Rev. Richard A. “Rick” Matty† will be honored posthumously with the Dei Gratia Award at the 16th Annual Foundation of Faith Event: Building the Kingdom on September 22, 2022. Father Matty’s family will accept the award on his behalf.

Father Matty was chosen as the 2020 recipient of the Catholic Foundation’s Dei Gratia Award, but the event went virtual for two years due to the pandemic. The 2022 in-person event will give Father Rick’s family, and the diocesan community, an opportunity to come together to celebrate his life and legacy. Click here for tickets.

The Dei Gratia Award, Latin for “By the Grace of God”, recognizes an individual, couple, or organization for their servant leadership, outstanding contribution to the Diocese of El Paso and our Catholic community, and their dedication to being good stewards of God’s grace.

Father Matty was dynamic, energetic, and a powerful force for good. He is one of the men credited with bringing the ACTS movement to El Paso, and was a great leader in interfaith dialogue.

He helped start Diocesan Migrant & Refugee Services (DMRS), and was integral in establishing a medical mission in Chiapas with Dr. Charlie Gutierrez and others.

Father Matty created the St. Patrick Cathedral Historic Preservation Fund, a permanent endowed fund to provide funding for preservation and restoration in perpetuity. He replaced the Cathedral’s organ after it was destroyed when hit by lightning for the second time in 1997, and, at the time of his death, the St. Patrick Cathedral School gym building and library projects, and the St. Patrick Cathedral ministry center, were close to completion.

We want you to be a part of honoring Father Matty and invite you to contribute the Rev. Richard A. Matty Fund for the St. Patrick Cathedral Historic Preservation Fund, the Seminarian Education Endowment Fund, or the Retired Priest Appreciation Fund. Gifts in any amount are welcome. This honor will provide the community with ways to celebrate the life and vocation of a great priest and a giant of the Diocese of El Paso.

Mark your calendar for this wonderful celebration on Thursday, September 22, 2022.