August 26, 2009

Serrans to honor Msgr. Buelt

By Denver Catholic Register

World Youth Day 1993 was described by Pope John Paul II as “a revolution,” the fruit of which continues to manifest itself in vocations to the priesthood and in the vibrant faith life experienced in the Denver Archdiocese.

A local priest who played a key role in that historic event, Msgr. Edward Buelt, pastor of Our Lady of Loreto Parish in Foxfield, will be this year’s recipient of the Serra Salute Award.

The award is given to priests, religious and deacons for their work fostering vocations to the priesthood. Organizers said they are excited to present the 2009 award to a native Denver priest as the Church observes the Year for Priests.

The award will be presented at the annual Serra Salute Dinner to benefit the Serra Trust Fund for Vocations, which is set for 6 p.m. Sept. 25 at the Pinehurst Country Club. 

Msgr. Buelt is the son of the late Wilfred and Mary Ann Buelt.  He earned a bachelor’s degree from St. Thomas Theological Seminary, received a bachelor’s in sacred theology from Gregorian University in Rome, and was ordained a priest of the Archdiocese of Denver in 1982 at the Cathedral Basilica of the Immaculate Conception.

In addition to ministering as assistant pastor at the Denver parishes of Holy Family and All Souls, Msgr. Buelt also served as secretary to then-Archbishop J. Francis Stafford. He has served the Denver Archdiocese as master of ceremonies, as ecumenical and interfaith officer and as vice chancellor.  In 1992 and 1993, he was the archdiocese’s executive coordinator for World Youth Day of the National Conference of Catholic Bishops, which included duties as vice president for logistics, assistant secretary and assistant treasurer.

Named an honorary prelate by Pope John Paul II in 1996, Msgr. Buelt also served in the Pontifical Council for the Laity in Rome.  He founded Our Lady of Loreto Church in 1998 and continues to serve as its pastor.

The Serra Trust Fund for Vocations aids seminarians and women in formation by providing grants for medical and dental expenses, airline tickets for emergencies, books and clothing.Pinehurst Country Club is located at 6255 W. Quincy Ave. in Denver. 

Tickets are $75 per person. Table sponsorships are also available ($1,200 for a table of 10).  Call 303-671-3012 or 303-756-8972 for more information.