Mayor Muriel Bowser and other dignitaries to recognize Msgr. John Enzler’s work feeding those who are hungry and homeless
WASHINGTON, May 22, 2023 —Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Washington will honor retiring President and CEO Msgr. John Enzler on Wednesday, May 24, at a special St. Maria’s Meal service for those who are hungry and homeless.
Supporters and community leaders will join 100 Catholic Charities clients for a short program emceed by John Veihmeyer, chair of Catholic Charities Board of Directors, before a meal service. Speakers include Mayor Muriel Bowser and Jim Malloy, incoming president and CEO of Catholic Charities.
A special proclamation from the city recognizing the contributions of Msgr. Enzler will be read by Councilmember Robert White. A letter of congratulations from Archbishop Christophe Pierre, Vatican apostolic nuncio (ambassador) to the United States, will be presented to Msgr. Enzler, as well as a book of thanks with messages from 200 Catholic Charities clients, volunteers and donors.
After the program, volunteers will serve clients a sit-down barbecue meal made by Catholic Charities’ KitchenWork program.
Since 2011, Msgr. John Enzler has served as Catholic Charities’ president and CEO. Affectionately known as the “pastor to the poor,” he has provided hope to those experiencing hunger and homelessness in the Washington metro area. Under his leadership, Catholic Charities created new programs to address individuals with specific needs, including St. Maria’s Meals.
What: Surprise event during St. Maria’s Meals service to honor Msgr. John Enzler’s retirement.
When: 5–6 p.m. on Wednesday, May 24. Clients will begin lining up by 4:30 p.m. for the meal.
Where: On G Street NW in front of Catholic Charites’ headquarters, 924 G St. NW, Washington, DC 20001.
Who: Msgr. John Enzler, retiring president and CEO, will be available for an interview. Also available for interviews will be Jim Malloy, Catholic Charities’ new president and CEO, and Board Chair John Veihmeyer.
Details: St. Maria’s Meals provides hot meals to individuals and families experiencing homelessness and food insecurity each week. In the last fiscal year, the program served more than 62,000 meals at weekly distributions.
Learn about our efforts to combat food insecurity and homelessness in D.C. and suburban Maryland by visiting http://catholiccharitiesdc.org/annual-report-2022.
Media: To cover the event or to schedule an interview, contact Kate Kennedy at Kate.Kennedy@cc-dc.org or 202-772-4312 or Alexandra Porben at Alexandra.Porben@cc-dc.org or 202-772-4379.
About Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Washington
Catholic Charities DC is the largest independent social services agency in the Metropolitan D.C. area. As the charitable arm of the Archdiocese of Washington, Catholic Charities DC invests in communities by providing critical services to hundreds of thousands of people in need throughout the District of Columbia and Montgomery, Prince George’s, Charles, Calvert and St. Mary’s counties in Maryland. The organization works tirelessly to give help that empowers and hope that lasts to those it serves regardless of background, belief or circumstance. For more information, visit www.catholiccharitiesdc.org and follow us on social media @CCADW.