Stories of Faith from Catholic Extension

Moving in the Right Direction

admin — Thu, 28 Jun 2012 02:50:29 +0000

A young mission diocese is on its way to becoming self-sustaining

The Diocese of Tyler in east Texas is one of the smallest dioceses in the United States in terms of population—only about 4% of the area is Catholic. But in recent years, it has boasted some of the largest diaconate classes in the country. It also is one of the most successful dioceses in terms of recruiting seminarians, and its parishes are gaining a foothold and attracting new parishioners. Founded as a mission diocese only 25 years ago, it is working hard to become self-sustaining, according to Deacon Richard Lawrence, the director of the Office of Discipleship and Stewardship.

“As a mission diocese we depend on the kindness of others, like Catholic Extension,” said Lawrence. “But now it’s time to grow up. We’re like the young adult who’s been living at home. But now it’s time to leave. With the help of Catholic Extension, we’re moving in the right direction.”

Catholic Extension donors have supported the Diocese of Tyler with three years worth of funding to help the diocese implement “best practices” and support itself. The focus is on strengthening the diocese’s Office of Discipleship and Stewardship so it can effectively raise funds from within.

Lawrence, a former mayor and county judge whose wife, Nell, is director of the local Catholic Charities agency, is optimistic about the future and the diocese’s ability to create an infrastructure that will lead to self-sufficiency. “The grant from Catholic Extension is helping us grow up and stand on our own two feet,” he said.

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The Cry of the Poor

admin — Mon, 25 Jun 2012 16:26:58 +0000

Sister Nancy Crafton hears and meets the needs of Colorado’s migrant workers

Recently, the Catholic Extension team visited El Centro de Los Pobres (meaning, “The Center for the Poor”), in the small town of Avondale, Colorado. For 29 years, Los Pobres has been the only charitable facility serving the Catholic farm worker population in southern Colorado, many of whom don’t even have an address to put on their registration form.

The small, inconspicuous warehouse space is a haven for these workers, who bring their families on a regular basis for food, clothing, health services, help with bills and a safe floor to sleep on when times are at their worst. The center also provides social outreach for these visitors, acting as their voice in society when they have no where else to turn. Whatever the reason for their visit, the 5,000 families served by Los Pobres leave with a sense of hope.

Sister Nancy Crafton, of the Sisters of Charity, is in charge of Los Pobres. She welcomed us upon our arrival and we were immediately struck by her incredible energy and huge smile. During our tour of the facility, several people came up to Sister Nancy with bills in their hands. Sister Nancy graciously took each one and reassured them that she would help the best she could. We noticed that many of the mothers and children visiting Los Pobres were happy to see each other—it was clear that this was a community of support for them. These women credited Sister Nancy and the center for changing their lives.

The back of the Los Pobres brochure includes a passage from Proverbs: “He who is kind to the poor lends to the Lord, and He will reward him for what he has done.” At Catholic Extension, we’re grateful for the chance to be inspired by the faith, hope and love that exudes from the ministries we support.

Show your support for ministries, like Los Pobres, that address the spiritual and social needs of the poor in mission dioceses.
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An Invitation to Gather: OSU Gather Ministry

Molly — Wed, 20 Jun 2012 18:24:21 +0000

Oklahoma State University students call each other by name

We arrived at St John the Evangelist University Parish and Newman Center, at Oklahoma State University, at 8 a.m. OSU has had a relationship with Catholic Extension since 1977 and this coming January, the OSU Campus Ministry will receive more funding from Catholic Extension.

Our plan was to meet with Father Stuart Crevcoure and some of the college students who are active in campus ministry at OSU. I had my doubts as to how many students would show up for an 8 a.m. meeting! Yet when we arrived, there were 15 college students whose presence was a witness to how important their Catholic faith is to them.

The Newman Center sponsors a large number of weekly opportunities for faith sharing and fellowship. And each Sunday, a couple hundred students join together for Mass and dinner—a number that grows during the school year! Many of the students who come aren’t even Catholic, but have been invited by friends.

In fact, each of the students that we spoke with expressed this same thing—they were all introduced to campus ministry because someone invited them. To be invited—called by name—is crucial for young adults. It starts with making a friend, and then inviting that friend to come share in your faith. That was the model Jesus gave us, and these students are still following it.

