Catholic Charities Anniversary Employees Recognized for Service

Fifty-three staff members of Catholic Charities of Long Island were honored at the 2025 Employee Recognition Celebration for their longstanding service to the needy and vulnerable.
Thirty-six of those recognized were cited for 5, 10 and 15 years with CCLI, while 17 employees were acknowledged for even longer tenures of 20, 25, 30 and 35 years.

“You make such a positive difference that I am very glad you have stayed around for a while,” CEO Michael E. Smith said in his remarks to honorees and other guests, including Board Chair Bill Ayers and Trustees Theresa Ahlstrom, Glenn Tyranski, Justin Hebert and Deacon Mike Monahan. The deacon led the gathering in grace before the meal.

“We treasure your contributions and your experience and the knowledge you bring to Catholic Charities every day. It’s good that we are together to celebrate your work,” Smith said. “Thank you so much for all you do, and may God bless you and your families.”

The January 23 celebration began with morning Mass offered at the chapel of St. Dominic’s Church in Oster Bay by Father Walter Kedjierski, the parish’s pastor. The luncheon and awards program followed at the Muttontown Club in East Norwich. Karina Contti, director of human resources, led the luncheon program.

The names and positions of honorees were highlighted in the event program. Those with 20 or more years received brief professional tributes read at the luncheon. Each of those honorees had the opportunity to say a few words.

Carmen Maguilon, director of Immigrant and Refugee Services, marked 35 years with CCLI. “Catholic Charities allows me to be able to provide those services to people who are so much in need,” she said in brief remarks. She asked that Catholic Charities “continue to provide support to the immigrant community. They need it so much right now.”

Elizabeth Konik was celebrating 25 years with Catholic Charities, initially as a member of the Food and Nutrition program and since 2008 with the Facilities and Purchasing Department, where she is administrative secretary.

Her work stretches across Catholic Charities. “We take care of all the programs of Catholic Charities,” Konik said in an interview. “We try to find out how we can help people.” She fondly remembers previous work anniversaries and truly enjoys every co-worker she encounters. “Every morning when I wake up, I’m happy to come to work.”

Eugene Peluso, marking his 10th anniversary with Catholic Charities, is a driver for Oceanside Senior Community Center at St. Anthony’s Parish. He enjoys his job so much that he sometimes visits the center on his days off, he said.

His favorite responsibilities are dealing with senior clients, whether helping them on and off the bus or bringing packages to their doorstep. “It’s a way to help them any way I can,” said Peluso, who took the job after sitting home as a new retiree left him seeking a new challenge.    

Jay Korth, director of housing and legal affairs, was marking 20 years with CCLI. Noting that Catholic Charities “faces a lot of challenges,” he said difficulties are tempered by the teamwork they inspire.

“It’s during those challenging times that I realize, once again, how proud I am to be part of a team of Good Samaritans that does difficult work across this Island with those who are in greatest need every day and meets people where they are,” Korth said in his remarks.