News

El Paso mourns the loss of Rev. Msgr. Francis J. Smith, P.A., a longtime fixture at St. Raphael Parish and the Diocese of El Paso. Msgr. Smith served as a founding board member of the Foundation for the Diocese of El Paso and was passionate about supporting priests in retirement and St. Raphael School. He retired in 2015 after serving St. Raphael Parish for 29 years.

The Foundation is offering a weekend course in English and Spanish led by Stewardship Coordinator Karina Sandoval at the Tepeyac Institute for parishioners interested in learning how to help their pastors increase parish Mass attendance, ministry engagement and the Sunday collection.

The Foundation kicked off the 2020 Progress Catholic Ministry Appeal on January 14 at St. Pius X Parish. Ministries supported by Progress were in attendance along with 86 parishioners representing 26 parishes. The 2020 goal is to raise $1.9 million from 12,000 participating households.Qualifying churches received Parish Share checks.

The entire diocesan community was invited to a free Advent-Christmas concert featuring the singing priests of the diocese along with the Diocesan Choir under the direction of Mr. Peter Kolar on Sunday, December 15 at St. Mark Parish. The concert was the brainchild of Fr. Germán Alzate and featured solo performances by Fr. Germán, Fr. Tony Celino and Bishop Mark Seitz, all of whom received cheers, thunderous applause and standing ovations.

The Peace and Justice Ministry promotes Catholic social teaching and fosters the social mission of the Church. The ministry is supported annually by Progress, the Catholic Ministry Appeal.

The Foundation for the Diocese of El Paso is pleased to announce the results of the 2019 Mass Attendance Count.

All are invited to an Advent-Christmas concert featuring the singing priests of the diocese along with the Diocesan Choir under the direction of Mr. Peter Kolar. The program will include a special musical performance by Bishop Mark Seitz. The concert will take place on Sunday, December 15 at 7:00 pm at St. Mark Church, 11700 Pebble Hills Blvd. Admission is free.

You’ve worked hard, saved diligently and are ready to enjoy your retirement years. Maybe you’re also looking for a way to give back to the organizations and causes that have been important to you. Consider making a gift from your IRA.

Stewardship Coordinator Karina Sandoval invites you to reflect on the needs of your parish community during the holiday season.

Don’t be thwarted by not having millions or thousands to give — even small donations can go a long way. There are some deadlines you need to be aware of. Don’t miss out!