The Catholic Foundation raised $129,190 during the 16th Annual Foundation of Faith Event: Building the Kingdom with classical crossover soprano and America’s Got Talent First Runner-up, Bárbara Padilla, through sponsorships, table and ticket sales, a live auction, and donations.
The Catholic Foundation hosted three fantastic events over a period of two days: a VIP event for sponsors, a special morning Mass, and the dinner.
Nora & Ernie Herrera hosted a beautiful evening for sponsors and their guests on Wednesday, September 21 at The Manor at Ten Eleven, located across from St. Patrick Cathedral. Guests enjoyed delicious food, signature drinks, a surprise flash mob, tours, and an appearance by Bárbara Padilla.
The Catholic Foundation kicked off the Foundation of Faith Event with Mass with Bishop Mark and Music by Sarah Hart on the morning of September 22. Sarah was joined by Diocesan Choir Director Peter Kolar, who was recognized as “Pastoral Musician of the Year” by the National Association of Pastoral Musicians (NPM). Sarah Hart is one of the leading figures in contemporary Catholic music today. A very special thanks to Bishop Mark for presiding, Fr. Tony Celino, Pastor of St. Raphael Parish for hosting, and Peter Kolar and Nathan Stell for their musical and logistical support.
One of the highlights of the Foundation of Faith Event was the presentation of the Dei Gratia Award. Father Tony Celino presented the 7th Annual Dei Gratia Award to the late Father Ricky Matty†. Like many priests, Father Tony’s first assignment was at St. Patrick Cathedral. He described Father Matty as a great mentor and friend. A video presentation of Father Rick’s contributions to the Diocese of El Paso moved the audience to tears. Father Rick’s sister, Kathy Matty Lloyd, accepted the award on behalf of the family. She shared that Father Rick always said, “El Paso and Chiapas are my home.”
Proceeds from the annual event benefit the Catholic Foundation whose mission is to serve the Catholic Church in the Diocese of El Paso. 100% of the proceeds from all needs packages—St. Patrick Cathedral School, fuel for priests serving seven parishes and 12 missions in West Texas, Bibles for parishes in need, Diocesan Migrant & Refugee Services, and support for priests in retirement—the designated school, need, parish, charity, or fund. Different needs are highlighted each year at the Foundation of Faith Event. It’s through the cooperative efforts of the churches, schools, parishioners, and diocesan ministries that the Catholic Foundation has flourished.
Father Beto Lopez, Pastor St. Pius X Parish and Father Marcus McFadin, D.Min., Rector of St. Patrick Cathedral, Director of the Office of Worship, and Senior Master of Ceremonies for the Diocese of El Paso, generously gave of themselves by allowing the Catholic Foundation to auction them off for private dinners. Thyme Matters donated a dinner for four with Father Beto. The evening includes a delicious dinner, one bottle of wine, and a host who can bless the meal! Father Marcus is going to prepare a four-course gourmet dinner for six prepared in the Cathedral rectory. Proceeds will benefit the St. Pius X Parish Endowment Fund and the St. Patrick Cathedral Historic Preservation Fund, respectively.
Thank you to live auctioneer, Victoria Pineda, for doing an outstanding job and congratulations on her 647th auction!
We give special thanks to all of our Foundation of Faith Event Sponsors. Without their support and generosity, this event would not have been possible. The Catholic Foundation extends its gratitude to the following sponsors: The Herrera Group & The Manor at Ten Eleven, and Ysleta del Sur Pueblo Fraternal Organization (GOLD), Bowling Family Charitable Foundation, Clara and Michael M. Miles, Chick-fil-A Rojas, Freeport McMoran, and Maureen and J. Manuel de la Rosa, M.D. (SILVER), and Anonymous, DAW’s Home Furnishings, High Ridge Wealth Management, Martha & Allen Stumbo, Rosa Thorpe, and Track One (BRONZE).
Photo Credit: Alejandra Saldaña Photography