Wish List Christmas. Inside this issue: THE MAGAZINE OF CATHOLIC EXTENSION christmas 2011

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1 THE MAGAZINE OF CATHOLIC EXTENSION christmas Christmas Wish List Inside this issue: Grant a Christmas Wish and Support Our Mission Dioceses! Sister Gabriella Williams, OP: 2011 Lumen Christi Award Winner A Roundtable Discussion with Bishop Ricardo Ramírez

2 Catholic Extension has published Extension magazine since 1906 to share with our donors and friends the stories illustrating our mission to build faith, inspire hope and ignite change in communities across America. COntACt US Catholic Extension 150 S. Wacker Dr., Suite 2000 Chicago, IL catholicextension.org BOARD Of GOveRnORS ChAnCELLor his Eminence Francis Cardinal George, omi Archbishop of Chicago VICE ChAnCELLor Most reverend Joseph E. Kurtz, DD Archbishop of Louisville PrESIDEnT reverend John J. Wall VICE ChAIr of CoMMITTEES AnD SECrETAry James M. Denny Most reverend Paul S. Coakley Archbishop of oklahoma City Elizabeth hartigan Connelly John W. Croghan Most reverend Blase J. Cupich Bishop of Spokane Geno M. Fernandez Michael T. Foley Mary Louise Gorno Most reverend Curtis J. Guillory, SVD, DD Bishop of Beaumont Peter J. McCanna Andrew J. McKenna Most reverend ricardo ramírez, CSB, DD Bishop of Las Cruces Pamela Scholl Most reverend Anthony B. Taylor Bishop of Little rock Most reverend George L. Thomas, PhD. Bishop of helena Edward J. Wehmer your investment in Catholic Extension is tax deductible to the extent allowed by law. Catholic Extension is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization. ISSn number: The Catholic Church Extension Society. All rights reserved. Photography: richard Kalonick, Kurt Keller, J. D. Mcnamara, Datu ramel, Chris Strong. Design: Jeff Stasik. Extension is a publication provided to you and your family by Catholic Extension. If you do not wish to continue receiving Extension, magazine@catholicextension.org and we will remove you from this mailing list. a note from father wall Dear Friends, This issue of Extension arrives during a season deemed the busiest time of the year. Starting with Thanksgiving and ending with the celebration of Christmas, we are often in a frenzy with all that we are asked and invited to do. Yet in the time of Advent, I find myself drawn to ponder the person of Mary quietly expecting her newborn child. In her, in the womb of this young woman, in the most unlikely of places, in the most challenging of circumstances, the Savior of the World waits to be born. So, too, this divine mystery of God s incarnate love waits to be born anew in our own hearts, in our own land and among our own people! And I gratefully ponder the way you are the shepherds of this hope-filled birth through your support of Catholic Extension. During this season of giving, I am continuously energized by the faith I have witnessed in you, our donors. Your financial gifts and prayers help Catholic Extension breathe new life and build faith in communities across America, transforming the lives and hearts of people in powerful, Spirit-led ways. In this issue, we present our annual Christmas Wish List a collection of 25 specific ways you can support Catholic communities across the mission dioceses. This Wish List has become a Christmas tradition of charitable giving for so many of our donors, and they ve been kind enough to share their traditions with us. One couple in Virginia reviews the Wish List every year over a cup of coffee. A Chicago donor who lived through the Depression has a real heart for supporting basic needs like fuel. Even the youngest generation experiences that it is better to give than to receive a grandmother in Michigan encourages her grandchildren to choose the wishes that she will grant on their behalf each year. In addition to the Christmas Wish List, this issue of Extension celebrates Sister Gabriella Williams, winner of the Lumen Christi Award, for bringing the light of Christ to field workers in California; and Catholic Extension Board Member Bishop Ricardo Ramírez of the Diocese of Las Cruces. On the occasion of his 75th birthday, Bishop Ramírez shared his joy in serving the church and witnessing its growth during his time as bishop. I am amazed, deeply amazed, by the generosity that continues in our church, he said. I could not agree more! God Bless you this Advent! Rev. John J. Wall president

3 ExtEnsion christmas FEatUrEs season of GIVInG Thanks to You Ready for Takeoff A Star to Lead Them Here I Am, Lord Be Careful What You Pray For 2011 Christmas Wish List Twenty-five Wishes You Can Grant for Mission Dioceses Across the United States lumen christi award winner sister gabriella Williams, op Light Shines Brightly Through the Darkness Mother Teresa of Coachella Valley highlights roundtable Words of Wisdom planned giving A Promise Kept 4 DEPartmEnts news briefs Mission: 65 Million Catholics Your Donations at Work A Challenge Met A Timely Gift Growing Support, Growing Needs by the numbers Building Churches Front cover: votive candles flicker brightly at St. Thomas Aquinas Cathedral in Reno, Nevada. Back cover: A snow-covered Blessed John Paul II Catholic Church, Big Fork, Montana.

4 news briefs Mission: 65 Million Catholics nationwide Effort to help spread the Word about Catholic Extension 4 Father Jack Wall, president of Catholic Extension, has a goal to reach the 65 million-plus Catholics in America and engage them in our mission. In an ongoing effort to introduce new supporters to Catholic Extension, he is taking the show on the road, thanks to the generosity of donors who recently hosted events from Louisville to Los Angeles. Some of these events included the following: On September 22, Father Wall attended an event hosted by Catholic Extension donors Nick Simon and Rich Lechleiter in Louisville, Kentucky. Nearly 60 prospective donors came together to learn more about Catholic Extension. During the event, Archbishop Joseph E. Kurtz of Louisville, who is also vice chancellor of Catholic Extension, spoke about our decades-long commitment to Kentucky s Diocese of Lexington and Diocese of Owensboro. Having served as bishop of Knoxville, Tennessee, a mission diocese, Archbishop Kurtz understands what it s like to be part of one. I saw firsthand the pastoral ministries possible in struggling mission dioceses because Catholic Extension had been there, he said. I was gratified that we hosted an event in the Archdiocese of Louisville to tell the story and garner prayers and support ExtEnsion Camp Director Ben Warrell is credited with creating an unforgettable camp experience for young Catholics. There are more than 80 Catholic mission dioceses, which need support to sustain themselves. gasper river CaThoLIC YouTh CaMp and retreat CEnTEr Bowling Green, ky Diocese of Owensboro MISSION DIOCESES NON-MISSION DIOCESES for Kentucky s other dioceses. The call to trust and share our abundance is stewardship at work and at its best. Ben Warrell, director of the Gasper River Catholic Youth Camp and Retreat Center, in Bowling Green, Kentucky, was also on hand to provide a testimonial about how this ministry has flourished with the support of Catholic Extension. The camp provides a wonderful experience for young Catholics to grow in their faith and connect with other Catholic youth, which is especially important during this critical time in their lives when statistics show The youth at the camp have fun as they build faith and connect with their communities.

