WASHINGTON – Catholics United Executive Director James Salt released the following statement in reaction to President Obama’s selection of Deputy National Security Adviser Denis McDonough as his new chief of staff:

“The appointment of Denis McDonough, a devout Catholic, as chief of staff demonstrates the President’s commitment to placing good people in important positions,” said Salt. “Our nation will be well served by his selection. Throughout his career, Denis has shown a tremendous work ethic and an abiding concern for those who suffer.

“Denis is the kind of person who will open doors for others. I remember in 2009 he helped connect me with then Deputy Chief of Staff Jim Messina to talk about the concerns of the Catholic community. He didn't have to do this; he went out of his way to help me. In a city like Washington, that sort of kindness is rare and will serve the President well.”

Founded in 2004, Catholics United, and its educational arm, Catholics United Education Fund, are non-profit, non-partisan organizations dedicated to promoting the message of justice and the common good found at the heart of the Catholic Social Tradition.

For more information about Catholics United, “like” us on our Facebook page (www.facebook.com/CatholicsUnited), follow us on Twitter (www.twitter.com/CatholicsUnited) or on our blog at www.OurDailyThread.org.

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