Mother Teresa Shelter sign dedicated to longtime supporter

The Catholic Charities and Mother Teresa Shelter community came together on Tuesday, March 24, to honor longtime supporter Joseph P. Mueller. They, along with Bishop Michael Mulvey and Kenedy Memorial Foundation chairman Mark Cisneros, witnessed the unveiling of a sign at the Mother Teresa Shelter naming the multi-purpose activity and therapeutic center in Mueller's name as a memorial to his dedication to his many dedicated years of service and support.
 
The 90-year-old Mueller, who previously served as president and director/member emeritus of the Kenedy Memorial Foundation, was unable to attend due to illness. His wife Patty was also unable to attend, but their daughters Michelle Moffitt and Julianna Mueller Clardy and other family members were present to accept the honor on his behalf.
 
Linda McKamie, executive director of Catholic Charities and the Mother Teresa Shelter, said that Mueller was instrumental in the Kenedy Memorial Foundation's initial and continuing support. In 2001, Mueller was responsible for helping Catholic Charities get a $90,000 grant to buy the property for the homeless shelter.
 
Cisneros described Mueller as a combat veteran of the Korean War, a dear friend and a very giving man. "Once in a while you run across a person who genuinely feels empathy for the poor. Joe was such a man," Cisneros said.
 
Clardy read a letter written by her father to all those in attendance. In part it read, "I remember when the Shelter began. Ann Fitz and some very charitable workers served Sunday meals at the Dorothy Day Catholic Workers House to those who needed a hand. Today the service has grown to much more than a Sunday meal and impacts the lives of so many additional people, much more deeply, because of the generosity of time and faithful commitment of your very wonderful workers. Thank you very much for this special honor in my life. My heart is truly touched."
 
"On behalf of the Mueller family. Thanks for coming. He loved being a part of the Kenedy Foundation, it was his heart for as long as I can remember he said we're on this route to serve others," Clardy said.
 
Bishop Mulvey blessed the naming ceremony with a prayer, "Father your Son's Gospel urges us to reach out to our brothers and sisters, to recognize in them–your face, the face of your love and the face of your mercy. We ask you to continue to bless the efforts of the Mother Teresa Shelter, those who volunteer and those who have assisted in making it complete. In a special way bless Joe and Patty Mueller as Joe continues his journey toward you… Bless our efforts to serve you."
 
There were many others in attendance including Bishop Emeritus Edmond Carmody, Msgr. Seamus McGowan, staff members of Catholic Charities and Mother Teresa Shelter, officials of the Kenedy Memorial Foundation and other supporters.