HOMEPAGE for this issue: October 31, 2012 // Download PDF Version // Click to install/update Adobe Reader on your computer

Comic ‘Late Nite Catechism’ to benefit Catholic students

By Nissa LaPoint

Seeds of Hope Charitable Trust’s most notable gala of the year will have a lighthearted guest next month.

Sister Regina Thérèse of the “Late Nite Catechism” show, performed by comedian Nonie Newton-Breen, will give a lesson to attendees about Catholicism during the Evening of Hope gala Nov. 16 in Denver.

“We want to try something new and exciting this year,” said Justin Zuiker, director of development.

The annual gala provides a majority of the nonprofit’s funding given to economically-disadvantaged families struggling to pay for their children’s tuition at Catholic schools, he said. During its 16-year history, the assistance given has ranged from need-based scholarships to grants made directly to schools for updates and repairs. It has supported nearly 14,000 students’ education.

This year, event organizers hope to add more students to its benefit list.

Before the gala begins, attendees will gather for Mass at Holy Ghost Church in downtown Denver, celebrated by Denver Archbishop Samuel Aquila and concelebrated by several school priests.

The children’s choir from Assumption Catholic School will sing at the Mass and at the gala following it. Attendees will first enjoy a cocktail hour before dinner and the show.

Chicago native Newton-Breen will give a solo performance dedicated to her fifth-grade teacher, Sister Thérèse. Since 2001, she’s toured the country playing the nun and was nominated for an award in 2011 for her performance of “Will My Bunny Go to Heaven” at the Gem Theatre in Detroit.

The live auction this year boasts of unique opportunities. Up for bids will be a four-night stay at an exclusive resort, a seven-course Italian meal with Archbishop Aquila, and lunch with Denver Nuggets basketball coach George Karl in the team’s locker room.

The night will also include a special recognition of Joanne Horne, a 10-year volunteer for Seeds of Hope’s ambassador program and an ardent advocate for Catholic education. She will receive the Sister LaVonne Guidoni award. Sister Guidoni was a founder of Seeds of Hope.

Also featured that night will be Regis University undergraduate Patricia Olivas, who graduated from Arrupe Jesuit High School. She was awarded the Gates Millennium Scholarship, funded by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. She will speak about the difference Seeds of Hope has made in her Catholic education.

Gala tickets for the Nov. 16 event are available for purchase. For more information, visit www.seedsofhopetrust.org.

Nissa LaPoint: 303-715-3138; nissa.lapoint@archden.org; www.twitter.com/DCRegisterNissa