The University of Notre Dame has announced that Kerry Alys Robinson, President of Catholic Charities USA, will be awarded the 2025 Laetare Medal for her unwavering commitment to compassion and faith-driven leadership.
The prestigious honor is granted annually, and Robinson will be recognized for her tireless work at the helm of the national charity, embodying the values that the medal seeks to celebrate.
The Laetare Medal’s Rich History and Significance
Named after the fourth Sunday of Lent, known as “Laetare Sunday,” the Laetare Medal is one of the oldest and most esteemed awards for American Catholics.
First established in 1883, it is given to individuals whose achievements have contributed significantly to the arts and sciences, reflected the ideals of the Church, and enriched humanity’s collective heritage.
This year, Robinson’s contributions to Catholic Charities USA and her broader faith-filled service made her a fitting recipient of such a distinguished honor.
Robinson’s Journey to Leading Catholic Charities USA
Since taking the role of president and CEO of Catholic Charities USA in 2023, Robinson has brought both leadership and compassion to the organization.
Before this role, she was the founding executive director of the Leadership Roundtable, a group dedicated to addressing the Church’s abuse crisis by uniting both clergy and laity in finding solutions.
Robinson’s strong belief in the mission of the Church has been central to her work, and she remains deeply committed to the well-being of Catholic Charities as the largest humanitarian network in the world.
Challenges Faced by Catholic Charities Across the Nation
The Laetare Medal comes at a time when Catholic Charities affiliates across the United States are facing significant challenges.
Due to major budget cuts under the Trump administration, many organizations have struggled to maintain services and retain staff.
Some Catholic Charities agencies have even been forced to lay off employees and reduce their programs.
Catholic Charities Fort Worth, in particular, filed a lawsuit earlier this year after the federal government froze millions of dollars in grants meant for refugee services in Texas, although the lawsuit was later dropped after the grants were eventually released.
Robinson’s Vision for the Future
Despite the current challenges, Robinson remains optimistic and committed to the health and vitality of Catholic Charities.
She has always held the mission of the Church in high regard, and she continues to work tirelessly to ensure that Catholic Charities remains a strong force for good in the world.
Her dedication to helping those in need and to empowering the Church to fulfill its mission of service is evident in everything she does, making her a deserving recipient of the 2025 Laetare Medal.