The Catholic Foundation for the Diocese of El Paso proudly presents the 2024 Steward of the Year contest finalists. This year, the Catholic Foundation received 18 nominations from across the Diocese: Parishes, Catholic schools, and non-profits. All nominees represent an exemplary Stewardship way of life of PRAY, SERVE, and GIVE.

The Steward of the Year will be announced at the 18th annual Foundation of Faith Event: Serving with Corazón, Faith in Action, on Thursday, September 5, 2024, at the Starlight Event Center. Learn about the significant actions of the 2024 Steward of the Year contest nominees, and inspire yourself to serve with all your heart to our Lord. It’s never too late to start.

St. Teresa of Calcutta – Ministry to the Poor Rosa Orozco Sacred Heart Parish

“Rosa heads St. Vincent de Paul in our Parish every Friday; she is here in the Parish interviewing persons in need and doing home visits. She does not work her regular job on Friday to serve. She is affected by the injustices and poverty that she encounters in the Segundo Barrio. – Pastor, Fr. Rafael Garcia, SJ.

St. Juan Diego – Ministry of Evangelization and Communications Leticia and Manuel Franco San Pedro de Jesus Maldonado Parish

“Letty and Manny arrived at SPJM after the Parish was opened and were invited to be coordinators of the Pastoral Family Ministry. Letty and Manny started the “Prayer Assembly” in 2018 with only six people, and after six years of hard work and love for our Lord and our community, they have grown to more than 50 families attending. This couple is constantly traveling, evangelizing hundreds of couples around Texas.” Pastor, Fr. German Alzate.

St. John of God – Ministry of Health and Bereavement Vanessa Garcia All Saints Parish

“Vanessa is a caring young woman. She is aware of people who need help and goes out of her way to help them. It is not uncommon to see parishioners at All Saints who seem weak. Vanessa is very aware of these parishioners and keeps her eyes open to offer her help. Vanessa can be seen guiding parishioners, arm in arm, to their cars after Mass. ” – Parish Administrator Paula Favela.

St. Francis Xavier Cabrini – Ministry of Refugees and Migrants Santana Gomez, Student Loretto High School

“Santana took it upon herself to sew fifty comfort blankets for migrant children who were staying at Diocesan shelters during the influx of refugees coming through our border this past year. She shared her talent by teaching other young women how to sew so that they, too, could care for members of our community. Santana showed initiative by creating this service project providing those young, displaced children with a sewn article made with love and care for humanity” – Dean of Students - Patricia Martinez.

Blessed Carlo Acutis – Ministry for Youth and Young Adults Joshua Lechuga, Student UTEP’S Catholic Campus Ministry

“During the Holy Week 2024, I saw Joshua at the Catholic Campus Ministry Center at 6.30 AM getting things ready for the hike. His idea was to carry a cross to Mt. Cristo Rey with different prayer intentions from the students and offer them at the foot of Christ the Redeemer. He led this hike in a very prayerful and pious way by reciting the Stations of the Cross, carrying the cross, and helping others as well.” Director, Fr. Rijo Mulavarickal

San Pedro de Jesus Maldonado – Ministry of Leadership Domitila Vargas St. Patrick Canutillo

“Domitila Tila Vargas has served for 40 years in Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish and St. Patrick Canutillo; she cleaned the churches regularly and, as sacristan, prepares St. Patrick for baptisms, quinceañeras, weddings, and funerals, besides regular weekly liturgies. Overseeing the kitchen at St. Patrick for 30 years, she has fed many at enchilada sales, kermesses, Sunday breakfasts, and other occasions.” Fr. Jim Kofski

St. John Baptist of La Salle Sr. Maria Munguia Father Yermo School

“Sr. Maria is a wonderful example of what a teacher, nun, catechist, and leader can do to impact the lives of the children she has served at Fr. Yermo and the religious community she is part of. As long as I have known her, her infectious smile and leadership have brought so many people to the aid of her cause – teaching the children about our Catholic faith and providing them with an education to succeed in life.” - Father Yermo School Board

Please follow the Catholic Foundation’s social media for Steward of the Year updates, or contact Karina Sandoval at ksandoval@catholicfoundationelpaso.org or 915-872-8412.