Caritas Service Award
The Caritas Service award honors an outstanding individual who embodies and demonstrates the Sisters of Charity of St. Augustine (CSA) charism to others through a life of generosity, untiring service, joyful witness of the love of God, and a commitment to CSA’s ministries in healthcare, social service, pastoral ministry or education.
First established during the Sisters of Charity of St. Augustine Sesquicentennial Celebration in 2001, the award is presented by the community every four years.
“One loving heart sets another on fire.”
CARITAS 2024: CATHY KOPINSKY
Cathy Kopinsky began her association with CSA at St. Vincent Charity Medical Center (SVCMC) as a high school student delivering mail and flowers to patients. Later Cathy began working at the information desk, first with Sr. Maura and then Sr. Xavier, who both influenced her tremendously.
Cathy was encouraged by Sr. Xavier to apply for a position in the recently-created outreach program. In this position, Cathy’s concern for the people of the Central Neighborhood took her to the streets. She walked there almost daily, forming friendships, checking blood pressures, educating, and uplifting those who were lonely or in need of help.
Nothing was too much to ask of Cathy. In 2004, Cathy earned her social worker’s degree at Ursuline College. Over time, Cathy has received several recognitions for her loving service. She received the UNSUNG HERO AWARD from the Cleveland Public Library and in partnership with
Channel 19. In 2020, the Ohio Hospital Association honored Cathy as a nominee for The Albert E. Dyckes Health Care Worker of the Year Award.
Cathy was also very involved in the beginnings of St. Vincent’s Mission Kitchen program. When COVID hit, she delivered hot meals to the neighborhood, as there were no open food stores. With the help of many, Mission Kitchen continued to change and grow, and provide fresh produce, canned goods, hot meals, and clothing. When Cathy retired, she returned to SVCMC the following Monday to volunteer, and remains a steady and a loving spirit. Her love is ever flowing, and her every action radiates compassionate care.
Dee Dee Chewning, 2016
A lifelong resident of South Carolina, Dee Dee Chewning’s only relationship to the Sisters of Charity of St. Augustine was that her husband was born in the Sisters hospital, Providence. In 1992, that changed. It was that year that the Sisters and Providence Hospital began the Seeing is Achieving program, later named Healthy Learners. Dee Dee Chewning was its first director.
Why Dee Dee? Dee Dee Chewning graduated from Greenville General School of Nursing as a registered nurse. Working as a Certified School Nurse in the Lexington School District for many years she saw firsthand children who were falling through the cracks of the health care system.
The program was created out of love and concern for children who did not qualify for health insurance and had no way to pay for eye exams and glasses. The ministry then blossomed in 1995 to provide medical care, dental care, psychological care and prescriptions. Dee Dee worked tirelessly for children in the Midlands and the program eventually grew to encompass more schools. By 2002, it was serving 57 schools throughout the State of South Carolina.
After retirement, Dee Dee joined the Board of Trustees of the Sisters of Charity Foundation of South Carolina. She served for nine years on the Board and its many committees.
When Dee Dee was nominated for the award, the sentiment echoed by all was that she embodies the CSA charism. One said that she has a loving heart and another said she is humble and often sets aside her own needs to seek the greatest good for others. Tom Keith, then-President of the Sisters of Charity Foundation of South Carolina said, “She is kind and compassionate but will fight for others.”
Bob Maynard, 2012
“In All Things Charity,” a quote attributed to St. Augustine, is the motto Robert Maynard has embraced throughout his life. His joyful heart, deep spirituality, generosity and commitment to the mission of Jesus were the reasons he was chosen as the 2012 recipient.
Bob is a graduate of John Carroll University ,receiving his degree in Social Sciences. He later entered Georgetown University Law Center, completing both Bachelor and Master of Law Degrees.
Bob began his relationship with CSA in 1986, as a member of the St. Vincent Charity Medical Center Board of Trustees and chair of the Medical Affairs Committee. He also served on the Sisters of Charity Health System Board from 1998 through 2001. In 2001, a deeper relationship began when Bob was hired to serve as General Counsel for the Health System. In this role, he had legal responsibilities for all twenty ministries of the Health System. His dedication and expertise has had a significant impact.