5 We Invite You to Join Catholic Extension s Legacy Club they are vulnerable to leaving the church. In just four years, the number of campers has increased from 118 to 395. Catholic Extension funding helps keep the camp operating and accessible to children and teens throughout the surrounding area. Father Wall also celebrated Mass on July 26 for more than 40 people at the Resurrection Retirement Community in Chicago. Guests enjoyed a presentation and video about the work of Catholic Extension, generating interest and excitement for its mission to build faith, inspire hope and ignite change in Catholic communities across America. On July 28, Catholic Extension donor and friend Linda Weaver invited Father Wall to speak to her faith-sharing group at the Metropolitan Club in Chicago s Willis Tower. Nearly 60 people were in attendance at this networking event, where Father Wall spoke of Catholic Extension s role in the call for a new evangelization and its invitation to actively live the faith, as so many do across the mission dioceses. Jack and Marty Higgins introduced their friends to Catholic Extension on August 14 in Grand Beach, Michigan. During this event, Father Wall described the current needs of one of Catholic Extension s newest mission dioceses Kalamazoo, Michigan. Catholic Extension donor and board member Ed Wehmer and his wife, Dorothy, together with Chris and Anne Reyes, hosted a reception for more than 50 people in Lake Bluff, Illinois, on October 6. Attendees enjoyed dinner and remarks by Father Wall about the important ongoing work of Catholic Extension throughout the 86 mission dioceses. Peter and Muff Tennyson hosted an event in Newport Beach, California, on September 19 for their friends in the area to meet Father Wall and learn about Catholic Extension s efforts in the mission dioceses of California and across the West and Southwest. We thank you, our donors, for joining us on this journey to introduce others to Catholic Extension and for working together to build a more vibrant Catholic Church in America. I wish I could do more are words we often hear from so many of our donors. The truth is, you can if you plan wisely. For instance, the donors we honor in Catholic Extension s Legacy Club have chosen gift options that include: Bequests from wills and living trusts Designations naming Catholic Extension to receive all or part of an IRA or other fund account Gifts that provide donors or others with lifetime income Life insurance gift arrangements. When you make a planned gift benefitting Catholic Extension and become part of the Legacy Club, you join a unique group of donors with special benefits, such as: Mass for the repose of your soul Club registry and Luminaries, our new planned giving newsletter An annual Christmas Mass Inscription of your name in our Legacy Subscriptions to Extension magazine remembrance. To learn more, please visit or contact Catherine Marquis, director of Planned Giving, at or via at cmarquis@catholicextension.org. christmas

6 roundtable The crucifix atop Mount Cristo Rey (facing out), repaired with funds from Catholic Extension donors, is a symbol of hope and faith along the troubled Mexican border. Below: Bishop Ramírez celebrates Mass with the people of the Diocese of Las Cruces. words of wisdom A DISCUSSION WITH BISHOP RICARDO RAMÍREz For the past 10 years, Catholic Extension has been privileged to have bishop ricardo ramírez, the first bishop of Las Cruces, new Mexico, serving on its board. on his 75th birthday, he sat down with Father Jack Wall to capture his memories being led into Las Cruces by parishioners on horseback; witnessing how Catholic Extension donors helped rebuild a crumbling adobe church, thereby creating a vibrant new parish community; and challenging the young people in his diocese to remember that the most important things in life are not things. Read on to hear inspiring words of faith from one of our country s most preeminent Hispanic bishops. 6 ExtEnsion

7 Fr. Wall: Bishop Ramírez: Can you share some of your most memorable moments in serving as the first bishop of Las Cruces? When I was named to the newly formed Diocese of Las Cruces, I was totally surprised. I thought I would be in San Antonio as the auxiliary bishop there, but only nine months into that position, I was asked to go to Las Cruces. I accepted, and my day of arrival here was memorable. They met me at the border between Las Cruces and El Paso. My mother, brother and other family members were all there. the Most IMportant things In life are not things. We were met by hundreds of people, many on horses or in pick-up trucks. It was a joyous, joyous welcome. I will never forget the half-hour drive from the border to Las Cruces. There was a caravan of about 200 cars all with their lights on, receiving their first bishop. There have been many other exciting moments. One of them with Catholic Extension was a rededication of the Mount Cristo Rey, which is a huge statue of Christ the king that sits on a mountain overlooking the states of Texas, New Mexico and Chihuahua, Mexico, where they come together. One year the arm broke off. We wrote the knights of Columbus and Catholic Extension asking for donations. Extension, true to form, made a generous contribution, and the people worked on that statue year-round and fixed it. Fr. Wall: Bishop Ramírez: I always thank the donors of Extension for making this tremendous symbol of faith possible for us. Right now we need it. It stands right on the border where so many problems are taking place. That statue of Christ becomes a symbol of hope and healing for so many people who are being hurt. I also want to tell you about how Extension helped us build a church in Berino, New Mexico. We had a tiny adobe church that seated only about 50 people. The adobe crumbled and with Extension s help, we rebuilt it. Today, it is a metal building, very simple with what we call a shotgun roof and it seats 300 people. The people are overjoyed. It is proof that if you build it, they will come. So before only 50 would come, now we have standing room only. Can you share some of your thoughts and experiences in serving as a leading hispanic bishop in the church? Well, I think we need to care for the immigrants that are coming in. They are so strong in their faith and come in with hopes and dreams. The first place they go is the church because that makes them feel at home. The church has to welcome and involve them. We must provide a worship experience that is beautiful and engaging. The music and preaching have to be good. Our preaching lacks a lot. christmas

8 ROUNDTABLE We need to enhance preaching in our seminaries and among ordained priests. Perhaps Extension could sponsor a special preaching institute. Extension also must support CCD programs and the training of CCD teachers. We can t be mediocre in anything. This is key if we are going to hand off the faith to future generations. Fr. Wall: Bishop Ramírez: In spite of all the events that have occurred In recent years, people are In love with the church. Fr. Wall: Bishop Ramírez: What have you learned about Catholic Extension during your time on the board? I am amazed, deeply amazed by the generosity that continues in our church. In spite of all the events that have occurred in recent years, people are in love with the church. People are generous with the church, whether they can give just a few dollars or $1 million. The one thing that we have in common is the love of the church, the Gospel and the person of Jesus Christ. Extension has a passion for the missionary work of the church in the United States and your heart goes out to people in the deep South, west Texas and the rest of the Southwest, Alaska and other places in need. Can you give us an example where you see the impact of our work in terms of building faith, inspiring hope and igniting change? I see the impact of your work in all your faith-building efforts. I thank you right now for the Newman Centers. In our area, there are very few Catholic universities. Most of our Catholic young people go to secular universities. We have to make sure we reach out to them. In our diocese, we have a very strong Newman Center connected with New Mexico State University. The nice thing is that Catholic boys then meet Catholic girls and sparks fly and they marry each other. Our Newman Centers help build wonderful Catholic families. Fr. Wall: What gives you hope for the Catholic Church? Bishop Ramírez: People grasp the truth of Jesus Christ. More and more people want to be involved in ministries, more men want to be permanent deacons, and many dedicated lay people are providing Catholic ministry in prisons and hospitals. Also, I see more young people interested in their faith and attracted to ministries. I am also inspired by people s love of the liturgy. People want to sing in the choirs. The more they know of the liturgy, the more engaged they become in its wonderful mysteries. Fr. Wall: What has been your greatest joy in serving as a priest and a bishop? Bishop Ramírez: The greatest satisfaction is not only that I was the first bishop of Las Cruces, but that I was able to organize a fairly strong diocese that has survived and is flourishing. There were times at the beginning when 8 ExtEnsion

