The Catholic Foundation asked parishes, diocesan ministries, and Catholic schools to nominate exceptional ministers and educators who represent a life of service and giving in their communities. The Catholic Foundation received 24 nominations in seven different categories: Ministry for Refugees and Immigrants, Ministry to the Poor, Ministry of Bereavement, Ministry of Health, Ministry of Education and Religious Formation, Ministry of Communication and Evangelization, and Ministry for Youth and Young Adults.
The Catholic Foundation Stewardship Committee reviewed the nominations and selected the category winners. Meet Andrés López, María Villegas, Melissa Hernández Muñoz, the winner in two categories, Gloria Ibarra, Luz Ulrickson†, and Diego Perales, category winners of this year’s Steward of the Year contest.
The 5th Annual Steward of the Year will be announced on social media in September. They will be recognized during the 16th Annual Foundation of Faith Event: Building the Kingdom on September 22, 2022 at the El Paso Convention Center.
Congratulations to Cathedral High School Campus Minister, Andrés López, the Saint Toribio Romo category winner! This category recognizes service to refugees and migrants.
“Andrés López is passionate about working with different organizations to assist with immigration reform. He coordinates the ‘El Otro Lado’ program at Cathedral High School. Andrés guides visiting schools through the program and trains Cathedral students to assist with the program, Andrés also volunteers with the Hope Border Institute.” — Amanda Estrada, CHS, Assistant Principal
Congratulations All Saints Parish Minister, María Villegas, the Saint Teresa of Calcutta category winner! This category recognizes the service to those who experience a lack of resources and those who administered to them via food pantries and delivery of food to the homebound.
“María tends to the Our Lady of Guadalupe statue and all of the greenery outside our parish. When our parishioners are in need, she bakes, cooks, provides meals, picks up from the food banks, and to tend to our parishioners and their needs. Many of our parishioners are elderly. María knows their needs and willingly gives of herself, never expecting anything in return, and always with a smile.” — All Saints Parish Staff
Congratulations All Saints Bereavement Minister Melissa Hernández Muñoz, the Saint Teresa Benedicta of the Cross category winner! This category recognizes service to those who suffered the loss of loved ones.
“Melissa has been there for many parishioners who have lost their loved ones, especially when Covid-19 hit our community hard in 2020. Many of our parishioners lost not one or two family members, many lost five or six in a matter of two weeks. She has helped so many that others do not know about. Melissa has given to so many just by simply being there and listening.” — All Saints Parish Staff
Congratulations Cristo Rey Parish Minister, Gloria Ibarra, the Saint Juan Diego category winner! This category recognizes the service of communication and evangelization.
“This nominee has been working at the parish in several different ministries, especially for children, youth and adult catechesis. She also participates in other activities such as volunteering to prepare meals for refugees. She is a leader when it comes to organizing parishioners and manifests her willingness to serve, respect others, be generous, and listen. She is tireless in her service to the parish which expresses her character, faith, and love for our Lord while doing everything selflessly.” — Rev. Jose Vera-Perez, Pastor
Congratulations Cristo Rey Parish Minister, Gloria Ibarra, the Saint Juan Diego category winner! This category recognizes the service of communication and evangelization.
“This nominee has been working at the parish in several different ministries, especially for children, youth and adult catechesis. She also participates in other activities such as volunteering to prepare meals for refugees. She is a leader when it comes to organizing parishioners and manifests her willingness to serve, respect others, be generous, and listen. She is tireless in her service to the parish which expresses her character, faith, and love for our Lord while doing everything selflessly.” — Rev. Jose Vera-Perez, Pastor
Congratulations All Saints Parish Minister, Melissa Hernandez Muñoz, the Saint John of God category winner! This category recognizes urgent service to the sick, especially to those suffering from mental illness.
“I was present with Melissa when she was called and asked to assist a patient who was dying. Melissa had prior commitments already but she cancelled her commitments to tend to a dying patient who would not make it to the following morning. Melissa was present at that patient’s bedside praying the rosary with the patient and family. Later that evening, Melissa received a phone call letting her know that the patient had passed away peacefully, and to tell her thank you.” — All Saints Parish Staff
Congratulations to Cathedral High School on Luz Ulrickson†, the Saint John Baptist de la Salle category winner! This category recognizes the service of catechists and Catholic school teachers.
Mrs. Ulrickson, a longtime math teacher and tutor, passed away peacefully on Father’s Day at the age of 96.
“Luz Ulrickson devoted her life to the education of young people, and her ministry was centered on a Christ-like love for the students in her care. Luz began working at Cathedral High School in 1964, during which time she would offer tutoring sessions at home on the weekends. She would even cook for the students in order to ensure that they received the academic support they needed, as well as a hot meal. After she retired from teaching, she continued to support Cathedral. She continued her ministry as an educator until she passed away in June 2022.” — Amanda Estrada, Assistant Principal, Cathedral High School
Congratulations All Saints Youth Minister, Diego Perales, the Blessed Carlo Acutis category winner! This category recognizes the service of and to youth and young adults.
“Diego is an outstanding youth minister. He has been an altar server at All Saints for 10 years. Diego was a Hunt Family Foundation Scholar in middle and high school, and graduated from Cathedral High School as a Lightbourn Family Fund - John Edward Whittler Memorial Scholar. His goal has been to pay it forward, not only excelling academically and reaching out to the community, but also to grow stronger in his faith. Diego just completed his first year at UTEP and made the Dean’s List. Academics is very important to him and even though he carries a full load, he has never missed Mass. He knows he cannot excel in academics without God in his life. At times he even serves at the two Sunday Masses before heading to the library to study.” — Paula Favela, Parish Administrator, All Saints
Congratulations once again to Andrés, María, Melissa, Gloria, the Ulrickson/Swopes Family and Cathedral High School community, and Diego for your faithful service to the Catholic community of El Paso.
Celebrate with the Steward of the Year on Thursday, September 22. Click here for tickets.