Sisters of Charity of St. Augustine receive Heart of a Servant Award at First Friday Club of Cleveland

Friday, February 06, 2026

Tags: Sisters of Charity of St. Augustine

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The Sisters of Charity of St. Augustine, who are celebrating their 175th year of service to the diocese, received the Bishop Roger Gries Heart of a Servant Award at the First Friday Club of Cleveland’s 68th Anniversary Bishop’s Luncheon on February 5. Many of the Sisters attended the luncheon, as well as several Sisters of Charity Health System employees.

According to the First Friday Club’s website, the Heart of a Servant Award “recognizes a specific effort or cumulative efforts over the years to broaden, enhance, educate, and connect the Catholic community of Greater Cleveland.” It was first given in 2022 and is selected by the First Friday Club Leadership Team.

“They [the CSAs] do what is moral, they do what is right, and they do what is just,” said Sisters of Charity Health System President & CEO Michael Goar, who introduced the Sisters. “They lead with servant hearts and light the path for all of us.”

Sisters of Charity of St. Augustine Congregational Leader Sr. Judith Ann Karam, CSA, accepted the award on behalf of the Sisters. She highlighted several Health System ministries, reminding the sold-out room of guests that the CSAs continue to address the unmet needs of the community, and have never done it alone.

“You are the heart and hands of our mission,” Sister Karam said of those who have supported the sisters’ work both past and present. “We are truly blessed. We never did this alone.”

Read more about the annual State of the Diocese address in this article from the Catholic Diocese of Cleveland.