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Catholic Forum: Sheila McGirl & 50 Years of the Faith & Charity Catholic Appeal

“It’s about working together, together we are the Church.”

On this edition of Catholic Forum, Sheila McGirl, Director of Development joins the show to discuss the 2026 Faith and Charity Catholic Appeal. 2026 marks the 50th anniversary of the appeal being taken up in our diocese to support our community of faith in Delaware and Maryland’s Eastern Shore! Sheila explains why giving to the appeal isn’t transactional, every gift made to the appeal helps to strengthen and serve the people of the Diocese of Wilmington.

The weekend of February 28, 2026 is Commitment Weekend for the appeal and we’re excited to see what good we can do as a community this year thanks to your generosity. To learn more about the Faith and Charity Catholic Appeal visit our website: https://cdow.org/ministries/development-office/faith-and-charity-catholic-appeal/

In addition to the video interviews from Catholic Forum here on youtube (https://www.youtube.com/@DioceseofWilm), you can listen to Catholic Forum in its entirety on Apple, Spotify, iHeartRadio or Amazon Music podcasts.

Catholic Forum is a production of the Office of Communication of the Diocese of Wilmington (supported by the Faith and Charity Appeal!) Please like, subscribe and share.

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Catholic Charities Introduces Free Diabetes Prevention Program; Enrollment Now Open for March 17 Cohort

Wilmington, DE — Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Wilmington is proud to announce the launch of its Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP), a community‑centered health initiative designed to help individuals at risk for type 2 diabetes take practical, sustainable steps toward long‑term wellness. Enrollment is now open for the first program cohort beginning March 17, 2026.

Of the program, Deacon Patrick Stokely, Executive Director of Catholic Charities said: “In the Catholic tradition, we recognize the human body as a gift from God and a temple of the Holy Spirit. By offering this free Diabetes Prevention Program, we honor that dignity by empowering our brothers and sisters to steward their health with wisdom, moderation, and community support. True wellness flows from a heart open to God’s grace, and we are privileged to walk alongside participants in this journey of healing and hope.”

The Diabetes Prevention Program offers free, research‑based classes led by trained lifestyle coaches who provide motivation, education, and support in a community‑based environment. The DPP model is CDC-approved and designed for adults who have been diagnosed as prediabetic or are otherwise at increased risk for developing type 2 diabetes.  Program participants will learn achievable strategies for improving nutrition, increasing physical activity, reducing stress, and developing long‑lasting habits that support overall health.

“We are thrilled to be able to offer the Diabetes Prevention Program to meet a need for compassionate preventative care and support for those in our community.” Porsha Harvey, Senior Manager for Basic Needs Programs said. “Catholic Charities strives to meet people where they are, and the Diabetes Prevention Program can provide encouragement and education for those who may not otherwise have access to these resources for managing and improving their health.”

Lifestyle Coach, Tommia Broomer, shared her passion for the program, stating:
“I help people who’ve been told that they’re prediabetic take calm, practical steps to feel back in control of their health, without overwhelm or extremes. If you feel overwhelmed and isolated regarding your health, Catholic Charities’ Diabetes Prevention Program can help you get the structure, support, and confidence you need.”

Individuals interested in joining the March 17 cohort are encouraged email DPP@ccwilm.org to request the interest form or to ask any questions about eligibility or program details.

Catholic Charities, the charitable arm of the Diocese of Wilmington, is a faith-based social services organization dedicated to providing help and creating hope for those in need. For over 195 years, Catholic Charities has empowered and strengthened individuals and families in Delaware and the Eastern Shore of Maryland. Each year, the organization serves tens of thousands of people through a range of critical services – from emergency food and energy assistance to housing the homeless, counseling, and much more. Guided by the belief in the inherent dignity of every person, Catholic Charities works to alleviate human suffering and uplift the most vulnerable, putting faith into action to build caring, resilient communities for all. For more information, visit ccwilm.org or cdow.org. 

