Below are just a few examples of the good works of parishioners in the Church of northern Colorado during Advent in hopes of making the season merrier for those in need.
Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish in Northglenn held their annual Christmas giveaway Dec. 18 with the City of Northglenn. The parish hosted more than 500 families, some who began arriving at 4 a.m. in anticipation of the 9 a.m. event. The parish provided clothes, toys, coats and other items to stay warm; and the City of Northglenn donated more than 200 bikes. The parish lobby was filled with live piano Christmas music, as well as the smell of popcorn and cotton candy for guests. Santa Claus made an appearance for the children. The event was coordinated by Melani Rohr, director of outreach, along with a team of volunteers “showing the Lord working through the parish at Immaculate Heart of Mary.” (Photos by RJ Sangosti/Denver Post and provided by parish)
St. Thomas More Church in Centennial hosted 612 children from some of the poorest schools in the Denver area to a Christmas party Dec. 9 with Santa, gifts, homemade cookies, candy, pizza, a puppet show and magic show, and arts and crafts. The 32nd annual Project 600 welcomed four- and five-year-olds from inner-city Denver Public Schools, as well as archdiocesan elementary schools. A team of adults and middle- and high-school youths volunteered with the event, started in 1982 by retired DPS teacher and principal Alvina Crouse when she treated 40 of the poorest kids in her own school to a Christmas party. (Photos by Dave Rich/St. Thomas More Parish)
The Father Woody Christmas Party, spearheaded by Regis University, hosted at least 2,200 guests at the Sheraton Denver Hotel downtown Dec. 14. The annual event was launched in 1981 by Msgr. Charles B. Woodrich, better known as “Father Woody,” who spent much of his priestly ministry assisting the less fortunate in Denver. He was also editor of the Denver Catholic Register from 1972-1986. The annual party that continues his legacy provides a holiday meal, complete with turkey and the trimmings, served by hundreds of volunteers, as well as gifts of clothing, coats and toys for all families attending. It is sponsored by Regis University, Holy Ghost Church (where the party was born), the Archdiocese of Denver, The Daniels Fund and the Sheraton Denver Hotel. Extra gifts donated for the party were delivered that day to families in need at area parishes including Holy Rosary, Nativity of Our Lord and Annunciation; as well as Catholic Charities’ ministries including Father Woody’s Haven of Hope day shelter. (Photo by Todd Wollam/DCR)
