HOMEPAGE for this issue: September 19, 2012 // Download PDF Version // Click to install/update Adobe Reader on your computer

Archbishop Gomez Gala to honor Hercules Industries and three individuals 

By Julie Filby

All are invited to join Denver Archbishop Samuel Aquila at a special evening supporting Centro San Juan Diego, the Hispanic institute for family and pastoral care for the Archdiocese of Denver.

This year’s Archbishop José H. Gomez Awards Gala will take place 5:30 p.m. Oct. 3 at the Sheraton Denver Downtown Hotel beginning with a reception. The gala will include dinner and a silent auction, and will honor several Catholics for their outstanding service to the Gospel in advancing Centro’s mission.

“Centro San Juan Diego’s work on behalf of all Catholics in the Archdiocese of Denver has never been more important,” states the organization’s website. “We are excited about the progress being made in forming a new generation of leaders dedicated to taking on the challenges of building a culture of life in northern Colorado.”

Archbishop Aquila will serve as keynote speaker. The gala’s namesake prelate will not be able to attend this year’s event.

“Archbishop Gomez will not be with us this year because of his commitment with the installation ceremonies for the archbishop-elect in San Francisco,” Jennie Marquez, Centro’s assistant director, told the Denver Catholic Register.
Archbishop Salvatore Cordileone is scheduled to be installed in San Francisco Oct. 4.

Those being honored are as follows.

Hercules Industries
This year’s recipient of the Archbishop Charles J. Chaput Leadership Award is Hercules Industries. This award is given to a person or entity that exemplifies the values most significant to former Denver Archbishop Chaput’s own ministry. Hercules Industries, founded in Denver in 1962 by William E. Newland, is a wholesale distributor of high-quality HVAC sheet metal products and equipment.

Still owned and managed by the Newland family, it is one of the largest companies of its type in the Western and Midwestern United States, operating four manufacturing facilities and 12 sales and distribution centers in Colorado, Utah, New Mexico and Arizona. The company has recently been in the public spotlight after becoming involved in litigation with the federal government, asserting that the Health and Human Services contraception mandate—in conflict with Catholic beliefs—violates the First Amendment to the Constitution, guaranteeing religious liberty.

Juan Esquivel
Juan Esquivel, a parishioner of St. Mary of the Crown in Carbondale, will receive the Pastoral Leadership Award. This award is given to an individual whose Catholic faith results in outstanding parochial or diocesan ministry to Hispanics. Esquivel, a native of Zacatecas, Mexico, and painter by trade, leads the Spanish Charismatic Group at St. Mary of the Crown. He played a significant role in assisting the group to meet the guidelines and vision of the archdiocese. He has been instrumental in organizing various faith courses and retreats and conducts successful door-to-door evangelization resulting in people returning to the Catholic faith. He is married to Isidra and they have four children.

Jorge Camacho
The Social Justice Award will be presented to Jorge Camacho of Ascension Parish in Denver whose “Catholic faith has inspired commitment to social justice and community service, and whose actions personify the social doctrine of the Church.” Camacho has been extremely active in his parish, community and in Hispanic ministry—serving as a link between Hispanics in the parish and local organizations such as the police department, schools, consulates and civil organizations. He initiated an Alcoholics Anonymous group at Queen of Peace in Aurora, as well as a 12-step program at Ascension. He is also an integral part of the parish’s efforts to raise funds for the New Harvest Campaign for Denver’s two seminaries.

Delio Tamayo, DVM
Receiving the Amistad Award is Delio Tamayo, a parishioner of Queen of Peace in Aurora. This award is given to someone whose generosity allows Centro to advance their mission of empowering Hispanics in the archdiocese to become leaders in the Church and society. Tamayo, a native of Colombia, is retired president and CEO and practicing veterinarian at Altos Veterinary Clinic in Aurora. He is a member of the board of trustees of The Catholic Foundation and has served on Centro’s board since its inception in 2003.

Gala tickets are $150 per person and can be purchased at www.blacktie-colorado.com by Sept. 21 (event code CSJDgala103). The Sheraton Denver Downtown Hotel is located at 1550 Court Place. For more information, visit www.archbishopgomezawards.org or call 303-295-9470 Ext. 104.

Julie Filby: 303-715-3123; julie.filby@archden.org; www.twitter.com/DCRegisterJulie