A resounding success from the 18th Annual Foundation of Faith Event! On Thursday, September 5, 2024 over 700 Catholics came out in support of the Catholic Foundation, Dei Gratia Award recipient - Monsignor Arturo Bañuelas, Steward of the Year - Vanessa Garcia, and to be inspired by the incredible testimony of Jim Wahlberg.

Thank you to the incredible generosity of our supporters as the Catholic Foundation raised over $230,000 to fund various parishes, schools and ministries in the Diocese of El Paso, as well as the operating needs of our organization. This will allow us to support the immediate and long-term needs of our West Texas priests, Santa Rosa de Lima Parish, the Diocesan Prison Ministry, Father Yermo School, and various endowment funds, making a tangible difference in our Catholic community.

Monsignor Bañuelas graciously received the Dei Gratia Award in recognition of nearly 50 years of dedicated service as a priest in the Diocese of El Paso. His tribute video highlighted the far-reaching impact of his remarkable work, which includes founding the Tepeyac Institute, Hope Border Institute, the Academy of Hispanic Theologians in the United States, the Southwest Interfaith Alliance, Casa Guadalupe Retreat House, and the Mexican American Cultural Institute. It was a profound honor to celebrate such a humble and extraordinary servant of God. You can see his impact on the Diocese of El Paso below.

The event took place on the Feast Day of Mother Teresa of Calcutta. Jim Wahlberg shared his testimony, recounting how meeting Mother Teresa while he was in prison transformed his heart and led him to fully surrender his life to Christ. In the weeks leading up to the event, Deacon Bob Guerra requested resources for the Diocesan Prison Ministry to support a retreat and provide Bibles for inmates. Deacon Bob also facilitated our access to the prison, where we interviewed Joshua, the leader of the Catholic Bible study, who spoke about the profound impact this ministry has on those often forgotten by society. You can view his testimony in the video below.

We are deeply grateful to our Gold Sponsors: Freeport McMoran and Ysleta Del Sur Pueblo. Silver Sponsors: Chick-fil-A Eastlake Marketplace & Rojas, Clara & Mike Miles, High Ridge Wealth Management. Bronze Sponsors: Maureen & Manny de la Rosa M.D, Doris Gurss, Serra Club of El Paso, State Farm-Team Casillas, RM Personnel, and Travel with Kerry, our Master of Ceremonies, Father Fabian Marquez, Fr. Joe Molina, Bishop Mark Seitz, our Foundation of Faith committee, the incredible Auctioneer, Subyn Novelle, and all our attendees for making this evening a success. Jim Wahlberg’s signed books are available for $30 at the Catholic Foundation office.

If you were unable to attend but would like to donate to our Seeds of Hope this year, which benefits Fr. Yermo Schools, gas for West Texas Priests, and the Diocesan Prison Ministry, you can do so below or by calling our office at 915-872-8412.