monsignor J. Terrence Fitzgerald, vicar general for the Diocese of Salt Lake City, was fondly remembered for his leadership, fundraising and friendship at a luncheon hosted by Catholic Community Services (CCS) at Saint Vincent Dining Hall May 20. Following the format of the television show "This is Your Life," current and former CCS and diocesan staff roasted and toasted Monsignor. When it was over, he addressed the standing ovation crowd, saying he wished his parents were alive to hear what the people had said. "My father would have laughed and my mother would have believed it," he said. "There have been marvelous directors and staff at CCS over the years, and it’s such a wonderful agency," Msgr. Fitzgerald said. "I certainly plan to continue to support CCS in any way I can. Thanks for all the work you do." Monsignor Terence Moore, former CCS executive director and current pastor of Saint John the Baptist Parish, said competence and compassion describe Msgr. Fitzgerald’s work with CCS. "Running social service agencies requires these skills and I don’t know anybody who has blended them with the same skill and dedication as Msgr. Fitzgerald," said Msgr. Moore. "His competence was clear in the multiple government programs CCS operates and in the range of human services it provides. To be able to bring a compassionate, loving heart like Monsignor did was so beneficial. I think that is why the agency thrived under his direction for so many years." Pam Sanders, a former CCS associate executive director and the current executive director of Big Brothers Big Sisters, was most impressed with Monsignor’s sense of humor, intellect and his expectations of excellence from all the CCS employees, but mostly with his ability to fill wish lists. Rose Olivas, CCS contract compliance director, said when she was in purchasing, Monsignor would get the employees whatever they needed. "Monsignor brought policies and procedures to CCS," said Marcelline Price, from CCS human resources. Former CCS executive director Maggie St. Claire talked about Monsignor’s management style – the look – referring to the ‘What do you mean you sold the building?’ look. "But following the look, I always got his support," she said. Adan Batar, director of Immigration and Refugee Resettlement, thanked Monsignor for his support. "When our grant can’t cover a program, he always finds a way," said Batar. "We couldn’t provide the quality of care we do for the immigrants and refugees without him." "Monsignor continually has his finger on the pulse of the diocese," said Joan Loffredo, chief financial officer for the Diocese of Salt Lake City. "In the past 12 years, I’ve yet to surprise him at fiscal year-end as to our financial status." "As many responsibilities as Monsignor has, he always asks about my family," said Jose Lazaro, CCS director of Basic Needs Services. CCS Finance Director Jeanne Audiss said Monsignor has a contagious laugh. "If he gets started, you can’t help but start laughing," she said. "I have been mesmerized by his wisdom, and actually crying because of his humor," said CCS Executive Director Brad Drake. "But the thing that makes him most special is the twinkle that is always in his eye. You have been a gift to so many and you’ll continue to be a gift to so many." Msgr. Fitzgerald began as the executive director of Catholic Charities in 1968, which later became CCS. From 1970-1980, he served as the diocesan liaison for Catholic Charities. He was again executive director of CCS from 1994 to 1995.
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