Rev. Richard A. “Rick” Matty† was chosen as the 2020 recipient of the Catholic Foundation’s Dei Gratia Award. 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. He would have been honored posthumously at the 14th Annual Foundation of Faith Dinner, however, the pandemic forced a change of plans. The event went virtual but there is still an opportunity to do something for Fr. Rick.

We want you to be a part of honoring Fr. Matty in a different and very special way this year and invite you to join a distinguished group in creating 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.

Fr. Matty was often described as an inspiring person who would give you his time and attention. He was a great preacher and counselor, and had a gift for leading people to what they needed in ministry and in life. His passing on July 16, 2012 left the community reeling and since that time social media lights up with messages for Fr. Matty on his birthday and the anniversary of his death.

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. We’ll celebrate Fr. Rick’s memory at the 15th Annual Foundation of Faith Event: Live Your Faith Out Loud with Jim Caviezel in 2021.

We simply don’t tell you often enough how important you are to the Diocese of El Paso. Without the help of generous individuals like you, where would we be? Through your ongoing support, you are an essential part of our mission to ensure the future of our Catholic faith by promoting stewardship as a way of life. Fr. Matty would be incredibly proud of how far we’ve come…together!

You can contribute with a credit card on our website or mail your check to Foundation for the Diocese of El Paso, 499 St. Matthews Street, Building G, El Paso, Texas 79907, Attn: Fr. Matty Fund + Fund Name. For more information and to discuss other ways to give, please contact Major Gifts Officer Sofía Larkin at slarkin@elpasodiocese.org , 915-872-8412 or directly at 915-433-2003.