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Missions in danger of closing
By Denver Catholic Register
An Aug. 5 dinner and silent auction will benefit two vital missions serving the poor in Juarez, Mexico.
The San Alfonso Mission, which primarily educates needy children, and Southern Exposure Mission, which builds homes for families who live in cardboard, tin or pallet structures are in danger of closing, administrators said.
To help keep these missions alive, parishioners from Shrine of St. Anne Parish in Arvada are sponsoring a Wine and Food Dinner and Silent Auction in the parish’s McCormick Center. The dinner will include four courses each paired with wines from Creekside Cellars. The cost is $50 per person with all proceeds going to the missions.
San Alfonso Mission was founded in 1975 by former U. S. Army chaplain Father Stan Martinka. Most impoverished Mexican children lack the resources to pursue formal education beyond the sixth grade, which is the point at which government aid stops for education. Families have little material support or incentive to offer teens, so youths often turn to crime. Since 1975 San Alfonso Mission has developed a kindergarten, a junior high school, a high school and a remedial education program. Plans are in the works for a second high school. Father Martinka, who was the primary fundraiser for San Alfonso Mission, died earlier this year.
In 1999 San Alfonso Mission received help from a group at Arvada’s Spirit of Christ Parish, under the leadership of Deacon Mike Howard, to build decent housing for squatters. The group evolved into Southern Exposure Inc. With the help of local parishes, more than 200 homes have been built through Southern Exposure. Unfortunately, the ministry is being seriously impacted by the sluggish American economy and the political climate in Mexico. From 2007 to 2010, the number of homes built dropped from an average of 30 a year to 12.
Shrine of St. Anne is at 7555 Grant Place in Arvada. The Food and Wine Dinner and Silent Auction begins at 6:30 p.m.
For reservations or to donate, contact Margo Bant at 303-423-3765.
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