9 can you dedicate your life to serve rather than enrich yourself? Fr. Wall: Bishop Ramírez: I thought I would have to give this diocese back to the Pope. We weren t getting the vocations, we didn t have money, we didn t have enough priests. But somehow the prayers of the people and their deep faith brought us to a point where we knew we would survive. Today, we are a unique local church that has its own identity, its own gifts, its own challenges. And, we are identified as a diocese. That is my greatest satisfaction. What advice would you offer to students in campus ministry and seminarians about leading a life of service to the church? I think we need to challenge our young people and show them that the most important things in life are not things. The most important things are faith, hope, love and giving of ourselves to others. Service has to be the best way of living one s life. It is the constant message of both John Paul II and the message of Benedict: to not be afraid. It is said beautifully, Don t be afraid to give yourself to Jesus Christ. He is not going to take away anything from you, and He is going to give you everything. So I would say the emptying of self is a big challenge. Can you do it? Can you dedicate your life to serve rather than enrich yourself? Remember that we plant the seeds so that others will reap the harvest. Fr. Wall: Bishop Ramírez: Do you have a final message for our donors? I remember in Roswell, New Mexico, there was one man who became a Catholic and I asked him, Why did you become a Catholic? He said, I became a Catholic when I looked around me in Roswell and said, Who are the best men in town? They all happened to be Catholics and I wanted to be one of them. The examples we set can be so positive. This role modeling is so important; it s a mission we all share DRIEHAUS CHALLENGE Thank You! You ve helped us reach our goal and doubled the impact of your gift. Because of generous donors like you, we ve successfully completed the 2011 Driehaus Challenge.Your renewed commitment to transforming and empowering underresourced Catholic communities of faith exemplifies the true spirit of Catholic Extension. To learn more, contact our Development Office at christmas

10 thanks to you Nothing will be impossible for God. Luke 1:37 What do priest pilots, an under-staffed Texas parish, soldier seminarians and memorable Montana road trips all have in common? Each appeared on our Christmas Wish List in 2010 and each received a grant to build faith, inspire hope and ignite change in their community. Join us as we revisit these wishes and learn just what an impact a Christmas gift can make. 10 ExtEnsion

11 THANkS TO you ready for Takeoff Memoirs of the Alaskan Clergy from 12,000 Feet One of the biggest jokes in the Alaskan Bush is What time is Mass? Mass, the locals explain, is whenever the plane arrives. How was your weekend? may be a typical comment you hear around the water-cooler in offices nationwide. Imagine our surprise when we asked the same question to Father Scott Garrett of Sacred Heart Parish in Wasilla, Alaska. My typical weekend, he said, starts on Friday morning when I get up at 4:00 a.m. and begin praying, exercising, plugging in the airplane, checking the weather, pre-flighting the airplane, and flying to Clarks Point for 11:30 a.m. Mass and then back to Dillingham. Saturday I also start my day at 4:00 a.m., pre-flight, weather check, plug in plane, pray, exercise, and I am in the air by 9:00 a.m. to King Salmon for Saturday Mass at noon (64 air miles southeast from Dillingham). Sunday I get up at 4:00 a.m., exercise, pray, write my homily for the next week and prepare for Mass at 12:30 p.m. Flying is such a necessity in this part of the country that Archbishop Roger Schweitz, OMI, of Anchorage, started flying lessons soon after being named to his role. I began learning how to fly as an archbishop in 2000, he said. The next year I completed my license. Because I was traveling throughout the archdiocese, it was the most efficient and flexible route to go, allowing me to be present to all parts of the archdiocese. Archbishop Schweitz recalls one particularly harrowing flight when all three Alaskan bishops were en route to Bethel, Alaska, from Fairbanks. The pilot was a deacon and sacred heart parish Wasilla, Ak Archdiocese of Anchorage in-flight they realized that it was cold and rainy on the ground and that ice was forming on the wings and struts. We had to go as low as we could over the mountains, Archbishop Schweitz recalled. It took a few prayers, but we made it. Because the Alaskan weather changes so quickly, every flight can become an adventure. Nonetheless, it s essential for the archdiocese to provide this type of travel for priests out of Dillingham to see Catholics in the Bush who otherwise would be unreachable. With skyrocketing fuel costs, last year s Christmas Wish List highlighted the need to support this critical ministry, and Catholic Extension donors once again generously responded. Archbishop Schweitz and Father Garrett remain awed by the beauty they encounter during their time in the air. Seeing the towering, jagged peaks of Mt. McKinley from 12,000 feet reminds you of God s providence, Archbishop Schweitz noted. Father Garrett concurred, noting, My greatest joy is the thrill of flying, the fact that very few people actually do my job, the ruggedness and knowing people appreciate my service. Flying is such a necessity in this part of the country. christmas

12 THANkS TO you a star to Lead Them Texas Parish Thrives with Resident Pastor During World War II, members of the Catholic community in Van Horn, Texas, made a promise to one another. If all of their sons returned home safely, they would build a new church to honor Our Lady of Fatima. More than 60 years later, Our Lady of Fatima stands as a reminder of their deep faith. However, in recent years, the parish and its two missions, Our Lady of Miracles and San Isidro, could barely cover operating costs and couldn t afford a resident priest. Without pastoral leadership and regular weekly Masses and the sacraments, the parishes 260 families many of whom live below poverty level have had trouble maintaining a vibrant faith community. 12 The enthusiastic response from our donors was an inspiring example of what it means to ignite change. In the 2010 Christmas Wish List, we asked Catholic Extension donors to help subsidize the salary of Pastor Rodolfo Lacerna so he could continue to engage the faith of his parishioners. The enthusiastic response was an inspiring example of what it means to ignite change. Father Lacerna s presence now can be felt strongly throughout the parish and its mission communities. He has become their shining star, engaging parishioners and leading them to be active members of their faith community. Father, in turn, now sees ExtEnsion our LaDY of FaTIMa van Horn, TX Diocese of El Paso a tight-knit parish, committed to spreading the word of God to future generations. Parishioners always make it a point to send their children to CCD and to attend baptismal classes, he said, which is a testament to their faith. In addition, now the youth can receive the sacraments that are so essential for their continuing lives as Catholics. In addition to youth programs, parishioners enjoy simply being able to celebrate the Eucharist every week, a blessing for the parish that faced a loss of families to churches with regular weekly services. Before, the churches looked empty. Now, there is activity going on all week! exclaimed Janine Above: Our Lady of Fatima in van Horn, Texas, stands as a reminder of the parish s rich faith history. Young, grants director for the Diocese of El Paso. This activity and the capital improvements that Father Lacerna has made to the parish since becoming pastor in 2009 are a result of the generous support of Catholic Extension donors. You have provided a star to lead them and their faith lives, and as a result, they have continued to honor the rich history of Our Lady of Fatima.

