http://www.babylonbeacon.com/news/2008/0417/Front_Page/002.html
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Babylon Village woman invited to meet the Pope
Laura A. Cassell, a resident of Babylon and CEO of Catholic Charities of Diocese of Rockville Centre, will attend the official United States arrival ceremony for Pope Benedict VXI at the White House on April 16, 2008. President Bush is scheduled to preside over the formal welcome on the South Lawn before hosting the pontiff in the Oval Office on what is the second day of the visit.
Pope Benedict’s official arrival is April 15 at Andrews Air Force Base. The trip marks his first visit to the U.S. as Pope. His six-day itinerary in both Washington and New York City will include the 9/11 Ground Zero site, addressing the United Nations, and celebrating Masses at baseball stadiums in both cities.
Cassell received her official invitation from the Oval Office via e-mail April 9.
“I am absolutely honored to represent the people of Long Island in welcoming our Holy Father to the United States, especially as April 16th is his 81st birthday. It is a personal joy for me as his very first encyclical letter was ‘God Is Love’ which addresses the vital role charity plays in our church and in the life of every community.
Cassell was appointed CEO of Catholic Charities by Bishop John R. McGann on December 1, 1999. She is the first female to hold this position in the Diocese of Rockville Centre and is also the first lay woman to serve in this capacity in any of the eight dioceses throughout New York State.
In December 2001, Bishop William Murphy appointed Cassell to the Bishop’s Cabinet as Secretary for Social Services, which brought additional responsibility for the Diocesan Offices of Prison Ministry and Respect Life. She was recently appointed to the finance commission of Caritas Internationalis, a confederation of Catholic social service organizations from around the world.
Cassel is a life-long resident of Long Island and graduated, Summa Cum Laude, from Manhattan College in 1979 with a degree in accounting. She and her husband, Gerald, are members of St. Joseph’s parish in Babylon.
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Cassell, Laura A. (MC1979) invited to meet the Pope
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