Bothell man’s service to others brings its own reward

Published 12:01 am Saturday, May 14, 2011

The extensive charity work of Catholic priest St. Vincent de Paul made such an impact in 17th-century France that he became known as the Father of the Poor.

His work with parish missions helped shape the role of Catholic church today.

The priest died in 1660 and was canonized in 1737, becoming the patron saint of charity and of the poor.

Catholics all over the country continue his work today as part of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul.

Take Mort Moriarty, president of the society’s chapter at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton parish in Bothell. He has been recognized with the society’s highest honor — the Top Hat Award.

He was honored during a meeting in March.

“I’m really humbled by it,” Moriarty said. “I was totally shocked. It’s not often that I’m at a total loss for words, but I was on that occasion.”

The Mill Creek man, 68, has been a Vincentian for about eight years. He was drawn to the society’s mission to strengthen faith through service to others.

“As Christians, we often focus on the sinful qualities of human life. But we don’t focus on the fact that we are called to be good people,” he said.

Moriarty is a retired federal narcotics agent and has conducted counterterrorism training on behalf of the U.S. government. He has learned in the course of his career to appreciate the blessings in his life.

He said people should try to do something that’s right and not just focus on not doing what’s wrong.

With other St. Vincent members of his parish, Moriarty responds to requests from neighbors who need help. They provide food, clothing and furniture. They often help with utility bills and rent.

St. Vincent members have limited funds — all of the money for projects is donated by the parish. They try to use that money wisely, Moriarty said. If members can’t help, they refer people to local organizations that can.

With every hot meal and winter jacket St. Vincent members give away, they try to share a message of spirituality. That’s the core of the society’s mission, Moriarty said.

“We try to model after St. Vincent de Paul by sharing whatever resources we can and by sharing our spirituality,” he said.

Katya Yefimova: 425-339-3452; kyefimova@heraldnet.com.