ORLANDO  |  “I always think of her as the example of how to help other people.” 

That is Melissa Dougherty’s cherished memory of her mother, Patricia Warner – a person who radiated the joy of service. Together with her husband, Ronald, of 58 years, Warner committed her life to following God’s call to serve the needs of others.

Before coming to Central Florida, Patricia and Ronald were actively involved Catholics.  Upon arriving here, they were welcomed by Father John Bluett, and in 1984 became founding members of St. Stephen Parish.

They also embraced their new parish’s mission to “follow the example of Jesus and respond to those in need, especially the poor and vulnerable, and so reveal His self-giving love to others.” One of the ways to respond to those in need was their involvement in the Pathways to Care ministry begun by Father Bluett in 2003.

Pathways to Care offers homeless men and women, especially military veterans, a place for medical respite while recuperating after hospital stays. As volunteers, Patricia and Ronald embraced the ministry’s mission “to embrace all those in need with hope, transforming their lives through faith, compassion and service.” Together they decided to make a legacy donation upon their death.

Describing her parents’ wishes, Dougherty said, “My parents were blessed and wanted to give that blessing back.” Following the passing of Ronald, and most recently Patricia’s passing, she was recognized as a posthumous member of The Catholic Foundation of Central Florida’s Vivos Christi Legacy Society – Catholic Charities Chapter.

Today Pathways to Care is a ministry of Catholic Charities which, in turn, is a ministry of the Diocese of Orlando. It was Catholic Charities that facilitated the link to the Catholic Foundation of Central Florida. Madelyn Weed is President and CEO of the Foundation. “There are so many needs in our community, but there are also so many opportunities to make a difference. Our goal is to get information to everyone who wants to make a difference about how they can maximize their giving,” she said. The Foundation’s Vivos Christi Legacy Society is one of the wide variety of tools and services for helping clients achieve their ongoing or final giving goals.

“We are a free resource,” added Weed. “We are here as a service to all parishes, all schools, and all ministries in the diocese.” Commenting specifically on the Vivos Christi Legacy Society, she reflected, “Christ is living. Christ is eternal. And we have an eternal life with Christ. Even though we are no longer here physically, the impact we have continues to live on.

By George Fournier, Special to the Florida Catholic, February 26, 2926