13 THANkS TO you here I am, Lord More Men Seek Military Vocations CaThoLIC ChapLaIns Washington, DC Archdiocese for the Military Services They hear confessions in far-flung base camps in Afghanistan. They administer the sacraments on Navy destroyers. They travel constantly, often saying Mass six or seven times in one weekend. The work of Catholic chaplains in the U.S. military is far from easy, but it s vital, especially to the more than 250,000 Catholics who are on active duty. For these men and women, spiritual and pastoral support is critical. Many are young, away from home often for the first time and in difficult situations, especially if they re serving in combat zones. They need and deserve the comfort of the church. Above: More military chaplains are accepting the call to provide spiritual support, but the need for more is still great. But Catholic military chaplains are in short supply. In the U.S. Army, only 100 priests fill the available 400 Catholic chaplain spots. Still, there are encouraging signs of growth. Catholic Extension s 2010 Christmas Wish List included the Archdiocese for the Military Services, USA, so that it could recruit and support seminarians in training to become priests and military chaplains. The response from our donors was inspiring, as are the numbers: Only three co-sponsored or military-affiliated seminarians were studying in the academic year; today that number stands at 32. Better yet, with the hundreds of inquiries that the archdiocese has received from prospective military chaplains, the number of seminarians is expected to continue to grow, said Father Kerry Abbott, OFM Conv., director of vocations for the Archdiocese for the Military Services, USA. A former military chaplain himself, Father Abbott has served in the Air Force, and deployed with combat units of the Army, Navy and Marines. He credits the generosity of donors not only for putting more young men through the seminary, but also for helping men and women on assignment recognize vocational callings and attend free diocesan discernment retreats. What we are trying to do, he said, is support the obvious work of the Holy Spirit within the lives of these men and women who have then responded and said, Here I am, Lord. As more young men answer God s call, there will be more military chaplains to shepherd the flocks. Catholic Extension grants have been put to great use in supporting the work of the church and allowing us to provide sacramental ministries to men and women in harm s way, far from the United States, said Father Abbott. Catholic Extension is committed to continuing its partnership with the Archdiocese for the Military Services to support the troops with faith-based initiatives. It s gratitude, explains Father Abbott, reflecting on his feelings toward our donors. Gratitude in knowing how profound and powerful their contributions are. christmas

14 THANkS TO you be Careful What You pray For Bishop Thomas Recalls Montana Driving Adventures Bishop George Thomas of the Diocese of Helena, Montana, knows firsthand the challenges of driving the beautiful but sometimes treacherous roads in his diocese, which spans 52,000 square miles. Whiteouts, icy roads, subzero temperatures and unexpected weather events are regular winter occurrences. Spring has its own set of challenges when all of nature awakens, Bishop Thomas recalled as he recounted one particularly exciting drive. He had just finished a Confirmation ceremony in Big Fork and decided to drive the 170 miles to Conrad, Montana, where he had another the next day. It was around 10 p.m. and he was driving in northern Montana, skirting Glacier National Park. After a particularly long day, he became drowsy and prayed that he would be able to stay awake for the remainder of the drive. A 600- to 700-pound grizzly was on his route, and I was on mine. Bishop George Thomas Within minutes, Bishop Thomas added, a grizzly bear jumped over the highway barrier into the path of his car. I didn t hit it, he noted, gratefully. But, I did think that next time I should perhaps pray for an antelope, a deer, or something without claws or teeth. A grizzly is a 600- to 700-pound animal. He was on his route and I was on mine. But, you FuEL For priests Diocese of Helena, MT have to be careful what you pray for! Needless to say, Bishop Thomas had no trouble staying awake the remainder of the drive. He said at least one-third of the diocese s 40 resident pastors travel extensively, and many have stories to tell. Together they serve 57 parishes and 39 missions. Last year, one item on the Catholic Extension Christmas Wish List highlighted the need to support the cost of fuel for one of these priests. Donors responded generously. Bishop Thomas drives approximately 30,000 miles a year to visit parishes throughout the diocese. He noted that Catholics in the far reaches of the state take great care of him and Above: The Diocese of Helena spans 52,000 square miles, a nine-hour drive across. the other priests. The parishes and missions are so vigilant about the weather. They ll call and say, Father, don t come today. There are whiteout conditions. The parish staffs are trained to hold Communion services in the absence of a priest, Bishop Thomas added. What s more, given the rugged conditions, the priests can always count on marvelous farmhouse meals and a tow, if needed. The people are so hospitable and welcoming. A tow is just a ranch house away. They are so protective of us, he said. Catholics in Montana are blessed to have priests who go the distance to serve them and Catholic Extension donors who support their efforts. 14 ExtEnsion

15 season of giving CATHOLIC EXTENSION 2011 Christmas Wish List Please help us say Merry Christmas to our mission dioceses. Since 1905, Catholic Extension has been granting the heartfelt requests of faith communities in some of the most under-resourced dioceses in the United States. This joyous Christmas season, please help us continue this tradition by giving generously. christmas

16 SEASON OF GIvING $70 PER DAy FUNDS A SEMINARIAN S EDUCATION $250 SUPPORTS FAMILy LIFE MINISTRIES $125 PROvIDES BIBLES AND ROSARIES FOR PRISON MINISTRy IN TEXAS FOR ONE WEEk $100 A DAy HELPS STRENGTHEN CATHOLIC EDUCATION FOR TODAy S CHILDREN AND youth To grant a ChrIsTMas WIsh, please select from the following list. You can give your gift online at catholicextension.org or use the enclosed envelope to send a check and indicate the wish or wishes you are supporting on the memo line. 1. help EDuCaTE a seminarian In LouIsIana SHREvEPORT, LOUISIANA: DIOCESE OF SHREvEPORT Mission parishes have a growing need for priests today and in the future. Please help young men from Shreveport prepare for the priesthood at St. Joseph Seminary in Saint Benedict or Notre Dame Seminary in New Orleans. 2. support FaMILY LIFE In LubboCk LUBBOCk, TEXAS: DIOCESE OF LUBBOCk Strong Catholic parishes begin with strong Catholic families. Your gift will help the Diocese of Lubbock fund family life ministries helping engaged couples with marriage preparations, providing married couples with enrichment retreats, offering parent education programs and coordinating respect for life activities. 3. buy bibles and rosaries For a prison MInIsTrY In TExas LAREDO, TEXAS: DIOCESE OF LAREDO Lay ministers in Laredo provide religious education to prisoners in the region, but have little money to do this important work. A gift of $125 can furnish travel expenses as well as the Bibles, rosaries and printed materials they need to inspire hope in these men and women. 4. support and strengthen CaThoLIC schools AMERICA S 86 MISSION DIOCESES Please help Catholic Extension support Catholic education all across the mission dioceses in America. Your donation will enable school administrators to develop leadership and strategic planning skills to strengthen existing parish schools serving the young church. SUPPORT CATHOLIC EDUCATION 16 ExtEnsion

17 $60 PER DAy HELPS SUPPORT LAy MINISTRy TRAINING IN ALABAMA $125 WILL HELP FUND A RELIGIOUS SISTER S MINISTRy TO THE POOR FOR A DAy $40 PER DAy FUNDS A youth MINISTER TO ENGAGE young CATHOLICS 5. TraIn LaY MInIsTErs For LEaDErshIp In alabama BIRMINGHAM, ALABAMA: DIOCESE OF BIRMINGHAM An on-site leadership training program helps develop lay ministers throughout the Diocese of Birmingham. With your generous gift, program materials and travel costs will be covered to develop these new leaders so that every parish can experience more robust, lively ministries. 6. support a religious sister s Work In MIChIgan BENTON HARBOR, MICHIGAN: DIOCESE OF kalamazoo Since 1977, the Catholic Community Center has been a beacon of light for more than 7,000 families in the diocese, offering food, education and assistance to one of the poorest communities in Michigan. Your gift will help pay the salary of a religious sister who staffs the center so she can continue to offer formational and spiritual support for the community. 7. EngagE Young CaThoLICs In MonTana COLUMBUS, MONTANA: DIOCESE OF GREAT FALLS-BILLINGS St. Mary Church and its mission, St. Michael, have large numbers of young people in their communities but not enough funding to support youth ministry programs. Your gift will help pay the salary of a youth ministry director who can engage young Catholics and inspire faith in their lives. ENGAGE young CATHOLICS $50 50 GIFTS OF $50 PRESERvE A HISTORIC ADOBE CHURCH IN THE SOUTHWEST 8. preserve a ChurCh In new MExICo SEBOyETA, NEW MEXICO: DIOCESE OF GALLUP Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic Church has been a faith community for 190 years. In recent years, the state s extreme temperatures have left significant cracks in the walls of this church, threatening its structural integrity. Your donation will help repair the damage and preserve the church for future generations. Have a blessed Christmas! christmas

