Archbishop's web site Denver Catholic Register Parishes Catholic Pastoral Center
January 9, 2002
Beloved Father Woody's spirit lives on in money giveaway
Anonymous donor gives estimated $40,000 to some 2,000 in late priest's name
Though he died a decade ago, the spirit of the late Msgr. C.B. "Father Woody" Woodrich lives on. Assisted by several priests, Bishop José Gomez distributed an estimated $40,000 from an anonymous donor in Father Woody's name to some 2,000 needy Dec. 14 at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in downtown Denver.
Adults received $20 in envelopes that read "Merry Christmas from Father Woody." Children received $5 in McDonald's coupons.
Learning about the Christmas giveaway largely through word of mouth and at shelters, people began lining up for the 10 a.m. liturgy and distribution five hours early, said Richard Jarosz, cathedral sacristan.
The event continued a holiday tradition that Father Woody began at Holy Ghost Church in 1985. The Samaritan House homeless shelter's co-founder also was known for giving money from his own pocket to his beloved homeless all through the year.
It was the largest amount distributed yet, said Deacon Vernon Rompot, business administrator and pastoral assistant at Holy Ghost Church.
The liturgy included Scripture readings and a short talk by Msgr. James Rasby about Father Woody.
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