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Over 100 guests attended the premiere of “Wings of Love” at Holy Family Catholic Church in
South Pasadena. The film portrays the work of Catholic Charities in the San Gabriel Region through the stories and lives of the individuals and families they serve.
“Wings of Love” is about God’s call to all the faithful to care for persons in need as one would care for Christ. It challenges comfort zones and calls each one to account for the way people suffer, especially in the San Gabriel Region.
A collaborative project of Catholic Charities’ San Gabriel Region and Pax et Bonum Communications, the film was produced, written and directed by Gerard Thomas Straub, a renowned advocate for ending global poverty.
Gerry Straub captures, on film, Catholic Charities’ spirit, compassion and love for the poor. The work of Catholic Charities to alleviate the affliction of the needy is highlighted in the film. Straub states, “When people have to beg or go hungry, or sleep outside, they are forced to live like animals, not people. Catholic Charities provides what people need so that they understand and live their dignity as children of God. Catholic Charities is a vibrant example of the necessity and power of compassion.”
Catholic Charities will soon have a curriculum available for use with the film to teach people of all ages about local needs, God’s call to serve, and practical ways to answer His call. Produced in chapters, “Wings of Love” lends itself well to a single workshop featuring a short film segment with accompanying reflection, or as a several-week series about practicing social justice in one’s own neighborhood.
Catholic Charities’ San Gabriel Region is grateful to all the sponsors for the project, especially Rosemarie and John McGuire, and Hall and Olivia Evans who were major donors. For a copy of the film, or for more information, please contact Mary Romero or Anne Wrotniewski at 323-266-3130 or by email at [email protected] or [email protected]. ✤
In This Issue...
San Gabriel Region Premieres“Wings of Love”
Message from the Executive Director . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 2
Suzanna Guzman to Give Vocal Performance at Christmas Gala . . . . . . . . page 2
CYO Launches Sports Development Fund . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 3
CYO Champions Honored at Dodger Stadium . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 3
Summer Camp Held at Brownson House . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 4
November 2013
www.CatholicCharitiesLA.org • ISSN 1551-9112
Catholic Charities’ Santa Barbara County’s annual Partnership
in Service Awards Celebration recognized the fruitful collaboration between parishes and Catholic Charities when individuals from 14 Catholic communities gathered at the Santa Ynez Valley Marriott to acknowledge the good works of 36 parish volunteers.
The keynote speaker, Fr. Greg Boyle of Homeboy Industries, provided the audience with an account of his involvement in establishing that very effective non-profit organization, relaying several poignant anecdotes, with the message that “giving” works in both directions and, when that plays out, everyone is immensely uplifted.
For more information, or for volunteer opportunities, please call Catholic Charities’ Santa Barbara Community Services at 805-965-7045. ✤
A homeless mother and her infant child get help with baby food and diapers at San Gabriel Region's San Juan Diego Center.
Attendees at the Partnership in Service Awards Dinner included, left to right: Fr. Larry Gosselin, O.F.M., Associate Pastor, Santa Barbara Mission and a new Catholic Charities’ advisory board member; Fr. Gregory Boyle, S.J., Director, Homeboy Industries; and Msgr. Emigdio Herrera, Pastor, St. John Neumann, Santa Maria.
Santa Barbara County Hosts Volunteer
Recognition Dinner
Message from the Executive Director,Monsignor Gregory A. Cox
Los Angeles is home to 1,350 gangs which include approximately 120,000 gang members. Our gangs are Asian (Black Dragons), African American (Bloods), Hispanic (18th Street Gang) and White (Public
Enemy No.1). Last year, there were approximately 270 gang related killings. We read the newspapers and watch television news about innocent victims who lose their lives because of drive-by shootings.
There are a number of ways to address gang violence in the three counties of Los Angeles, Santa Barbara and Ventura. The one that Catholic Charities proposes is gang prevention. The goal of this program is to reach the youth at an early age before they join a gang. Catholic Charities would use our existing sites, scattered throughout the three counties, to provide programs such as education, mentoring, spirituality, athletics, case management and family counseling. We would work in partnership with the parishes, law enforcement and other agencies to provide these services.
No one organization can resolve the gang problem in our communities, but the Church can play a major role in addressing this issue at its roots. We marry, baptize, educate and provide supportive communities that enhance family life. Our normal contact with gang related issues is at the funerals of gang victims. We need to invest our resources in education and programs that work as deterrents to gang involvement. The Archdiocese of Los Angeles has 287 parishes, 208 elementary schools and 26 high schools. These are the invaluable resources with which Catholic Charities plans to collaborate, utilizing our personnel and programs in providing children and families with social options other than joining a gang. ✤
Time for a Year End Review?
Include Us in Your Planning.As we approach year-end, remember that there’s still time to lower your tax bill through a gift to Catholic Charities of Los Angeles, Inc.
Your tax deduction will equal the full value of your gift to us. If you give appreciated securities, you’ll get the additional benefit of using an asset that costs less than the deduction it will return, with no capital gains liability.
This is also a good time to review your estate planning, If you update your will, remember the benefits of a bequest to Catholic Charities. You’ll be building our future financial strength without affecting your current assets or cash flow.
You may contact Alexandria Arnold, Chief Development and Communications Officer, at [email protected] or (213) 251-3495.