18 SEASON OF GIvING $50 PER WEEk HELPS TRAIN A LAy LEADER TO MINISTER TO ALASkAN CATHOLICS $30 A DAy HELPS PROvIDE UPGRADED TECHNOLOGy IN HELENA $55 A DAy HEATS THE CHURCH AND keeps PARISHIONERS WARM DURING WEEkEND MASS 9. TraIn ThE LaITY In alaska EMMONAk, ALASkA: DIOCESE OF FAIRBANkS In a diocese as large as Fairbanks, Alaska, the laity play a pivotal role in keeping parishes connected, active and engaged. Your gift helps train lay leaders in this isolated region so that they can provide faith formation ministries and social outreach to the communities they serve. 10. support TEChnoLogY upgrades In MonTana HELENA, MONTANA: DIOCESE OF HELENA Your donation will go towards the purchase of technology upgrades that will help the diocese improve fiscal reporting and increase productivity to better serve the people in 57 parishes of this mission diocese. 11. WarM ThE ChurCh In ChILoquIn CHILOqUIN, OREGON: DIOCESE OF BAkER As the people at Our Lady of Mount Carmel celebrate Mass together, they sit shivering in the pews. Your contribution will help replace the church s 50-yearold heating system and give parishioners a warm place of worship during the long winter months. k EEP PARISHONERS WARM $100 WILL MAkE ACCESS TO THE CHURCH EASIER AND SAFER NEXT year 12. CrEaTE an accessible ChurCh EnTrY In IDaho OROFINO, IDAHO: DIOCESE OF BOISE The elderly parishioners at St. Theresa s Catholic Church are strong in spirit but cannot climb the double staircase to the church s vestibule, especially during winter months. Your donation will fund a lift and covered walkway that will allow all parishioners to participate in the sacraments and parish life. Glory to the newborn king! 18 ExtEnsion

19 $50 BRINGS 3 SISTERS TO 8 PARISHES EvERy WEEk $48 WILL HELP EDUCATE FUTURE MILITARy CHAPLAINS FOR A DAy $60 75 GIFTS OF $60 BUILD A SAFE CHURCH ENvIRONMENT FOR PARISHIONERS 13. support WoMEn religious In hispanic outreach knoxville, TENNESSEE: DIOCESE OF knoxville As the Hispanic population grows in the South, there is an increased need for Spanish-language ministry programs. Please help subsidize the salaries of women religious as they travel between parishes, providing faith formation, sacramental preparation and Communion services to an eager Hispanic community hungry for participation in church life. 14. sponsor a seminarian For ThE MILITarY ChapLaInCY WASHINGTON, D.C: ARCHDIOCESE FOR THE MILITARy SERvICES In 2008, there were three military-affiliated seminarians; in 2011, there are 32. Please continue to support this growing number of men in uniform as they become military chaplains to serve our country and our Creator. 15. restore a ChurCh In CubEro CUBERO, NEW MEXICO: DIOCESE OF GALLUP Our Lady of Light Catholic Church is a vibrant place of worship. However, in recent years, warped doorways, weak stairs and deteriorating decks have prompted safety concerns. Your contribution can bring the church up to current building codes, secure the doorways and restore this sacred space for its devoted parishioners. RESTORE A MISSION CHURCH $40 PER DAy FUNDS AN ENGLISH/SPANISH INTERPRETER AT MASSES 16. help hispanic CaThoLICs ConnECT In ohio youngstown, OHIO: DIOCESE OF youngstown The Hispanic population in Youngstown is growing, and there is a need for Spanish-language Masses. Please help the diocese provide language tutoring for its priests and bring translators to Mass so that this community can connect more deeply to the church and the sacraments. christmas

20 SEASON OF GIVING $200 A WEEK BRINGS HEALTHY MEALS TO THE HOMELESS IN LOUISIANA $ GIFTS OF $150 PROTECT PARISHIONERS WITH A NEW ROOF $70 A DAY FUNDS EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMMING TO BRING A COMMUNITY CLOSER TOGETHER 17. SERVE HOT MEALS AND HOPE IN LOUISIANA LAFAYETTE, LOUISIANA: DIOCESE OF LAFAYETTE The St. Joseph Diner has provided hot food and emergency meals to those in need 364 days a year for 30 years. In 2010, the completion of a new facility provided a kitchen, but an unexpected cut in funding left little money to fill the plates. Your gift will allow volunteers to buy the food needed to feed the bodies and souls of the people in their community. 18. REPAIR A HURRICANE-DAMAGED CHURCH IN PUERTO RICO AGUADILLA, PUERTO RICO: DIOCESE OF MAYAGUEZ San Carlos Borromeo Church is alive with people of faith but the building is showing its age. Fifteen years of hurricane seasons have led to a leaky roof and water damage throughout the structure. Your donation will fund repairs that will restore the 231-year-old church to its former glory. 19. CONNECT A COMMUNITY IN MICHIGAN GWINN, MICHIGAN: DIOCESE OF MARQUETTE Serving one of the poorest and geographically remote communities in the Upper Peninsula Pennisula of Michigan, Our Lady Help of Christians Center offers programs that teach basic life skills, build community pride and involvement, and ultimately connect people more deeply to Christ. Your gift will help fund the Center s programs and share the good news of Jesus to a community in need. SHARE THE GOOD NEWS 20 EXTENSION $50 A DAY HELPS A MOBILE FOOD PANTRY IN SOUTHERN ILLINOIS 20. DELIVER FOOD TO THE HOMEBOUND IN ILLINOIS CAIRO, ILLINOIS: DIOCESE OF BELLEVILLE The diocese s Daystar Community Program is a mobile food pantry that delivers meals to people across multiple county lines. The gift of a new cargo van will ensure that food deliveries stay fresh and arrive hot for the poor, elderly and homebound. Joy to the world!

