June 16, 2010

ACA aids youth, young adults and Hispanic ministry

By Julie Filby

As of June 7, nine weeks into the campaign, more than $5.7 million has been pledged to the Archbishop’s Catholic Appeal. The appeal hopes to raise $8.5 million to fund nearly 40 ministries that serve 134,000 families in the Denver Archdiocese’s 119 parishes and 25 mission churches.

A June 16 letter from Archbishop Charles J. Chaput, O.F.M. Cap., encouraged parishioners to pledge, fulfilling St. Peter’s directive to “...love one another deeply from the heart’” (1 Pt 1:22)—the Scripture passage central to this year’s appeal.

Two of the ministries supported are the Office of Youth, Young Adult and Campus Ministry and the Office of Hispanic Ministry.

The mission of the Office of Youth, Young Adults and Campus Ministry is to fulfill the Gospel mandate to “Go … make disciples” (Mt 28:18-20) of youth, young adults and college  students.

“Youth are the future of the Church, and more, young people are an important part of the Church now,” said director Chris Stefanick. “They give everybody hope.”

The ministry provides extensive training and ongoing support to the youth ministers and pastors. New next year, a track for youth ministers will be added at the annual Living the Catholic Faith Conference. The office coordinates many educational and social events for young people including the Theology on Tap series of talks for young adults, the three-day Steubenville of the Rockies conference that draws 2,000 youth (set for July 16-18), and the Mountain Madness conference at YMCA of the Rockies serving 500 middle-schoolers.

“The things we do to minister to young people are a lifeline for many of them, “said Stefanick. “It helps connect them to the Catholic community of Denver.”

The office’s Web site, www.archdenyouth.org, offers information about upcoming archdiocesan and parish events, and Catholic organizations such as student groups at surrounding colleges and sports clubs.

“The ACA is an important part of our funding,” Stefanick said. “Without it, our work wouldn’t continue.”

The Office of Hispanic Ministry provides pastoral care to the Hispanic community including families, individuals, youth and young adults, migrants and prisoners. They also provide family support services including English as a Second Language, preparation for citizenship and General Equivalency Diploma, adult literacy and business training.

“Hispanic ministry addresses the needs of Hispanic immigrants in our archdiocese,” said director Luis Soto. “Hispanics comprise 52 percent of the Catholic population of the archdiocese, so making sure this particular community is served properly is essential for the life of the Church.”

Last year they served nearly 30,000 individuals. New programs included initiating a bachelor degree program in religious studies with one of the top universities in Mexico, Universidad Anahuac—and starting a weekly TV show “Fe Católica Viva” (“Catholic Faith Alive”).

The 30-minute show on Azteca America Colorado debuted Nov. 9 and generated a weekly audience of nearly 6,200. It is also available on the Internet at www.youtube.com/fecatolicaviva.

In the family services area, the ministry educated hundreds including 72 that completed citizenship preparation, nearly 100 prepared for the GED, more than 200 completed English as a Second Language, and 210 participated in small business training.

In the coming year, they will continue to coordinate the Charismatic Renewal movement, the largest Hispanic apostolic movement in the archdiocese, represented at 30 parishes.

“As we continue the work of engaging and educating Hispanics, the support of the ACA is vital to this ministry,” Soto said. “Not only to persevere, but to keep growing this ministry for the Church for future generations.”

Parishioners are encouraged to commit to the appeal as early as possible to maximize their gift. Once a parishioner pledges, fewer mailings are sent, thus administrative costs are reduced.

“An effort has been made this year to impress the importance of pledging early,” said director of annual giving Todd Smith. “I encourage those who have not contributed to do so—the earlier one pledges, the greater the effects of the gift.

“And to those who have already contributed, thank you!”

General tithing guidelines encourage Catholics to donate 2 percent to the archdiocesan Church through the ACA. Donations are tax deductible, and can be made in one lump sum or in payments over several months. Cash, checks or credit cards are accepted.

Archbishop’s Catholic Appeal
For more information or to contribute:
Phone: 303-715-3111
E-mail: bettyjane.nelson@archden.org
Web: www.archden.org (click here for Archbishop’s Catholic Appeal)
Mail: 1300 S. Steele St., Denver CO 80210