Catholic Charities

Matthew25Giving SocietyAwards DinnerGoesVirtual

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.

FirstVirtualInternational ClubSummerCamp aSuccess

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 3 rd -12 th 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 everyparticipant.

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.

Remembering former Chief ProgramOfficer, JanMathison

We are saddened by the loss of a dear friend and colleague at Catholic Charities, Jan Mathison EdD. Jan was the Director of Educational Services for the agency and then advanced to become our first Chief Program Officer. She was committed to advancing the Social Teachings of the Church in our communities. Perhaps her greatest joy at Catholic Charities was reflected in her advocacy for the children in our preschool services and adult learners who filled our classrooms previously located at the “old” Bridge Blvd. offices. Jan shared her vision with Jim Gannon, Executive Director, from a window at the old Bridge location by pointing to the empty lot just west of the building and saying “Wouldn’t that be a fine place to build a state of the art Children’s Learning Center”. That lot is now our Casa de Corazon campus, which opened 3 1/2 years ago. Casa de Corazon’s first floor is almost entirely in use by the Children’s Learning Center. Jan was most comfortable as advocate for others and seeing the individual success so many made with help from Catholic Charities. Jan passed away on July 20, 2020 at 77 years of age. She was a dear friend who will be deeplymissed.

Catholic CharitiesAnnual Second Collection

Thank you for your generosity in giving to our Annual Second Collection! We are grateful to the many parishioners throughout the Archdiocese of Santa Fe who supported our annual appeal. If you would like to give to our annual appeal, it’s not too late! Visit our website at https:// www.ccasfnm.org/second-collection.html, click on the donate button and check the box that says “I would like to direct my gift to COVID-19 Relief or another specific program or appeal,” then choose Second Collection from the dropdown menu. Or, mail a check directly to our office, located at 2010 Bridge Blvd SW. Albuquerque, NM 87108.

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Rest in Peace

Sr. Pauline Richter, OP

Sr. Pauline Richter, formerly known as Sr. Rose Angeline, died on Monday, May 18, 2020, at the Dominican Life Center in Adrian, MI. She was 86 years of age and in the 66 th year of her religious profession in the Adrian Dominican Congregation.

Sr. Pauline was born in Albuquerque, NM to Otto and Mary (Hauschel) Richter. She graduated from St. Mary High School in Albuquerque, and received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Latin from Siena Heights College (University) in Adrian and was also licensed as a physical therapist by the Pima Medical Institute in Albuquerque.

Sr. Pauline ministered in New Mexico for over 15 years: Alpha Nurses Health Care, Home Health Nurse Aid, Albuquerque (1985-1986); Holy Ghost Parish, Staff Cook, Albuquerque (1986-1989); St. Joseph Medical Center, Nurse Technician, Albuquerque (1990-2001); Aquinas Newman Center, Volunteer, Albuquerque (2001-2002).