Archbishop's web site Denver Catholic Register Parishes Catholic Pastoral Center
March 27, 2002
Carron Coffee House celebrates 28th anniversary
Effort sustained by support from Knights, donations benefit mentally disabled
A few more gray hairs were evident, but the atmosphere of fun and reverence was the same on March 15 as the Catholic Charities Carron Coffee House celebrated its 28th year of providing a weekly evening of fun and fellowship for the developmentally disabled.
Every week, Knights of Columbus provide transportation for around 100 developmentally disabled adults to and from the Catholic Charities Carron Center, located at the former St. Andrew Seminary at Colorado and Mississippi streets.
The Carron Coffee House is named for Cary Carron, who has faithfully guided the development of the effort over the years.
"Every week we gather to receive the Lord in the Eucharist and to celebrate the gift of life that God has given to us," Carron told the Register. "We are deeply grateful to the Knights of Columbus — without them, this never would have been possible."
Past Grand Knight of Council 539 Frank Kiernan, who was an early supporter of Coffee House, a weekly celebration that includes Mass, dinner and entertainment, said the project is done out of love and respect for the developmentally disabled.
"We raise money for this effort through the Tootsie Roll Drive, which is collected in parishes and supermarkets," explained Kiernan. "Over the years the Knights have also purchased a couple of vehicles for the Carron Center."
Council 539 presented a check for nearly $5,000 as part of the 28th anniversary celebration. George Atencio, a past grand knight and current deputy grand knight of Council 539, explained that the entire council assisted in raising the funds.
Vincentian Father Richard Ryan was the main celebrant for the evening's Mass. Father Ryan is a devoted Knight and clearly loves celebrating the Mass for the disabled.
"We share something that many people lack in their lives — love for one another through the power of the Holy Spirit," Father Ryan told the enthusiastic assembly during the homily.
"Over the past 28 years, even if there was six feet of snow on the ground, we always gathered for Coffee House," the priest said, drawing loud shouts of agreement from the gathering.
Entertainment during the 28th anniversary celebration was provided by the Joe Peterson Big Band. After more than an hour of dancing, the gathering took a break for pizza.
"It's cheese pizza," explained Carron, pointing out it was a Friday during Lent.
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