Many people talk about the young people being the future of our Church. But in reality, they are the Church. Right here, right now. At Catholic Extension, we’re doing what we can to help support dynamic young adults like these students at OSU, so that they can grow in their faith during college and transition into faith-filled Catholic adults.

Show your support for campus ministries, like the St. John the Evangelist Newman Center, that nurture the faith of our Catholic young adults.
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A New Church for St. Mary Presentation

Molly — Wed, 20 Jun 2012 18:21:05 +0000

A thriving parish celebrates its one-year anniversary

Each year, nearly 100 parishes in the United States receive Catholic Extension funding to build churches and make critical facility improvements.

St. Mary Presentation Parish in Deer Park, Washington, recently celebrated the one-year anniversary of their new church. Watch the video below to see how a $50,000 matching challenge from Catholic Extension mobilized parishioners to come together in stewardship and helped this parish accommodate their expanding faith community in the Diocese of Spokane.

To help support Catholic Communities like St. Mary Presentation, please consider making a gift today.

Video: 'Catholic Exension & St. Mary Presentation Parish, Washington'

Show your support for building projects in growing parish communities like St. Mary Presentation.
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A Star to Lead Them

Molly — Wed, 20 Jun 2012 18:11:19 +0000

Texas Parish Thrives with Resident Pastor

During World War II, members of the Catholic community in Van Horn, Texas, made a promise to one another. If all of their sons returned home safely, they would build a new church to honor Our Lady of Fatima. More than 60 years later, Our Lady of Fatima stands as a reminder of their deep faith. However, in recent years, the parish and its two missions, Our Lady of Miracles and San Isidro, could not afford a resident priest. Without pastoral leadership and regular weekly Masses and the sacraments, the parishes’ 260 families—many of whom live below poverty level—have had trouble maintaining a vibrant faith community.

In 2010, Catholic Extension donors helped subsidize the salary of Pastor Rodolfo Lacerna so he could engage the faith of these parishioners. His presence now resonates throughout the parish and its mission communities. He has become their shining star, celebrating Mass each week and urging parishioners to take ownership of their faith. Father Lacerna, in turn, now sees a tight-knit community, committed to spreading the Word of God to future generations—they send their children to CCD and prepare them to receive the sacraments that are so essential for their continuing lives as Catholics.

Parishioners also enjoy celebrating the Eucharist each week—a blessing that they could not always count on. “Before, the churches looked empty. Now, there is activity going on all week!” exclaimed Janine Young, grants director for the Diocese of El Paso.

Through their gifts, Catholic Extension donors have provided a star to lead the faith lives of these parishioners, and as a result, have continued to honor the rich history of Our Lady of Fatima.

Show your support for the salaries of priests, deacons, women religious and lay leaders so they can continue to serve where they are needed most.
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Lighting the Fire

Molly — Wed, 20 Jun 2012 18:09:43 +0000

The lessons and fellowship formed during a week-long stay at Legendary Lodge have a lasting impact

Nestled in the Rocky Mountains on the edge of Salmon Lake, a spirited game is unfolding throughout the rustic campgrounds of Legendary Lodge. Teenagers in costume are trying to guess which virtue or vice the other represents. Amid peals of laughter, these high school campers are learning the tenets of the Catholic faith, building leadership skills and developing friendships to last a lifetime.

Often referred to as “the jewel of the diocese,” Legendary Lodge is the summer youth camp owned and operated by the Diocese of Helena, Montana. From June to August, the lodge welcomes nearly 900 children from the 5th to 12th grade level. Focused on faith formation, the lodge provides a uniquely Catholic experience for young campers to live, play and pray. “It’s a family tradition—many campers have been coming for nine years, just as their siblings did,” said Dan Bartleson, seasonal director of Legendary Lodge.

Catholic Extension has been providing support for the diocese’s youth ministry programs for 10 years. The investment of nearly $300,000 in developing these young disciples has already yielded strong returns. Lessons and fellowship formed during a week-long stay at Legendary Lodge have a lasting impact. Counselors and leaders work closely with Bishop George Thomas, area priests, youth ministers and parents to ensure the ideas covered in camp build in momentum long after the campers have left Legendary Lodge. Thanks to ongoing catechesis, parishes throughout the diocese are seeing their young members continue participation in church activities year-round.

By building faith and inspiring hope in youthful disciples, they become the true jewels of the diocese and church, ready to set the world on fire with Christ’s love.

Show your support for ministries, like Legendary Lodge, that instill faith in the hearts of spirited young Catholics.
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