21 $90 PER WEEk keeps PARISHIONERS SAFE AND COMFORTABLE $1,000 FUNDS ONE DEACON S EDUCATION TO COMPLETION $35 PER DAy BUSES STUDENTS TO CATHOLIC SCHOOL $50 20 GIFTS OF $50 ENABLE A SISTER TO MINISTER TO THE COMMUNITy FOR ONE WEEk 21. keep harsh WEaThEr at bay In new MExICo SHIPROCk, NEW MEXICO: DIOCESE OF GALLUP Christ the King Parish faces some of the country s harshest weather extremes. With summer heat that exceeds 100 degrees and winter conditions that push the mercury below freezing, the church is faced with steep utility bills. Your donation will ensure that parishioners worship in comfortable temperatures year-round. 22. EDuCaTE DEaCons To serve In WYoMIng CHEyENNE, WyOMING: DIOCESE OF CHEyENNE Preparing men to answer God s call as deacons involves a great deal of study and formal education. Your contribution will allow 24 diaconate candidates in Cheyenne to complete their education and minister to many parishes in the diocese. 23. TransporT ChILDrEn To school In virginia RICHMOND, virginia: DIOCESE OF RICHMOND A growing number of Latino children are receiving Catholic school scholarships that provide ongoing faith formation to students and connect their families more deeply to parish life. Your gift will provide buses for these students, who otherwise have no transportation, so they can become even more involved in their faith community. 24. bring FaITh ForMaTIon To WIsConsIn ODANAH, WISCONSIN: DIOCESE OF SUPERIOR Sister Phyllis Wilhelm is an active parish minister who has spent 36 years educating three generations on the Bad River Ojibwa Reservation. Your donation will allow her to provide religious education, music ministry and parish outreach as she continues to build the faith in this Native American community. BUILD FAITH FORMATION $30 PER MONTH SECURES CHURCHES FROM THEFT 25. secure a parish and ITs MIssIons In TExas LA JOyA, TEXAS: DIOCESE OF BROWNSvILLE Recently, vandals broke into the St. Michael Mission of Our Lady Queen of Angels Parish. They stole the Eucharist, defaced the altar and devastated the parishioners. Your donation will help install security systems in the parish and its six missions, protect the buildings, and provide peace of mind to the hundreds of families in this faith community. christmas

22 lumen christi 2011 L U M E N CHRISTI A W A R D 2011 Winner Sister Gabriella Williams, OP Diocese of San Bernardino 22 ExtEnsion

23 christmas

24 2011 LUMEN CHRISTI awar d Light Shines Brightly Through the Darkness One of several trailer park communities in the Coachella Valley where Sister Gabi ministers. She s called the Mother Teresa of the Coachella Valley of Southern California. That s not surprising as an estimated 130,000 families many of whom live far below poverty level have been touched by her warm and welcoming presence and her staunch ability to move mountains on their behalf. While she s unassuming, to those she serves she s instantly recognizable, driving a bright red pickup truck, stirring up dust. She s a sign of faith and hope in an area desperately in need. 24 She s Sister Gabriella Williams, OP, of the Diocese of San Bernardino, California, winner of the 2011 Lumen Christi Light of Christ Award. Catholic Extension established the award 34 years ago to honor individuals who demonstrate how the power of faith can transform lives and communities. We only have each other to bring Christ s light to our world, Sister said ExtEnsion You can t work with Sister Gabi and not know that it s God s inspiration that brings it all. Dolly Bale board member, San Jose Community Center in receiving her award. I m humbled and very grateful to minister with our sisters and brothers and give hope that illuminates Lumen Christi among all of us. In reflecting on when he first asked Sister Gabi to serve the poorest of the poor, many of whom are exploited by their employers, Bishop Gerald Barnes said, We needed someone who could serve as an advocate, someone who could answer the call, and she has. Most often, Sister can be found in the trailer parks scattered throughout the diocese that house migrant farm workers and their families. Hundreds of children and families live in these trailers, which are nearly 60 years old and unfit to live in, said Sister Teresita Navarro, OP, who ministers along with Sister Gabi. The trailers are like painted garbage cans, but the people are beautiful. Day by day, Sister Gabi assists families with everything from faith formation to securing basic necessities. The need

25 CoaCHella Valley diocese of San Bernardino She has shared her heart, and that s what we give her the spirit of our heart. MeReJIlDo ortiz community resident is great, but she is always there to help. Recognizing the strong faith in their lives, she guides them through the challenges they face and reminds them that God comes to those in need. I often visit families one by one, to listen, encourage, build trust and support the gifts they have, she said. And, after her second or third visit, families begin to open up to her. Nearly all of the residents are Catholic, so Sister helps them connect to a local parish so they can receive the sacraments. As I ve worked with families they have come to feel like my own family, Sister Gabi says matter-of-factly. So many of the people here have shaped my life. As many of her supporters say, Sister Gabi is determined to make things happen from inviting Bishop Barnes to the trailer park to say Mass for the local residents and show them how much the church cares to improving living conditions and access to education. God always sends us someone in difficult moments, said Sergio Carranza, who works with Sister Gabi in a not-for-profit they created to serve the people, and He sent us Sister Gabi. She s a symbol of hope for the entire valley. As part of winning the Lumen Christi award, Sister Gabi received a $25,000 grant from Catholic Extension. In addition, the Diocese of San Bernardino received a matching $25,000 grant for nominating her. The diocese announced it will forward those funds to her ministry. Sister Gabi s joy radiates among the congregation at the special Mass honoring her as the winner of the 2011 Lumen Christi award. CHRistMAs

26 The trailers are like painted garbage cans, but the people are beautiful, says Sister Teresita Navarro, OP, (pictured) who ministers along with Sister Gabi. 26 She has big plans for both grants. For many years, we had no building and no money or land, we just had each other, Sister Gabi recalled. The people in the trailer park communities kept asking for a place to gather. I told them, If we all pray, it will come about. If it doesn t, then it s not what God wants us to do. The very next week, two modular buildings were donated to the community, and land became available from a local family. Sister Gabi knew their prayers had been answered. With these funds, we will be able to complete the final stages of constructing our new community and learning center, she explained. The local residents of the trailer park communities where Sister Gabi ministers decided to name their new center after St. Joseph, because they said, St. Joseph tried to provide everything for Jesus, and we want to do the same for our children. The new community and learning center is a place where everyone will feel welcome, said Sister Gabi. Plans include a technology and learning area where children can use computers to complete homework assignments and ExtEnsion Sister Gabi was my introduction to the power of the Good Lord and an unbelievable person. ToM FLY nn receiver, Duroville trailer park community space for volunteers to teach English as a second language and provide vocational training to those who do not have the opportunity to attend college. Sister Gabi s Lumen Christi Award grants will help complete the new center s construction as well as provide the funds needed to purchase computers, software licenses, tables, chairs and supplies. We can change our world by educating the people, said Sister Gabi. I m thrilled that the San Jose Community Center will benefit from this gift, and I know that the people are starving for this place starving. A lot of our children need a place to go, to belong. This center provides that space. In presenting Sister Gabi with the Lumen Christi Award at a Mass and reception held at Our Lady of Perpetual Help in Indio, California, Father Wall said to her, People often say Thank you to Catholic Extension, but it s just the reverse. We are because of you and because of what you re doing. This is the work of God thank you for doing it so beautifully and for your lifelong dedication to uncovering the light and kindling the fire of faith in the hearts of the people of God.

