Articles

Retiring CEO Msgr. John Enzler to be Honored at April 1 Gala

by Kate Kennedy | March 6, 2023

More than 1,600 people will gather on April 1 to recognize the work of Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Washington to address poverty and honor its retiring president and CEO, Msgr. John J. Enzler.

The 38th annual Catholic Charities Gala, with the theme “An Everlasting Legacy,” will toast Msgr. Enzler’s 50th anniversary as a priest in The Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Washington and highlight the accomplishments of his 12-year tenure.

Among the speaker will be John Veihmeyer, chair, Board of Directors; Kevin Virostek, chair emeritus, Board of Directors and gala co-chair; and Cardinal Wilton D. Gregory of The Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Washington. Bishop William Byrne of the Diocese of Springfield, Mass., will serve as master of ceremonies.

Attended by supporters, clergy, and community, government and business leaders, the popular gala is expected to exceed its $3 million fundraising goal and set a fundraising record for the 90+-year-old agency. Money raised through the gala held at the Marriott Marquis will support the ongoing operations of the agency’s 52 programs. In the last fiscal year, more than 167,000 people in the District of Columbia and suburban Maryland were served by the agency’s food assistance, health care, housing, job training, developmental disabilities services and other programs.

Msgr. Enzler has worked tirelessly throughout his career to serve the poor with the motto “Say Yes.” As Catholic Charities’ head, he expanded existing services and created six new programs to meet the specific needs of residents.

“I am immensely proud of the work that we have done in support of those who are vulnerable,” he said. “And I am very grateful for the commitment our staff has shown and for the heartwarming support of our many donors and volunteers. While I no longer will hold the CEO title, I will remain dedicated to helping Catholic Charities grow and serve.”

Before leading Catholic Charities, the Bethesda native served as pastor at three parishes and held several roles with the archdiocese.

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