Catholic Charities Announces Four New Board Members

February 24, 2021

Catholic Charities of the Diocese of St. Cloud is announcing four new members who will be serving on its Board of Directors.

Sr. Mary Patricia Burger, OSF , of Little Falls is currently retired from leadership positions with the Franciscan Sisters of Little Falls, including positions in healthcare management. Burger looks forward to listening, observing, experiencing and affirming how Catholic Charities lives its mission and to sharing that with the general public and her circles of influence.

Ryan Daniel of St. Cloud is currently the CEO of St. Cloud Metro Bus. As board member, Daniel will help the community learn and understand the services that Catholic Charities offers the community. He brings 15 years of leadership experience and 10 years of community service experience, and is excited about sharing his expertise and experience in helping Catholic Charities fulfill its mission.

Jon McGee of Cold Spring serves St. John's Preparatory School as Head of School. McGee is eager to learn more about the depth and breadth of Catholic Charities programming while contributing to its future vision and mission. A long-time supporter and donor of Catholic Charities, he brings an enduring commitment to community values and service to others.

Michelle A. Schmitz of Paynesville is executive director of the Career Center at St. Cloud State University. Schmitz is deeply honored to serve Catholic Charities, which she believes has changed the lives of an endless number of people. She’s inspired and humbled to have an up-close view of the organization’s employee and volunteer efforts, contributions and accomplishments.

“All four of our newest board members embody the spirit of community and bring talent, expertise and energy to the table. We are fortunate to have them by our side as we continue our mission to serve and enhance human dignity for people of all faiths and beliefs across our Central Minnesota communities,” said Stephen R. Pareja, Executive Director, Catholic Charities of the Diocese of St. Cloud.

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At Catholic Charities Emergency Services, we see countless acts of kindness every day, but a recent donation from a remarkable young man left a special mark on our hearts. On a chilly Friday afternoon, Bryce, a 17-year-old student at Albany High School, donated an impressive 860 pounds of squash. This generous gift highlights the power of community support, proving that even in challenging times, there is always hope. Bryce has grown his own pumpkins, squash, and gourds under the name Bryce Pumpkin’s, which has become known for fresh, locally grown produce. His efforts extend beyond growing, as he sells his harvest at farmers markets and even had a booth at the Made in Minnesota Expo in November, supporting local businesses and sustainable farming. What makes his story even more inspiring is how Bryce uses his success to give back. His donation will directly help families in need through our food shelf, which serves St. Cloud and surrounding areas. Bryce’s squash donation will be a vital part of our monthly food distribution, helping to provide nutritious meals to hundreds of families in our community. His gesture demonstrates not only a heart full of compassion but also the interconnectedness of local farmers, businesses, and families. When young people like Bryce step up, it’s a reminder that the future is well cared for. Bryce’s story proves that even small acts of kindness can grow into something truly transformative. Through donations like Bryce’s, we are able to provide food to those who need it most, including seniors on fixed incomes and single parents working multiple jobs. The connection between local farmers and organizations like Catholic Charities sustains our community and fosters hope for those struggling. Looking ahead to the upcoming growing season, we’re excited to see what other generous community members, like Bryce, will share. His efforts remind us that every small contribution adds up to something much bigger, and it’s not just about the food—we’re also strengthening our community and inspiring hope for all.
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