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A Life of Service: Sr. Rachel Vallarta Named 2026 Steward of the Year
A Life of Service: Sr. Rachel Vallarta Named 2026 Steward of the Year
September 18, 2026

The Catholic Foundation for the Diocese of El Paso proudly celebrates Sr. Rachel Vallarta, MJMJ, Parish Catechetical Leader at St. Frances Xavier Cabrini Parish, as the 2026 Steward of the Year. Selected from a record 33 nominations and seven finalists, Sr. Rachel was nominated in the San Pedro de Jesús Maldonado, Ministry of Leadership category for her faithful and joyful service to the Church. For Sr. Rachel, stewardship is truly a way of life. Through 33 years of consecrated life, service as Parish Life Coordinator at three parishes, 15 years volunteering with the Vocations Office, and leadership of more than 30 ministries at St. Frances Xavier Cabrini Parish, she has dedicated her life to serving God and His people.

“What the numbers can’t show is the woman who shows up before anyone asks, who leads not from the front of the room but from the middle of it,” shared Belen Gonzalez on behalf of Fr. Ben Flores, Pastor of St. Frances Xavier Cabrini Parish.

Her service can be seen throughout her parish and beyond. In 2025, Sr. Rachel led the parish’s Christmas Giving Tree, inspiring parishioners to donate more than 600 toys to families in underserved communities throughout the region. She has also accompanied retreat participants, supported vocations, strengthened parish ministries, and continually answered the call to serve wherever she is needed.

Sr. Rachel was recognized during the Catholic Foundation’s 20th Annual Foundation of Faith Event: 25 Years of Faith and Giving on September 17. The Foundation also celebrated the other six finalists and the many ways they live the call to Pray, Serve, and Give throughout the Diocese of El Paso.

Congratulations, Sr. Rachel Vallarta, MJMJ, and thank you for showing us that stewardship is not simply what we do—it is how we live our faith each day.

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