Rev. Graham Golden, O. Praem. is Winner of 2016 CCHD Cardinal Bernardin New Leadership Award

WASHINGTON—Rev. Graham Golden, O. Praem. has been named as the winner of the 2016 Cardinal Bernardin New Leadership Award, sponsored by the Catholic Campaign for Human Development (CCHD). CCHD is the anti-poverty program of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB). Father Golden will be honored at a reception Monday, November 14, at 6 p.m. during the bishops' annual Fall General Assembly in Baltimore.
Father Golden, is a member of the Norbertine Community of Santa Maria de la Vid Abbey in Albuquerque, New Mexico. He currently serves as the coordinator of program development, evaluation and research for the Catholic Foundation of the Archdiocese of Santa Fe where he guides the evolution of grassroots, parish-based anti-poverty initiatives in rural communities. He is also the director of the Office of Christian Discipleship and Religious Vocation, a young adult spiritual formation outreach of the abbey. Additionally, he serves in a pastoral capacity as the parochial vicar at Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary Catholic Community, also in Albuquerque.

In 2010-11, Father Golden served as a CCHD intern in the Archdiocese of Santa Fe. In this role he gave talks, presentations, workshops, retreats and parish missions on Catholic social teaching, poverty and CCHD. He additionally participated in the administration of CCHD grants, met with pastors one-on-one, participated in legislative advocacy, and wrote articles for the Archdiocesan newspaper.

"In this Jubilee Year of Mercy, we are delighted to honor Father Golden's commitment to advocacy for and with the poor and most vulnerable people in his community. His work fosters a culture of encounter rooted in the tender mercy of Christ." said Bishop Jaime Soto, chairman of the bishops' CCHD subcommittee.
Each year, the Cardinal Bernardin New Leadership Award honors a Catholic between the age of 18 and 40 who demonstrates leadership in fighting poverty and injustice in the United States through community-based solutions. It is named for the late Cardinal Joseph Bernardin, who served as archbishop of Chicago from 1982 till his death in 1996. He served as the first general secretary of the U.S. bishops from 1968-1972 and as third president of the U.S. bishops from 1974-1977.
More information about the award is available online: www.usccb.org/about/catholic-campaign-for-human-development/cardinal-bernardin-new-leadership-award.cfm.
---Keywords: U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, USCCB, Cardinal Bernardin New Leadership Award, Catholic Campaign for Human Development, CCHD, Bishop Jaime Soto, General Assembly, Baltimore, Pope Francis, Father Graham Golden
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