Catholic Bishops Issue World Series Challenge for Charity

CHICAGO, Oct. 27, 2016 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The leaders of the home Catholic dioceses for the Chicago Cubs and the Cleveland Indians have bet food from local vendors on the outcome of the 2016 World Series of Major League Baseball.

Archbishop Blase J. Cupich has promised enough Chicago deep dish pizzas and baked goods to feed more than 100 guests of the Bishop William M. Cosgrove Center in Cleveland, if the Cubs lose the World Series. Lou Malnati's Pizzeria, known as the home of the best deep dish in Chicago, has again joined with the Archbishop to deliver their pizza for charity. Misericordia will supply an assortment of baked goods for dessert from their Hearts & Flour Bakery.

"Both cities have waited an eternity for this moment," said Archbishop Cupich. "So while it will be a historic win for either side, we feel it's only right to celebrate by giving back." He added, "We are confident in our team and yet, I have to admit that I feel a bit guilty since in our tradition it is a sin to bet on a sure thing!"

Bishop Richard G. Lennon has answered the challenge by also offering to feed more than 100 guests of the evening supper program for the homeless, sponsored by Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Chicago, if the Cleveland Indians are defeated. Italian Creations, of Lakewood, Ohio, has partnered with Bishop Lennon in his promise to deliver a Cleveland-Style Feast including pierogi, kielbasa, sauerkraut and green beans.

"Archbishop Cupich isn't the only one praying for a win," said Bishop Lennon. "If by some devilish mistake the Indians were to lose, we will hold up our end of the bargain and send some of Cleveland's finest dishes to a Catholic Charities ministry in Chicago so they can join in the celebration."

Most Rev. Richard G. Lennon, Bishop of Cleveland, leads the Diocese, serving nearly 700,000 Catholics in eight counties of Northeast Ohio, including the cities of Cleveland, Akron and Lorain.

The Bishop William M. Cosgrove Center provides guests with access to such fundamental services as hot meals, shower facilities, mail distribution, helping to obtain a birth certificate and state identification card, eyeglass assistance, rental and utility assistance and the opportunity to engage in recreational activities.  In addition, the center offers referrals to employment and training programs, health and mental health screenings, Veteran Administration benefits and aid with obtaining housing subsidies. For more information, please visit www.ccdocle.org/cosgrove.

Archbishop Blase J. Cupich is the head of the Archdiocese of Chicago, the third largest archdiocese in the United States with more than 2.2 million Catholics in Cook and Lake Counties.

The evening supper program for the homeless, sponsored by Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Chicago, feeds approximately 135 individuals at each meal.  Catholic Charities Chicago also offers 150 programs, at 153 locations, assisting more than 1 million persons each year. For more information see: www.catholiccharities.net.

Misericordia, meaning Heart of Mercy, under the leadership of Sister Rosemary Connelly, RSM, currently serves more than 600 children and adults with mild to profound intellectual and developmental disabilities, from diverse racial, religious and socio-economic backgrounds. The Misericordia Hearts & Flour Bakery is one of the most popular work programs at Misericordia, providing fulfilling jobs for more than 45 adults with developmental disabilities. Their delicious baked goods are delivered fresh all across the United States. For more information on Misericordia's work and the Bakery, please visit www.misericordia.org.

About the Diocese of Cleveland
The Roman Catholic Diocese of Cleveland was founded on April 23, 1847.  Under the leadership of the Most Reverend Richard Lennon, bishop of Cleveland, it is the twenty-third largest diocese in the United States.  The diocese encompasses the counties of Cuyahoga, Summit, Lorain, Lake, Geauga, Medina, Wayne and Ashland. There are more than 692,000 Catholics in the Diocese, and Catholic Charities - Diocese of Cleveland is one of the largest diocesan systems of social services in the world.  There are 185 parishes, 114 Catholic schools, one pastoral center and one mission office within the diocese.  The cathedral is the Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist, located in downtown Cleveland.

About the Archdiocese of Chicago
The Archdiocese of Chicago, the third largest in the United States, serves more than 2.2 million Catholics in 347 parishes in Cook and Lake Counties, a geographic area of 1,411 square miles. The Archdiocese, pastored by Archbishop Blase J. Cupich, has more than 15,000 employees in its systems and ministries, including Catholic Charities, the region's largest nonprofit social service agency. The Archdiocese also has one of the country's largest seminaries. The Archdiocese's 217 elementary and secondary schools comprise the largest U.S. private school system and have garnered more U.S. Department of Education Blue Ribbon Awards than any system of any type.

SOURCE Archdiocese of Chicago