Charities’ gala honors late priest

Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Denver honored the late Father Philip Meredith as this year’s recipient of the Hope and Care Award.  The award was presented Oct. 4 at the organization’s 2008 We Believe in Miracles Gala for northern Colorado. The event took place at the Hilton Hotel in Fort Collins.

Father Meredith most recently served as board chair for Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Denver and as pastor at St. Mary of Littleton Parish. Prior to his work in Littleton, Father Meredith worked at St. Joseph Parish in Fort Collins. During his 12 years there, he became involved with many outreach programs, including Care Housing, a local nonprofit that provides earnings-based rental housing and supportive services to working families.

Sister Mary Alice Murphy, O.L.V.M., who with Father Meredith’s encouragement founded Care Housing, recalled he was generous with his time and any services he could supply.
“He helped me get Care Housing started,” Sister Murphy told the Denver Catholic Register. “He saw the need for affordable housing for families and provided free space for our offices when we had no money. He served on our board for many years.”

Father Meredith died last year.

Catholic Charities’ Northern Advisory Board chose the priest for recognition this year due to his selfless life and work at the Mission Shelter, which is kicking-off its 20th anniversary year.
Auxiliary Bishop James D. Conley, honorary event chair, presented the award to Father Meredith posthumously.  Proceeds from the gala will benefit Catholic Charities community outreach programs in Larimer and Weld counties.