As a priest in The Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Washington for almost 50 years, Msgr. John J. Enzler has served as a leader of his community through preaching his faith and fulfilling a mission of charity. As president and CEO of Catholic Charities, Father John strives every day to help those in need in all areas of life. His guidance inspires employees and volunteers to fulfill their positions to help underprivileged communities, and it uplifts those receiving care from Catholic Charities. Those who seek the counsel of Father John can look to his bimonthly “Faith in Action” column in the Catholic Standard and El Pregonero, where he provides insight into Catholic values along with ways to incorporate these principles into one’s life, especially in difficult times.
“I firmly believe that my work becomes prayer. Much of my day is filled with ministry, which to me is a form of praying — prayer in action.” — “Jesus’s friends and my summer surprise,” Aug. 24, 2022
“We need more reflection and contemplation in our busy world. Just try to build on your time with the Lord by serving others and taking care of those in need.” — “Jesus’s friends and my summer surprise,” Aug 24, 2022
“Death is a transition to the life to come, a life of eternal joy and happiness with God and our loved ones.” — “When the gift of Resurrection becomes even more powerful,” April 17, 2022
“We should look for every opportunity to help people permanently better other lives, not just for a day, a week or even a month.” — “Five ideas to better love God and neighbor,” Jan. 28, 2022
“I realize more than ever that mercy is also charity, and charity is mercy.” — “We can be messengers of God’s mercy to others,” Nov. 16, 2016
“For many people, we are the way that they experience God’s mercy. They see Jesus in us; we see Jesus in them.” — “We can be messengers of God’s mercy to others,” Nov 16, 2016
“As members of God’s family, we are called to help those who are in need. We are challenged to look at all we have, see it as a gift from God, and find ways to share our blessings by opening ourselves up to others in need.” – “Remembering the third pillar of Lent,” March 7, 2022
“I ask God today to send the Spirit upon all of us, and for a greater awareness of the Spirit in our lives. I pray that the Spirit will help you live the gift of your Baptism fully and empower you to share that gift and the presence of Jesus with all you meet.” — “Living in the age of the Spirit,” June 4, 2021
“When we recognize that a loving God created us in his own image, we also realize that everything — all that we are and all that we have — is a gift. Our lives, then, are about responding to those gifts born of love as best we can.” — “The profound joy of receiving by giving,” April 17, 2021
“When I go to bed at night, I ask myself: Have I done something good for someone today? Did I help change someone’s life? Did I fill somebody in despair with a sense of being helped and of hope for a better future? Being able to answer ‘yes’ gives me strength and comfort, and it assures me that I am doing the Lord’s work.” — “Faith in Action: The Power of One,” Sept. 4, 2019