By Sophia Chang
Christine Pearson will receive the Distinguished Leadership Award, for her 19 years of service to Pride of Judea as administrative assistant and office manager. In addition, Monsignor Michael Cantley of St. Anastasia's Roman Catholic Church will receive the Chesed Award.
Located at 243-03 Northern Blvd., Pride of Judea offers non-sectarian mental health care to the general populace, with accommodations made for Orthodox Jews, including special counseling appointments on Sundays.
“I just think it's a wonderful tribute. It's nice to be recognized for the work that you do,” said Pearson, a Douglaston resident.
According to a statement by Judea director Paula Held, Pearson's qualities make her a natural recipient of the award.
“Christine's creativity, gracious manner, immense knowledge of the organization and how to get things done, plus her support for the entire staff makes for a unique combination of abilities,” Held said. “When the announcement that Chris would receive the award was made to the staff, the unanimous opinion was 'well deserved.'”
“What makes it easy for me is the people I work with” at Pride of Judea, Pearson said. “They're so dedicated and concerned. It's like a joy.”
According to Cantley, “Chesed” means justice in Hebrew.
“The award is certainly a surprise,” Cantley said. He pointed out St. Anastasia's longtime collaboration with Pride of Judea, where he was once on the advisory board. The award “makes it very delightful for me, to know that our friendship has been that delightful and rewarding.”
The Chesed Award “is a most appropriate honor to be given to Msgr. Cantley for his leadership and the many kindnesses he has bestowed, not only on behalf of his parishioners but to the community at large,” Held said. She also noted the church's partnership with Pride of Judea.
“He has supported our work, given us access to space in his facility when we were under construction, provided us with friendly advice and participated in all of our endeavors for the community,” she said.
The Pride of Judea is known for Club Pride, a socialization program focused on older adults with mental illnesses. The annual meeting is a chance for staff and supporters to be updated about the organization's programs and services, and is open to the public. This year's meeting is on Tuesday at 7:30 p.m.
For Cantley, the award is coming at a poignant time since he retired June 1 from the church where he served for over 21 years.
“I think for me it is a great honor to end a career with this kind of recognition,” he said. “I'll continue to live here and keep involved in the parish to whatever degree I can.”
He plans to write during his retirement. “I'm thinking one book in theology, the theology of the Holy Spirit, and another book on the philosophy of Edith Stein, a phenomenologist who converted to Catholicism but was executed at Auschwitz because of her Jewish background,” Cantley said. “That will keep me alive mentally.”
Reach reporter Sophia Chang by e-mail at news@timesledger.com or call 718-229-0300, Ext. 141.
