Holy Cross Ministries relocates, thanks donors

Intermountain Catholic

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Holy Cross Sisters Mary Ann Pjakowski (center), Jacinta Millan, Suzanne Brennan (back left), Kathleen Moroney, Miriam Joanne Frankenfield, and Jeanette Fettig are surprised with a large carrot cake thanking them for 130 years of service.

SALT LAKE CITY — Holy Cross Ministries cordially invited friends and partners to their "No Show" black tie fund raiser this summer to support the children and families served through their ministries.

Holy Cross Sister Suzanne Brennan, director of Holy Cross Ministries, said there was no need for donors to clutter their calendar marking a date, or having to take away an evening from family and friends, and Holy Cross Ministries did not have to plan another function. Instead of donors spending money to attend an elegant affair, they simply mailed a check for the money they would have spent renting a tuxedo, buying an elegant sequined gown, shoes, and accessories, or money they would have spent on a babysitter. Donors could indicate where they wanted their contributions to be gifted.

The funds raised will be used in the after school programs, immigration legal services, counseling services, parish health, and outreach, which includes prenatal care, life skill classes, translations, assistance in accessing health care, education, and social services.

Msgr. J. Terrence Fitzgerald, diocesan administrator, dedicated the new Holy Cross Ministries facility Aug. 21, which is located at 860 East 4500 South, Suite 204, in Salt Lake City. As part of the ritual he dedicated some of the new spaces in memory of people who have contributed by their lives, beliefs, and example, and who continue to accompany Holy Cross Ministries in their mission as they rest in peace in the arms of our loving God.

A room was dedicated to Father Basil Anthony Mary Moreau, founder of the congregations of Holy Cross; Deacon Aniceto Armendariz, the husband of Alma Armendariz, a Holy Cross Ministries staff member; and Holy Cross Sister Margo Cain, Holy Cross Hospital administrator, executive director of Catholic Community Services of Salt Lake, development director of Holy Cross Ministries, and parish team member of St. Mary of the Assumption Parish, Park City.

Holy Cross Ministries also held a "Donor Appreciation High Tea," in the Empire Canyon Lodge at Deer Valley, Oct. 22, to thank donors for their continued support. The high tea was hosted by Holy Cross Ministries and the Sisters of the Holy Cross. Entertainment was provided by the Children’s Dance Troupe.

"We wanted to recognize our donors for all they do for us," said Sr. Suzanne. "There were about 120 who attended the high tea. We not only receive cash donations, we receive many in-kind donations of food for different events, and much needed school supplies and diapers."

Magolia Ochoa, who has been working in the after school program for the last three years, is a physician. She received her license in Mexico, and is working on receiving her license in the United States.

"She is also a professional dancer, and has been teaching the students to dance," said Sr. Suzanne. "It was wonderful for us to see these children, who are 6 to 12 years in age dance and at the same time exhibit self confidence and rapport with the audience. The older children helped serve the tea. They were nervous, but it gave them a chance to interact with the donors, and it was a positive experience. The high tea was underwritten by Deer Valley, GMAC Automotive Bank, and the Silver Cricket Floral in Park City.

Advancement Committee Chairman Bob Markmann and his wife, Patricia, surprised the Sisters of the Holy Cross with a huge carrot cake thanking them for serving Utah for the past 130 years. The Sisters of the Holy Cross arrived in Utah in 1875, to respond to the health and education needs of the miners, and railroad workers. Embracing innovation and change, the sisters continue to respond to the needs of the times in parishes, schools, and hospitals.