Gala Honoree Choices Shine Spotlight on Lutheran/Catholic Collaboration

Five hundred years ago, anything but harmony would have come to mind when considering the relationship between the Catholic Church and the people who came to be known as Lutherans. But after recent years of shared reconciliation efforts by Lutherans and Catholics, “A Celebration of Harmony” is the theme for Lutheran SeniorLife’s 15th annual Excellence is Ageless Gala. At the center of it all are the two Excellence is Ageless Award recipients Bishop Kurt F. Kusserow of the Southwestern Pennsylvania Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America and Bishop David A. Zubik of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Pittsburgh.

David Fenoglietto, president and CEO of Lutheran SeniorLife said, “Each honoree has earned this award on his own merits, through his own outstanding support of seniors in southwestern Pennsylvania. The decision to recognize Bishop Kusserow and Bishop Zubik together was made in acknowledgement of the extraordinary efforts Lutherans and Catholics have made this past year towards collaboration and reconciliation.”

“Our hope is that the Gala will not only be a venue for the community to share in our recognition of these deserving honorees, but it will also serve as another opportunity for Lutherans and Catholics to jointly support seniors in living a more Abundant Life®,” said Jane Bittcher, president of the Lutheran SeniorLife Foundation. The Foundation holds the annual gala as a fundraiser for Lutheran SeniorLife’s benevolent care fund, which supports residents and program participants who have outlived their financial resources.

The Gala is planned for Friday, April 27 from 6 to 9 p.m. at the East Club Lounge at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh. To purchase individual tickets or a sponsorship, please call the Foundation at (724) 453-6014.