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SEPTEMBER 2020
Matthew 25 Giving Society Awards Dinner Goes Virtual The annual Matthew 25 Giving Society Awards Dinner has historically been an opportunity for Catholic Charities to honor its most dedicated supporters. Attended by members of our Matthew 25 Giving Society, this gathering also serves as an opportunity to recognize individuals and groups who have been important supporters of each of Catholic Charities’ service areas with our Hands of the Holy Spirit and Simon of Cyrene awards. Our event will look different this year, with no in-person gathering due to public health guidelines. Instead, we will gather virtually to hear a talk from Fr. Fred Kammer (Director of the Jesuit Social Research Institute [JSRI] at Loyola University New Orleans) and honor our awardees within our Matthew 25 Community. Our event will be held at 4:00 p.m. on September 22, 2020 via Zoom video conferencing. This is the first in a series of exclusive talks offered to our Matthew 25 Giving Society Members. We are filled with joy and gratitude as a member couple has offered to double the Society’s contributions received until October 31, 2020 up to $50,000.00! One dollar becomes two dollars, and collectively, we pray that $50K becomes $100K. To attend, learn more about the Matthew 25 Giving Society, or to set up a pledge, please email loyae@ccasfnm.org.
First Virtual International Club Summer Camp a Success Amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, the Center for Refugee Support continued to provide opportunities for refugee youth. Though everyone would have preferred a camp that included outdoor adventures, community games and shared meals, our priority has been to continue programming while keeping the safety of families at the forefront during this time. Throughout the month of June, 22 students in 3rd-12th grades joined in on Zoom meetings for English language learning, fitness, math skill building, art and writing club, and learning expeditions. They studied adjectives, poetry, the elements of story, number sense, multiplication, and trigonometry in addition to researching subjects of interest. Of course, no summer camp is complete without a little fun, so game time was an integral part of the experience for everyone. High school students in Future Pathways Academy also designed their own clubs for a leadership project. The focus of their clubs varied from discussing social justice and equal rights to teaching dance, sharing books and hair care tips. This summer camp offered something for every participant. Were it not for the support, contributions and investment of Albuquerque Academy High School volunteers Adela Yapita, Gabrielle Nemer, Grace Steffen, Megan Blackwell, Mia Wheeler, and Rachel Templeton, in addition to long-time volunteers Ellen Buelow, John Bellum, Anne Callaghan, and Martha Ketelle, this experience would not have been possible. Providing not only their time, but also helping to plan lessons and provide online resources, these volunteers continually stepped up to meet the needs of students each day. For these high school students, especially, to devote their summer time to helping others learn, engage and grow was an incredible gift for all involved.