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Media Contact:
Hannah Dell
Director of Communications
hdell@cdow.org
302-573-3116

Catholic Forum: Emily Mae Mentock & Praying with the Psalms

“When we pray the psalms we are praying the prayers Jesus would have prayed.”

On this episode of Catholic Forum, Hannah is joined by Emily Mae Mentock, author of “Praying with the Psalms:3 Minute Devotions for Lent and Holy Week 2026” available from Ave Maria Press. Emily’s perspective on the psalms as a way to build relationship with God and grow in understanding of our faith will hopefully give you a deeper appreciation for the psalms as we enter the Lenten season. Purchase Praying with the Psalms here: https://www.avemariapress.com/product…

In addition to listening to Catholic Forum in its entirety on Apple, Spotify, iHeartRadio or Amazon Music podcasts you can watch video interviews for each week’s episode on our YouTube channel:https://www.youtube.com/@DioceseofWilm 

Catholic Forum is a production of the Office of Communication of the Diocese of Wilmington. Please like, subscribe and share.

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Deacon Patrick Stokely Named Executive Director of Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Wilmington 

February 12, 2026 – Wilmington, Del. – The Most Reverend William E. Koenig, D.D., Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Wilmington, has announced the appointment of Deacon Patrick Stokely, M.A., as Executive Director of Catholic Charities in the Diocese of Wilmington effective immediately. 

With over 25 years of experience facilitating and developing leadership formation programs for Catholic clergy, lay leaders, and business professionals, Deacon Stokely brings a deep understanding of the needs of non-profit organizations to his new role as Executive Director of Catholic Charities.  Deacon Stokely served as Interim Executive Director since September 2025, maintaining the long-term vision and the day-to-day operations of Catholic Charities in the Diocese. He previously worked as Senior Program Manager for Leadership Roundtable where he partnered with bishops and leadership teams to align their vision with the ministries and services they offer.  Deacon Stokely also served as a Learning Leader for Catholic Leadership Institute where he was engaged in the formation and guidance of clergy and lay leaders for strengthening parishes, including training for clergy on integrating the principles of organization management with priestly identity and mission.  
 
Deacon Stokely holds a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration from Cabrini University and a Master of Arts in Theology from St. Charles Borromeo Seminary and serves as an Adjunct Professor of Theology at Immaculata University. Deacon Stokely is an award-winning editor of 2 books: “A Seminarian’s Toolbox Preparing for Parish Leadership” and “La Caja de Herramientas Para Lideres Pastorales”
 
“We are very excited to officially bring Deacon Stokely on board to lead Catholic Charities in the Diocese of Wilmington,” said the Most Reverend William E. Koenig, Bishop of Wilmington. “The work of Catholic Charities remains invaluable to the people of the Diocese of Wilmington both in Delaware and on Maryland’s Eastern Shore and I am certain Deacon Stokely’s many years of forming leaders in the Church and helping parishes and dioceses do their best work through servant leadership in promoting the Church’s mission will make him a vital addition to the Catholic Charities team as they work to be the face of Christ to those who rely on our numerous Catholic Charities programs.” 

Of the appointment, Deacon Stokely said, “I am deeply humbled and grateful to accept the role of Executive Director for Catholic Charities in the Diocese of Wilmington. As a Permanent Deacon, I have been ordained to serve at the intersection of liturgy and charity, proclaiming the Gospel through the diaconal charism of Christ the Servant.  I look forward to leading this ministry with the same spirit of humble, compassionate service to our brothers and sisters who are most in need throughout Delaware and the Eastern Shore of Maryland.” 

Catholic Charities, the charitable arm of the Diocese of Wilmington, is a faith-based social services organization dedicated to providing help and creating hope for those in need. For over 190 years, Catholic Charities has empowered and strengthened individuals and families in Delaware and the Eastern Shore of Maryland. Each year, the organization serves tens of thousands of people through a range of critical services – from emergency food and energy assistance to housing the homeless, counseling, and much more. Guided by the belief in the inherent dignity of every person, Catholic Charities works to alleviate human suffering and uplift the most vulnerable, putting faith into action to build caring, resilient communities for all. For more information, visit ccwilm.org or cdow.org. 

