The Foundation for the Diocese of El Paso is pleased to announce that Olga Church is the recipient of the 2020 Steward of the Year Award. Ms. Church, a parishioner at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Marfa, is an 80-year-old who continues to serve St. Mary’s in the midst of the pandemic. An active parishioner, this octogenarian has the energy and spirit of a twenty something. “Olga is in an age group that is said to be the most vulnerable to the virus, yet her energies and time for the parish continue, even as we practice social distancing,” said Fr. John Paul Madanu, Pastor of St. Mary’s.
Olga’s example of faith and service in times of fear and uncertainty helps us all to remember that grace overflows, even during the most challenging times. Our Steward of the Year will receive a gift certificate and be recognized at the 14th Annual Foundation of Faith Event: Come and See on Thursday, September 17. St. Mary’s Catholic Church will receive a cash prize of $1,000.
Fr. John Paul shared that Olga never let’s her age limit her. Before COVID 19, Olga made her time and talents generously available whenever she was needed. “Undoubtedly, her strength and commitment comes from her attending Holy Mass on a daily basis.” She’s a Lector, a Confirmation teacher, a vital part of the Spanish choir, and she graciously volunteers her time and energy to clean the church. Her pastor went on to say that, “as our day-to-day activities crumbled due to the virus, I feel as though Olga went into a personal spiritual retreat of her own to gather strength and guidance from our Lord, for the future re-opening days to come back a stronger spiritual warrior, similar to Jesus going to the desert to prepare for His mission.”
Olga even took it upon herself to help the parish financially. During a time when giving went down considerably, she and her choir were able to raise $700 to help with ongoing bills and expenses. There is never a time when the church was not on her mind. She exemplifies the power and promise of the eternal rewards that come from a life of prayer, service and giving.
For more information about the 3rd Annual Steward of the Year Contest, please contact the Catholic Foundation at 915-872-8412 or foundation@elpasodiocese.org.