27 2011 LUMEN CHRISTI AWARD Meet the 2011 Lumen Christi Judges President of Catholic Extension Father Jack Wall presents Sister Gabi with the 2011 Lumen Christi Award at a reception held in her honor. Winner of the 2010 Lumen Christi Award, father ed Kohler is pastor of Little Flower Parish in Browning, Montana, and has worked for more than 30 years among the Blackfeet Nation. His ministry has profoundly impacted this Native American reservation, particularly its youth. Father kohler helped found the De La Salle Blackfeet School, serves three other missions in the area, and has been instrumental in increasing enrollment in the Diocese of Helena s Program of Formation for Lay Ministers. peter and eileen Maren have been Catholic Extension donors since Through the Thomas H. Maren Foundation, they provided funding for two Catholic Extensionsupported projects: an endowed gift for The Health Wagon, which serves poverty-stricken areas of Appalachia, and generous funding to the St. Jude Catholic Church Food Bank in Tuba City, Arizona, which helps Native American families in desperate need of food and social services. carmella perry spent most of her life in Buckeye, Arizona, and was the business manager for a successful family farm outside Phoenix that produced cotton, wheat and dairy products. As a long-time parishioner at St. Henry Catholic Church in Buckeye, she was very involved in many ministries, including teaching catechism and directing the church environment. She is a loyal donor to Catholic Extension, and her affinity for its mission and impact is strong. Joe and cheryl skender of Palos Heights, Illinois, have spent their careers with Skender Construction, a family business that is one of the premier construction contractors in the Chicago metropolitan area. Joe serves as president, and Cheryl is the vice president of marketing. The Skenders are generous donors to a variety of organizations, including Catholic Extension, and serve in a volunteer capacity to those organizations that receive their support. robert J. welsh lives in Chesterton, Indiana, and was formerly chairman and chief executive officer of Welsh Inc., a multi-state service business selling petroleum products through convenient stores and travel centers. He currently is chairman and chief executive officer of Welsh Holdings, LLD, a real estate holding company. Welsh also is a member of the University of Notre Dame Board of Trustees and served as vice chairman. He has been on the boards of more than 30 civic, religious, educational, business and financial organizations. christmas

28 2011 LUMEN CHRISTI AWARD Mother Teresa of the Coachella valley sister gabi s supporters and friends share their admiration for the 2011 Lumen Christi award winner. Dan sorensen chairman of the board, San Jose Community Center She has so much faith. We have been up against the wall financially every three months of the last five years, and she just says, It s going to happen. Don t worry, Dan, it s going to come. And then she wins this award and we get $25,000. It s amazing! So that s the beautiful part. I call her the Mother Teresa of the Coachella valley. DoL LY bale friend of Sister Gabi; board member, San Jose Community Center We only have each other to bring Christ s light to our world. Sister Gabriella Williams, OP Sister Gabi is probably one of the most intelligent, hard-working people I ve ever met in my life. She was in Argentina for 11 years she did wonders there, and she s doing wonders here. She deserves this award more than anyone I Sister Gabi leads the children in procession following Mass. read more about sister gabi on our blog: catholicextension.org/blog 28 ExtEnsion

29 know. She s so humble and she doesn t like publicity, but she knows it helps our cause. you can t work with Sister Gabi and not know that it s God s inspiration that brings it all. sergio CarranZa project manager, San Jose Community Center I have been extremely blessed to be working with Sister Gabi. Near the beginning of this project, I told Sister, Listen, this is going to be quite challenging, so I m going to need the Lord. Please pray for this. And she s been praying ever since. ToM FLYnn court-appointed receiver of Duroville trailer park community The court sent me out here on what I thought was going to be a three-month assignment that was three years ago. If I hadn t met Sister Gabi during the first couple of days that this well-meaning federal judge sent me out here, we might have had a different outcome. We have worked to let people know that things are different, the place is cleaning itself up and it s a great community. She was my introduction to the power of the Good Lord and is an unbelievable person. She s my hero, always will be. kitty WILLIaMs Sister Gabi s younger sister If anybody can do anything, it s Sister Gabi. I m so proud of her. She has done so much. When she says she s going to do something, she does it, and she does it well. MErEJILDo ortiz local resident We are very grateful for God s presence in Sister Gabi. I don t have a diploma or certificate to give her, but she has shared her heart, and that s what we give her the spirit of our heart. MISSION PARTNERS Join Us. Help support mission dioceses with a gift of $25 or more to Catholic Extension. As a Mission Partner, you are entitled to these exciting benfi ts: WEEKLY MEDITATIONS FROM BISHOP WILLIAM HOUCK A SUBSCRIPTION TO EXTENSION MAGAZINE THE OPPORTUNITY TO SHARE EXTENSION WITH SOMEONE ELSE Catholic Extension also welcomes partnerships with foundations that share our commitment to strengthening Catholic communities. To donate, simply return your gift in the enclosed envelope, or visit catholicextension.org for simple and secure online giving. scan this tag to watch an inspiring video about sister gabi s ministry! Get the free mobile app: christmas

30 planned giving a Promise Kept A Special Gift Bequest Arrives at Catholic Extension When Stanley Jeriha got out of the Army after World War II, he had only one wish to get a job to provide for the woman he hoped to marry, the love of his life, Anne Nemanich. A faithful Catholic, he headed to St. Joseph Catholic Church in his home town of Joliet, Illinois, knelt down, and then and there prayed that the Lord would help him find a job so he could ask for Anne s hand. But, that s not all. On that day, Stanley made a promise, vowing that if the Lord would provide for him, he would faithfully give back at the end of his life. It s a promise he kept. Stanley soon found a job working for the military and served as director for the Joliet Arsenal Department of Procurement. He married Anne, a teacher, who remained the bright star of his life. Their only child, Gerald, was born with severe disabilities. He lived until his death at age four at Misericordia/Heart of Mercy, a Catholic-run home for individuals with developmental and physical disabilities. God and Anne were the true loves of Stanley s life, and in that order, noted Stanley s nephew, Bob Jeriha, trustee of Stanley s living trust. The consummate gentleman, Stanley had a natural affinity for being extremely organized and for making wise investments, Bob s wife, who is also named Ann Jeriha, noted. He was meticulous financially and an excellent investor. He never lost money. In fact, he would tell his accountant and investment counselor what to do. Stanley and Anne enjoyed life and traveled the world, collecting statues and porcelain from their many trips. She was outgoing and vivacious, a charming complement to his more serious self. God and Anne were the true loves of Stanley s life, and in that order. But, in 1984, Anne died of breast cancer, and Stanley turned to a frugal way of life. He continued to support the Catholic organizations and Catholic hospitals he loved, but lived modestly, keeping the same furniture in the house year after year, the same 30 ExtEnsion

31 car and appliances, and the heat at a temperature most would call chilly. He had a promise to keep. Stanley wrote his own first will and testament in 1991, and later established a living trust naming Bob and Ann Jeriha as trustees. Calling him a faithful old-time Catholic who liked Latin Mass, Bob and Ann were not surprised when Stanley bequeathed the major part of his savings to Catholic organizations. His whole life was dedicated to God, Ann noted. There were nearly 30 organizations he d supported throughout his life, which he reduced to 12 at the end. The ultimate planner, Stanley died suddenly while taking a walk after dinner in May He was doing what he loved at the time and had told his relatives he was at peace and ready to see Anne again. He was 91 years old. a visit to Catholic Extension One summer day after Stanley s death, Bob and Ann traveled to the headquarters of Catholic Extension in downtown Chicago. They contacted Catherine Marquis, Catholic Extension s director of Planned Giving, ahead of time and told her they had a bequest to deliver from Stanley. When they arrived, they handed Catherine a check for more than a half million dollars. Overwhelmed by his generosity, Catherine asked about Stanley s intentions. Of course, once again, they drew upon Stanley s story, the vow he d made to give back and support God s work. Stanley selected Catholic Extension, they recalled, because of Anne s affinity for the cause. They read Extension for years and were impressed with our work in building and repairing churches, 12,000 in all. It made perfect sense, Bob said, for Stanley to earmark his ultimate gift for the construction of mission churches, to help the poor and desperate in need. He wanted to make sure his gifts were dedicated to the memory of his wife. Stanley s gift to Catholic Extension will stretch far and wide to support a church and five parish halls. Stanley s gift to Catholic Extension will stretch far and wide to support a church and five parish halls which are so important to building faith in Catholic communities in Kentucky, Tennessee, Mississippi, Florida and Texas. Uncle Stanley truly believed everything came from God, and he wanted to give back, the Jerihas explained. And building churches in remote, struggling areas was very important to him, they added. After visiting Catholic Extension, Bob and Ann hailed a cab and shared their uncle s story with a Chicago taxi driver. He was as excited as we were, they recalled. They drove to Misericordia, on the far north side of the city, the second major recipient of Stanley Jeriha s estate. They spent time there, recalling how warmly Stanley felt toward the people who had taken such great care of his son. When they headed out to catch a cab back to the city, they realized their original cab driver had kindly waited for them. It was a wonderful end to a wonderful day one that the Jerihas and Catholic Extension will never forget. For more information on how to bequest a portion of your estate, or to learn more about tax-advantaged estate planning strategies, please contact Catherine Marquis, director of Planned Giving, at or Opposite page: Anne and Stanley Jeriha (left) admired Catholic Extension s mission to build and repair churches. Below: A Jeriha family portrait features Stanley Jeriha (far right). st. JosEph CaThoLIC ChurCh Joliet, IL Diocese of Joliet christmas

