December 23, 2009

Needy gather for annual Father Woody money giveaway

By John Gleason

Msgr. C.B. “Father Woody” Woodrich died 17 years ago, but his love and concern for the poor continues with the annual money giveaway he started more than 20 years ago as pastor of Holy Ghost Church. This year, a record 1,600 people received the $20 gift on Dec. 18 and another $500 was given in McDonald’s gift certificates to children and adults.

Thanks to the benefit of an anonymous donor, Father Woody was able to distribute cash to the homeless during the holiday season.  The tradition has continued through donors who wish to honor and carry on Father Woody’s legacy.

Before the sun broke the horizon Friday morning, a line of people began to form outside the Cathedral Basilica of the Immaculate Conception in Denver.  The crowd included many homeless and victims of the poor economy. 

Inside the cathedral, space filled up quickly as volunteers welcomed and directed people, many of whom carried all they owned in small suitcases or backpacks, to their seats.  The service included hymns and prayers, then each person in the congregation filed past a portrait of Father Woody to receive their gift, a handshake and a warm Christmas greeting. 

Participating clergy included cathedral pastor Msgr. Thomas Fryar, V.G., retired cleric Father Patrick Kennedy, Regis University president Jesuit Father Michael Sheeran and cathedral parochial vicar Father Frank Lomica.

Many of the gift recipients wore broad smiles as they exited the cathedral. Some stopped to chat with friends, others headed off to make use of their gift and still others lingered outside as if to soak up the spirit of the event, not wanting it to end.

A woman who identified herself simply as “Helen,” told the Register she planned to use her money to buy a present for another resident at the shelter where she was staying.

“We want to go to California,” she explained, “so we’ve been trying to save.  But I’m going to get him a gift.  I think that’s part of the season—the giving I mean.”