We’re almost officially in Advent, preparing for Christmas, and ’tis the season to do good, spread cheer and help our neighbors.
That’s all the more true this Colorado Gives Day, Dec. 5 this year, when we’re invited to give local, supporting our favorite Colorado charities and nonprofits.
On this special giving day and throughout the holiday season, people volunteer, raise awareness and donate money to charitable organizations of their choice. Such online giving opportunities to Catholic organizations are available right here in Northern Colorado!
Giving that does good
The Catholic Foundation of Northern Colorado, based in Denver, is a generous giver’s most efficient way to support multiple charities, with its ability to offer various options including appreciated stock, planned gifts, real estate and personal property, retirement plans, insurance policies and more.
Making a difference
Giving is as much about the receiver as the giver, and Catholic Charities of Denver offers something for everyone.
Its continuum of care model offers multiple services to those in need. From Marisol Health, a network of medical clinics that provide life-affirming care, to shelter services, which provide short- and long-term housing and supportive services to help individuals and families become self-reliant—givers can see their generosity provide both material and spiritual support.
Catholic Charities offers opportunities to pray, volunteer and donate to all its ministries including Early Childhood Education, Marisol Women’s Services including Marisol Health, Marisol Homes and Marisol Family, Shelter Services, Senior Services, St. Raphael Counseling, Catholic Charities Housing and more.
“Charity requires both a person who gives and a person who receives,” said Darren Walsh, president and CEO of Catholic Charities of Denver. “Colorado Gives Day makes it easy to participate in charitable work with the click of a mouse, and what better way to take part than by supporting the crucial services we provide to so many in our community. We’re grateful to everyone who makes charity possible.”
Investing in future generations
“The families that participate in our programs are heroes,” said Tricia Sullivan, executive director of Seeds of Hope. “I am always amazed at the sacrifice they make to ensure that their children receive a Catholic education. These stories inspire me and our entire staff to work hard to impact even more families. We are proud to partner with them in protecting God’s children and helping their children attain their dreams.”
Seeds of Hope, which makes Catholic education accessible to needy students, provides aid to any of the Archdiocese of Denver’s 37 Catholic schools. Giving to the organization would provide more children with a quality Catholic education and bright future.
Givers passionate about Catholic education can continue their support by giving to Bishop Machebeuf High School and Holy Family High School. Both archdiocesan schools offer a faith-based environment and rigorous academics that setup youth for success.
Building a community
Centro San Juan Diego, the groundbreaking institute that provides faith formation and education services to enrich the lives of Hispanics in Denver, offers givers a chance to build the community.
The growing number of Hispanic individuals and families in the archdiocese presented a need to empower and support their development into faithful and integrated leaders of the community.
Givers can support the organization’s programs including, citizenship and English classes, tax preparation, small business training, computer classes, Bibles studies, youth faith formation, family ministry, lay pastoral minister certification, online bachelor’s degrees and more.
A gift to Centro is an investment in the community.
Forming families and encountering God in creation
Families and youth are being brought into relationship with Christ through the hard work of Annunciation Heights, the archdiocesan camp. Nestled in the Rocky Mountains, campers and retreatants encounter God through his creation, the sacraments and community.
Consider assisting them in their mission to form and serve youth and families through a donation this Colorado Gives Day!
Empower the laity
The Archdiocese of Denver is blessed with the St. John Vianney Seminary Lay Division, comprised of the Denver Biblical and Catechetical schools. The mission of these schools is to form and empower the laity through prayer, formation and education. The four-year and three-year programs, respectively, are complemented by various short courses and enrichment courses throughout the year.
Your donation to the Lay Division allows for scholarship programs for those who might not be able to afford Biblical or Catechetical School tuition.
Support priestly formation
The Archdiocese of Denver is blessed to have two well-known seminaries that offer future priests exceptional academic and spiritual formation. Combined, there are 128 seminarians in the St. John Vianney and Redemptoris Mater seminaries. Without the ongoing prayerful and financial support, some priestly vocations might be left without spiritual nourishment and guidance. Your gift will certainly be an encouragement and inspiration for the seminarians and future priests. Donations for the seminaries can be made online at sjvrm.org.
Help to accomplish great things across the Archdiocese
If you want to give to the Catholic Church but aren’t exactly sure which ministry or parish your donation will best support, consider the Archbishop’s Catholic Appeal. Donations to this appeal make an impact across the Archdiocese of Denver by supporting Catholic schools and students, shelter services, seminaries, religious education, centralized operations and resources, and parishes.