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Media Contact: 

Hannah Dell 
hdell@cdow.org  
302-573-3116 

Catholic Forum: Sr. Pat Millen & Nuns Against Gun Violence

On this edition of Catholic Forum, Hannah sits down with Sr. Patricia Millen, OSF to discuss her work with the Chester County Coalition and Nuns Against Gun Violence.

Nuns Against Gun Violence is a national network of women religious who work with state and local governments to end gun violence and support communities affected by gun violence. You can learn more about Nuns Against Gun Violence, including their 4th Annual Lenten Fast to End Gun Violence here: https://nunsagainstgunviolence.org/

You can watch the video interview associated with this episode on the Diocese of Wilmington YouTube channel at https://www.youtube.com/dioceseofwilm

 Catholic Forum is a production of the Office of Communication of the Diocese of Wilmington. Please like, subscribe and share.

Check out this episode!

Catholic Business Network of the Diocese of Wilmington Announces March 5 Business Breakfast in Easton, Maryland with Theme “Catholic Social Teaching in Business Decision-Making”

The Catholic Business Network of the Catholic Diocese of Wilmington invites business leaders, professionals, and entrepreneurs to its next Catholic Business Breakfast on Thursday, March 5, 2026, at Saint Peter and Paul Parish, located at 1214 South Washington Street, Easton, MD 21601.

Doors will open at 7:30 a.m., with the program beginning promptly at 8:00 a.m. A hot breakfast buffet will be provided.

The featured guest speaker will be Monsignor Steven Hurley, Vicar General for the Diocese of Wilmington. Monsignor Hurley will present on “Catholic Social Teaching in Business Decision-Making,” offering insight into how Catholic social principles—such as human dignity, the common good, solidarity, and ethical leadership can guide business decisions and workplace culture in today’s professional environment.

The Catholic Business Network exists to bring together business leaders who value fellowship, faith, and integrity. The Network provides a welcoming space for professionals who seek to incorporate Catholic values into their work, build meaningful relationships, and engage in thoughtful dialogue around ethical leadership and service, while building business contacts. Through shared prayer, inspiring speakers, and intentional networking, participants are encouraged to live their faith authentically in both business and community life.

This gathering is open to all professionals interested in faith-based leadership, regardless of industry or stage of career.

Tickets are $40.00

Registration available at: https://bit.ly/CatholicBusinessNetwork

Event Contact:

Fritzie Korthas
Catholic Diocese of Wilmington
FKorthas@cdow.org
302-573-3120

Catholic Charities to Honor Stephen L. Hyde at 2026 Tribute Dinner

Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Wilmington will host its 2026 Tribute Dinner on Wednesday, April 15, 2026, at the Chase Center on the Riverfront, honoring Stephen L. Hyde with the Monsignor Thomas J. Reese Award for his exceptional leadership, philanthropy, and commitment to faith-driven service.

The award will be presented by Most Reverend William E. Koenig, D.D., Bishop of the Diocese of Wilmington, during an evening that brings together business, civic, and faith leaders in support of Catholic Charities’ mission across the State of Delaware and nine counties on Maryland’s Eastern Shore.

Mr. Hyde, President of HFM Investment Advisors, is widely respected for his decades of service to Catholic education, youth formation, and charitable outreach. Through his family’s charitable trust, he helps distribute more than $1.6 million annually to Catholic schools, parishes, and missions. His leadership has included transformational support of St. Mark’s High School and service on numerous parish and diocesan boards.

Mr. Hyde and his wife, Maria Hyde, are partners in philanthropy and faith. Maria Hyde’s steadfast support and commitment to service have been integral to the family’s charitable mission, modeling shared leadership rooted in compassion, stewardship, and community engagement.

