A Roman Catholic priest known “for his ability to inspire others and to help those in need” is Christ Child Society of Cleveland’s 2021 Person of the Year.

The Rev. Walt Jenne, retired pastor of St. Basil the Great Parish in Brecksville, was presented the honor during the society’s fundraising gala on Nov. 5 at the Cleveland History Center, the Catholic Diocese of Cleveland reported on its website Nov. 11. Nearly 500 people attended the event.

Ordained to the priesthood on May 30, 1970, Jenne headed Catholic Charities, Diocese of Cleveland, for 20 years. Jenne, who has a master’s degree in social work, was on the boards of Templum House, Mental Health Services, AIDS Housing Council of Greater Cleveland, Greater Cleveland Committee on Hunger and Western Reserve Area Agency on Aging.

“In 1994, Father Jenne was appointed St. Basil pastor and administrator of St. Catherine Parish in Cleveland’s Union-Miles Park neighborhood, which began a strong partnership between the parishes,” the diocese reports. “St. Catherine’s closed in 2007, but its food pantry continues to serve more than 7,000 meals monthly.”

The Christ Child Society is a nonprofit organization that’s helped needy children in the Cleveland Area since 1916, its website states. Last year, the organization helped nearly 7,000 children and their families through its programs, including layettes, “My Stuff” bags, libraries, reading enrichment programs, providing beds and coats and school uniforms.

Jenne encourages everyone “to serve the poor, the hungry and the homeless,” Christ Child Society President Mary Herrick said.

“We are so grateful that he has been a supporter of our Cleveland chapter for so many years,” Herrick said. “His kind words and humble heart have inspired so many others to join with us to serve the needs of children who have so little.”