He is admired for his honesty, hard work, and respect for all people as demonstrated by his care and compassion. Striving for peace and being a servant leader, his laughter, ready smile, and teasing capture his relationship with all he meets.
Bob is also a man of great faith, as evidenced by his attendance at daily liturgy at St. Vincent Charity Medical Center. There, he often serves as lector. He also participates in special prayer services offered by the hospital. With his wife Aggie, Bob manifests a model of steadfast love and care for others in their marriage. To see their commitment to each other and to God in both the good and the difficult times is a gift for us all.
With his retirement in July 2012, he has completed his years of service to the Sisters of Charity Health System but his friendship and deep loyalty will be treasured by all.
Sr. Mildred Baker, 2008
Sr. Mildred Baker was a member of the Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary. In 2008, she had a member of her congregation for sixty-two years, yet understood the spirit and charism of the Sisters of Charity of St. Augustine as if she were one of us. She articulated this charism in both word and action for almost twenty years, through her involvement with CSA ministries of elder care and health care.
Sister Mildred served with CSA as the initial coordinator for the diocesan planning for the retirement needs of the religious of the diocese, then as the Intercongregational Liaison/Director of Admissions at Regina Health Center and currently as a volunteer at St. John West Shore Hospital.
Sister Mildred’s warmth, welcoming spirit, and astute judgment served the residents extremely well in the beginning years of Regina Health Center. Her kindness and friendliness were evident; her smile conveyed respect, care and concern to all who walked through the doors.
Her loyalty in the expression of love and concern at RHC continued in her volunteer efforts at St. John West Shore Hospital in a variety of capacities, all with the same warm smile, twinkling eyes, and generous heart.
She does have IHM after her name and is true and loyal to her congregation, but she certainly is CSA in heart and spirit.
Norman Wengerd, 2004
Norman Wengerd is committed to the CSA charism in his everyday life. He is present to people, a good listener, and possesses a deep personal spirituality.
Norm’s service with the Sisters of Charity of St. Augustine spans over 30 years from 1971-2003. He began his career in our healthcare ministry at Mercy Hospital as a respiratory therapist, advancing to Department Director and then to Vice President for Planning for the CSA Health System from 1986-1992. He then returned to Mercy Medical Center to become Senior Vice President and later served as Interim CEO and President.
After leaving Mercy in 2003, Norm’s generosity and humility were consistently evident in his willingness to serve in whatever capacity he was needed. Norm readily responded to our need for an interim CEO at St. John West Shore Hospital in 2003. Without fanfare and without complaint, he was willing to drive those extra miles from Hartville to Westlake when his gifts were needed to fulfill this important leadership role. He has also served as a member of the Board of Directors of the Sisters of Charity Foundation of Canton effectively and with great loyalty.
Sr. Mary Patricia Barrett, 2001
Sr. Mary Patricia Barrett, faith-filled woman religious, gentle and compassionate leader, committed health core innovator—you embody the essence of charity celebrated by all Sisters of Charity in this one hundred and fiftieth anniversary year.
Faithful to the vocation to which God has called you, in your ministry, you personify the motto of the Sisters of Charity of St. Augustine, "In All Thing Charity," with generosity, integrity, and humility.
Your vision as health care planner enabled the CSA Health System to be born and you have guided it through the years. Your enduring commitment to quality health care has enabled you to initiate and support services to those in special need of Gods healing presence.
Graced with dedication and a spirit of sensitivity to others, you have served as social worker; leader in many positions for the CSA congregation, president of the CSA Health System Board of Trustees as well as vice-president for Mission and Ministry Services, member of countless boards of trustees of hospitals, foundations, and social service organizations in your 44 years as a member of the Sisters of Charity of St. Augustine.
In gratitude to you for your many years of exemplary service, the Sisters of Charity are pleased to bestow on you the first Caritas Service Award.