The Catholic Foundation raised $121,460 in just one night at the 11th Annual Foundation of Faith Dinner through sponsorships, table and ticket sales, a themed silent auction for Catholic schools, a fast-paced, fun live auction, and donations. The crowd of 600 laughed until they cried hearing the moving conversion story of keynote Tom Leopold.

Proceeds benefit the Foundation whose only purpose is to serve the Catholic Church in the Diocese of El Paso. 100% of the proceeds from all needs packages, like fuel for our religious serving West Texas, benefit the designated school, need, parish, charity, or fund. Different needs are highlighted each year at the Foundation of Faith Dinner. It’s through the cooperative efforts of the churches, schools, parishioners, and diocesan ministries that the Foundation has flourished.

The Miles children accepted the Dei Gratia Award on stage on behalf of their parents, Rudy & Elvia, following a moving video about the couple and their accomplishments. 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.

We would like to thank you on behalf of the Diocese we serve—communities from El Paso to Presidio to Monahans—55 parishes,17 mission churches, 10 Catholic schools, 17 diocesan ministries and more than 600,000 Catholics. We indeed are one Community of Faith. The Catholic Legacy Fund is nearing the $14 million dollar mark and we’re on our way to our goal of $25 million. We now have 83 endowment funds within the Catholic Legacy Fund and our distributions from endowment this year will exceed $475,000.

Under the leadership of Bishop Mark Seitz, the Diocese of El Paso is a Catholic Community on the move! With 29 seminarians, 18 deacon candidates, 3,000 Catholic school students, 19,000 students enrolled in parish catechetical programs, and ever growing and expanding diocesan ministries, the work of the Foundation is more vital than ever before. Our continued growth and success is only possible with your support. This year’s Foundation of Faith Dinner is evidence of this support. With your help, we intend to accomplish even more in the years ahead.

Photo Credit: Alejandra Saldaña Video Credit: Joe Najera