32 your donations at work a Challenge Met Thanks to Richard Driehaus, a well-known Chicago philanthropist, and Catholic Extension donors, funding to support faith communities across the 86 mission dioceses in America has been strengthened this year. That s because 500 of our supporters helped us meet the Driehaus Challenge. On behalf of all those who will reap the benefits from this unprecedented show of support, we offer our heartfelt thanks. However, requests for help continue to arrive at Catholic Extension every day, and we invite you to consider a gift and join the Socius Circle before year s end to help us meet these ongoing needs. The church grounds a community, said Richard Driehaus. The church is its soul and spirit. For the past two years, Catholic Extension donors have rallied behind the 2010 and 2011 Driehaus Challenge $500,000 grants, which were designed to increase the number of supporters and the gift amounts that donors made. These challenges have been very successful and echo the way Catholic Extension engages with the dioceses it supports. Challenge grants build and transform communities by encouraging recipients to partially raise funds themselves in order to meet their project goals. It s not just about giving, it s about effective giving, said Richard Driehaus, explaining his belief about charitable gifts. This year s Driehaus Challenge to Catholic Extension donors was structured to match funds for both new and existing donors who made a first-time gift of $1,000 or more. Additionally, current Socius Circle members who increased their level of giving would be entitled to a $1,000 match. The challenge was capped to the first 500 participants. This generous and exciting challenge literally offered donors a way to double the impact of their gift and double the difference they make in supporting under-resourced Catholic communities across the United States. Reflecting on the philanthropic principles that motivate his generosity, Driehaus spoke to the power of providing resources and getting other people involved. Catholic Extension s mission to build faith, inspire hope and ignite change is well aligned with his interest in strengthening communities across America. The church grounds a community, said Driehaus. The church is its soul and spirit. Again in 2011, the partnership between Catholic Extension and Richard Driehaus has met with great success. 42% current Socius Circle members 58% new to Catholic Extension or joining Socius Circle 2011 Driehaus Challenge Donors Catholic Extension donors step up to meet the 2011 Driehaus Challenge. 32 ExtEnsion

33 a Timely gift CHARITABLE GIFT ANNUITIES Meet the 2011 lumen christi Judges When donors establish a charitable gift annuity, they often ask, Why did I wait so long? That s because charitable gift annuities while worthy donations by themselves are also a source of lifetime income and a proven technique for minimizing taxes. More than 100 years old, Catholic Extension s charitable gift annuity program is one of the largest, oldest and safest of its kind. It provides a wonderful opportunity for you to support Catholics who need help the most, while still retaining income from your gift. When you establish a charitable gift annuity, you have the option to choose your payout schedule (monthly, quarterly, annually). In addition, you may opt for immediate or deferred payments. Finally, you can fund a charitable gift annuity with cash or appreciated securities. Charitable gift annuities offer distinct advantages, including: 1. Payments for life. An annuity provides attractive payout rates for the rest of your life and, if you wish, for a loved one. 2. Tax deductible savings. Part of your donation may be a deductible charitable gift in the year you establish the annuity. 3. Capital gains tax savings. When you contribute appreciated securities for a gift annuity, you may be able to defer capital gains tax. 4. Tax-free payments. Part of your annual payout is a tax-free return of your original gift amount. Please consider supporting fellow Catholics through a Catholic Extension Charitable Gift Annuity. You, too, may end up asking why you waited so long. For more information, please call Judy Blackmer at or visit annuities. Give and Receive. And Receive. And Receive. Gift annuities provide stable lifetime payments while supporting Catholic Extension. Age 75 or older? Increased annuity payments began July 1, 2011! Payment rate % % % % Age Our charitable gift annuity program one of the largest, oldest and safest of its kind offers immediate and future tax benefits and payment frequencies to meet your needs. Calculate your gift annuity benefits now at catholicextension.org/annuities. To learn more, please contact: Judy Blackmer jblackmer@catholicextension.org Payment rate % % % % We request a minimum of $5,000 to participate. christmas

34 your DONATIONS AT WORk growing support, growing needs $25,000,000 $20,000,000 Catholic Extension grants Grants Awarded $15,000,000 Grant Requests Received $10,000,000 $5,000, ExtEnsion Every year, Catholic Extension receives hundreds of grant proposals from mission dioceses across America. These requests cover everything from building churches to investing in ministries to supporting the development and training of the clergy and laity. Thanks to the generosity of our donors, Catholic Extension gave more than $17 million to these faith communities in Better yet, we are on pace to deliver $20.1 million in grants by the end of We ve come a long way over the years together to build faith, inspire hope and ignite change in our country. As the need for help continues to increase in the mission dioceses, we are working hard to keep our loyal donors informed and introduce our work to new supporters so we can honor all of these worthy requests. Why? Because although we were able to provide more than a 10 percent increase in support this year compared to 2010, we anticipate that nearly $4 million in additional grant requests will remain unfunded. Please help us continue to further the work of the church in America so that every Catholic, regardless of their location or circumstance, can experience the transformative power of our faith. I know how profound and powerful their contributions are. Father Kerry Abbott, OFM Conv., director of vocations for the Archdiocese for the Military Services

35 by the numbers Since our founding more than 100 years ago: 11,352 Catholic churches have been built in the U.S. by Catholic Extension donors; $129,500,000 in Catholic Extension funding has supported building churches that in turn built Catholic communities of faith; 94 churches have been built on average by Catholic Extension donors each year over the past decade; 100% of the Catholic churches in the Diocese of Juneau, Alaska, were built by Catholic Extension donors; $3.1 million in funding on average has been allocated by Catholic Extension annually over the past 10 years to build and improve church facilities; and 42,000 memorial plaques have been purchased by Catholic Extension donors to honor their loved ones. Pictured: St. Francis Catholic Church, Valier, Montana christmas

36 NONPROFIT ORGANIZATION 150 South Wacker Drive, Suite 2000 Chicago, IL U.S. POSTAGE PAID CATHOLIC CHURCH EXTENSION SOCIETY Catholic Extension s 2011 Christmas Wish List 25 ways you can support Catholic communities across the mission dioceses Page 15 MerryChristmas!