Proceeds from the Tribute Dinner benefit Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Wilmington, which serves thousands of individuals and families each year through programs addressing housing insecurity, family support, food access, counseling, and care for vulnerable populations throughout the region.

Get your tickets and learn more here: https://www.ccwilm.org/events/cc-dinner/

Event Details

Catholic Charities Tribute Dinner 2026
Wednesday, April 15, 2026

Doors open at 5:00 PM
Chase Center on the Riverfront
815 S. Justison Street, Wilmington, DE 19801

Get to Know the New Host of Catholic Forum – Hannah Dell

On this episode of Catholic Forum, Bob Krebs comes out of retirement (briefly) to interview the new host of Catholic Forum and Director of Communications for the Diocese of Wilmington, Hannah Dell. Hannah talks about her life and experience at the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) and what she’s looking forward to in Wilmington. Listen to Catholic Forum in its entirety on Apple, Spotify, iHeartRadio or Amazon Music podcasts. Catholic Forum is a production of the Office of Communications of the Diocese of Wilmington. Please like, share and subscribe.

Check out this episode!

The Catholic Diocese of Wilmington to Hold Holy Hours for Peace in Response to USCCB Invitation 

Wilmington, DE — In response to an invitation from Archbishop Paul S. Coakley, president of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB), to pray for peace in our nation and communities, the Most Reverend William E. Koenig, Bishop of Wilmington, and the priests of the Diocese of Wilmington gathered on Wednesday, February 4, 2026, during their Presbyteral Retreat, to offer a Holy Hour for Peace and have scheduled Holy Hours for Peace in each of the Deaneries in the coming weeks.   

This national invitation to pray for peace follows the USCCB’s Special Pastoral Message on Immigration issued in November 2025, in which the bishops of the United States affirmed their concern for immigrants suffering in a “climate of fear and anxiety,” urged respect for the fundamental dignity of all persons, and called for meaningful reform of immigration laws and humane treatment of those seeking a better life in this country.  

On the Holy Hours for Peace effort Bishop Koenig said, “In this moment of tension and uncertainty, we turn to Christ — the Prince of Peace — asking that our hearts and our nation be renewed. Our prayer for peace flows from the hope we have in Christ to guide us in recognizing the inherent dignity of every person as we work to build a society that respects life at every stage and circumstance.” 

The Holy Hours for Peace are opportunities for parishioners and all people of goodwill to join in prayer for peace, unity, and the recognition of human dignity throughout our nation. 

  • City Deanery: Friday, February 13, 11:00 a.m. 
    Cathedral of Saint Peter, Wilmington, DE 
    Most Rev. William E. Koenig, Bishop of Wilmington, presiding 
  • Brandywine Hundred Deanery: Thursday, February 19, 4:00 p.m. 
    Saint Helena, Wilmington, DE 
  • Central New Castle Deanery: Monday, March 2, 5:00 p.m. 
    Saint Mary of the Assumption, Hockessin, DE 
  • Eastern Shore Deanery: Tuesday, March 3, perpetual adoration beginning at 9 a.m., benediction at 7:00 p.m. 
    Saints Peter and Paul, Easton, MD 
  • Iron Hill Deanery: Monday, February 16, 6:00 p.m. 
    Saint Margaret of Scotland, Glasgow, DE 
  • Ocean Deanery: Friday, February 13, 9:30 a.m. 
    Saint John Neumann, Berlin, MD 
  • Silver Lake Deanery: Friday, February 20, 3:00 p.m. 
    Holy Cross, Dover, DE 

About the Diocese of Wilmington: 
The Catholic Diocese of Wilmington was established in 1868 and comprises 54 parishes, 20 missions and 29 schools serving the State of Delaware and the nine counties of Maryland’s Eastern Shore. Information about the diocese is available at www.cdow.org. 
 

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Media Contact: 
Hannah R. Dell 
hdell@cdow.org 
302-573-3116