(Not intended as legal, tax, or investment advice.)
DONATE THAT OLD CAR!IT CAN WORK MIRACLES!
C atholic Charities' annual City of Angels Christmas Gala will be held on Friday, December 6, 2013 at
The California Club in downtown Los Angeles.
Highlights of the evening will include a special vocal performance by Grammy-nominated East Los Angeles native Suzanna Guzman, accomplished mezzo-soprano and host of Open Call on KCET.
Proceeds will benefit the poor children and families served by the community centers of Catholic Charities. For more information about the Christmas Gala, please call (213) 251-3495. ✤
Suzanna Guzman to Give Vocal Performance at Christmas Gala
It’s Easy! Catholic Charities will arrange to sell your car and the proceeds will help those in need.
Call toll free to (855) 370-4483 or visit www.CatholicCharitiesLA.org and click on the car icon on the Home Page.
CYO Launches Sports Development Fund
C atholic Youth Organization (CYO), a program of Catholic Charities of Los Angeles, Inc., launched the Sports Development Fund program with a
$35,000 grant from the Conrad N. Hilton Foundation. CYO worked closely with the Archdiocese of Los Angeles' Catholic Education Foundation in the formation of the program and the administration of grant funds.
The Sports Development Fund helped start new programs in boys’ and girls’ soccer, softball, and boys’ volleyball. The participating schools received uniforms and equipment for up to two sports per school, and were given funds to cover costs for registration, officials, facilities, “Play Like a Champion” coaches’ training, and coaches’ stipends.
The CYO program benefitted 13 schools that met the requirements for participation in the program, which involved commitment to field a new team, to provide a coach, and to ensure that boys and girls participate.
“The softball season was a wonderful experience for the girls,” said Dr. Joan Shoff, principal of St. Patrick School. “They made a big improvement of their skills over the season.”
Carolina Gomez, principal of Assumption School in Los Angeles, likewise expressed gratitude and said, “We are very fortunate to have been given the opportunity to offer two more sports to our
students. Thank you, CYO!”
CYO will be extending the Sports Development Fund program for boys’ and girls’ basketball in the next school year. For more information about the program, please call the CYO office at (213) 251-3454. ✤
Jamie De Rose, CYO Associate Program Director (left), and James McGoldrick, CYO Director, coordinated the implementation of the Sports Development Fund.
The 2012-2013 Catholic Youth Organization (CYO) Champions were recognized at the Annual Awards Banquet held at Dodger Stadium. Awards were given for various sports, Overall Athletic Achievement (Director’s Cup), Male and Female Athletes of the Year, and Coach of the Year.
Youth participants learn sportsmanship and camaraderie through competitive athletics.
CYO Champions Honored at Dodger Stadium
For more information about the CYO program, please contact the CYO office at 213-251-3454.
Sports Champions
• GirlsVolleyball–AmericanMartyrs• FlagFootball–BeatitudesofOurLord• Bowling–CorpusChristi• CrossCountry-BeatitudesofOurLord• GirlsBasketball–OurLadyHelpofChristians• BoysBasketball–OurLadyHelpofChristians• GirlsSoccer–HolyTrinity,SanPedro• Golf–BeatitudesofOurLord• Softball–SacredHeart,Covina• BoysSoccer–St.Turibius• BoysVolleyball–CorpusChristi• BoysTrack&Field–AssumptionoftheBlessedVirginMary,Pasadena• GirlsTrack&Field–St.Rita• Cheer–OurLadyofPerpetualHelp,Downey
Director’s Cup (Overall Athletic Achievement)• CYO-AmericanMartyrs• East–OurLadyHelpofChristians• North–HolyFamily,SouthPasadena• South–BeatitudesofOurLord
Male Athletes of the Year• SeanStephen-HolyFamily,SouthPasadena• DanielScott-HolyFamily,SouthPasadena
Female Athlete of the Year• BeccaRamirez–Nativity,Torrance
Coach of the Year• BertTriggs-SacredHeart,Covina
1531 James M. Wood Blvd.Post Office Box 15095
Los Angeles, CA 90015-0095www.CatholicCharitiesLA.org
Address Service Requested
A young boy enjoys the outdoors at Summer Camp.
Summer Camp Held at Brownson House
C atholic Charities’ Brownson House Community Services Center in Boyle Heights offered a Summer Camp program for youth from working
poor families through a generous grant from the Dan Murphy Foundation.
Fifty boys and girls, ages seven through 12, were enrolled in the six-week program which was held from 12:00 to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. Activities included reading, science, arts and crafts, theatre, and educational field trips. In addition, there were games and Zumba dance classes.
During the field trips, the boys and girls explored space and science at the Columbia Memorial Space Center. They were informed about the arts at El Capitan Theater and enjoyed the outdoors at Santa Fe Dam and at Prospect Park in Los Angeles. The final outing was a trip to Knott’s Berry Farm.
Participants also learned teamwork and about being “green” through a recycling project that spanned the six-week course. They worked together as a team and, by the end of the recycling competition, the boys and girls
brought in a total of 2,500 recyclable items.
“The children engaged with their peers, building friendship and creating bonds,” said Mary Romero, San Gabriel Regional Director, who may be reached at 323-266-3630 or at [email protected]. ✤
Youth explored and discovered during the educational field trips.
