Catholic Charities Connect - November 2023 Edition

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November 2023

No One Fights Alone

At Catholic Charities, we are committed to helping Arizona veterans and veteran families experiencing homelessness. This Veterans Day, we want to honor and remember those who have served our country, including our clients, team members, board leaders, volunteers and donors.

Supporters Gather for a Night at Molina

Molina Fine Jewelers recently hosted an intimate 90th anniversary celebration for Catholic Charities. More than 40 donors, board members, staff members, volunteers and partners gathered to celebrate our nearly century long service to the community. Attendees even got to try on some of the jewelry during the celebration!

Alfred J. Molina, Chairman and CEO of Molina Fine Jewelers, shared the story of his family immigrating to the United States and how they were welcomed by Catholic Charities. Coming from an island nation during the winter, the family was not prepared for the chilly weather. He remembers a man providing them with warm winter clothing and how good that felt. The support they received was so important. Mr. Molina is grateful to those who helped him and is committed to paying it forward to help others.

Thank you, Mr. Molina, for hosting us as we celebrate the accomplishments of the past 90 years!

Bishop Holds a Special Mass in
Recognition of 90th Anniversary

In continuation of honoring Catholic Charities’ 90th anniversary, Bishop Dolan conducted a special mass last month at St. Patrick Catholic Church in Scottsdale. Nearly 100 supporters, staff and board members attended the mass, which included special readings and music chosen especially for the occasion.

A reception followed with hors d’ oeuvres and a beautiful custom 90th anniversary cake, which Bishop Dolan and Paul Mulligan, Catholic Charities President and CEO, cut and served to the crowd. A special thanks to Board Chair Mary Permoda and the team at St. Patrick for hosting the celebration!

YCP Puts Faith into Action at MANA House

Partnering with our local Young Catholic Professionals (YCP) has been an incredible opportunity for young adults to become aware of the social services Catholic Charities provides throughout the Diocese of Phoenix. We were honored to host YCP for a recent day of service at MANA (Marines, Army, Navy, Airforce) House.

YCP members received a tour of the veteran’s shelter before assembling dozens of starter and hygiene kits for all incoming veterans. The group also created beautiful gratitude cards and prepared a nourishing lunch for residents of MANA House. Thank you, YCP, for putting your “faith into action.” We can’t wait to see what the future holds as we continue to work together for others!

Food Pantries Ensure Access to Nutritious Food

Catholic Charities’ affordable housing communities provide more than just a roof over residents’ heads; they create an environment where people thrive and discover a sense of belonging.

To ensure families have access to nutritious food, our affordable housing communities offer onsite food pantries. "We can provide food and grocery support that may help [residents] to offset their budget and make ends meet,” said Resident Services Specialist Rebecca Zeimet. Read more about the food pantries at our six housing communities in Central Arizona.

Girls & Sports Day Empowers Girls for the 21st Year

Last month, Catholic Charities’ North Star Youth Partnership, in collaboration with the James Family Prescott YMCA, hosted its 21st annual Girls & Sports Day. Over 100 girls from elementary to high school age attended an uplifting day of sports, comradery, fun and food at the Prescott YMCA.

This year’s theme was “We Rise by Lifting Others”; participants posted on a giant mountain backdrop ways they help others to rise. Guest speakers included two sisters who inspired the audience by sharing about how they supported each other through cancer treatments and life’s ups and downs. Thank you to our speakers and all 54 volunteers who helped make this year’s event a success!

Help Us Light the World this Holiday Season!

The Light the World Giving Machine is back! The popular “vending machine” that works in reverse, creating a memorable way to give to those in need, will open in three locations this holiday season to benefit Catholic Charities.

Come visit the giving machine at one of the following locations, and provide an instant act of service by purchasing items for children and families in need both locally and around the world with a simple swipe of a credit card amid holiday festivities.

Glendale: Westgate Entertainment District, 9405 W. Hanna Lane

Machine open: November 17th- November 30th

Launch event: November 20th, 10am

Prescott: Chamber of Commerce, 119 W. Goodwin St.

Machine open: December 2nd- December 14th

Launch event: December 2nd, 4pm

Flagstaff: Heritage Square, 6 E. Aspen Ave.

Machine open: December 16th- January 1st

Launch event: December 16th, 1:30pm

Thank you to our partners, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, for sponsoring this wonderful initiative!