Lenten greetings from Centro San Juan Diego!
Today we celebrate Ash Wednesday and begin our 40-day Lenten journey of preparing our hearts for Christ's passion, death, and resurrection at Easter. Catholics are called to dedicate extra time to prayer, fasting, and almsgiving during this liturgical season, give more of themselves and their resources to carry out essential corporal works of mercy, and live the Gospel more fully in their daily lives.
This Lent, we join Pope Francis, Archbishop Aquila, and leaders across the world in their call for prayer and fasting for an end to Russia's invasion of Ukraine:
"As we approach this Lenten season, let us be reminded that Christ alone can deliver us from this broken world, from the evil one who has captured the hearts of so many. Our hope and trust is in Jesus our Lord and Savior who alone can give true peace!" You can read Archbishop Aquila's full press release here.
Ash Wednesday is a special day for prayer and reflection, and has invited all of us at Centro San Juan Diego, in a particular way, to look back at the past few months and see how they have prepared our students, programs, and team for better success this Lent and beyond.
2022 classes and services are already in full swing, we are excited to share some important highlights and updates that have been in the works since 2021.
2021 PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS
Adult Education:
- In July 2021, we celebrated 15 women who earned their GEDs.
- In October, 11 students graduated with Bachelor’s degrees and 3 with Master’s degrees thanks to the collaboration between CSJD and UPAEP (Universidad Popular Autónoma del Estado de Puebla) University in Puebla, Mexico. (Pictured Above)
- We had record numbers of total GED and English class registrations.
- Over 200 students gained basic and advanced computer skills.
Additional Programs and Services:
- 50 people prepared for their USCIS immigration exam and interview.
- 60 individuals learned how to better manage their finances through the Financial Literacy program.
- CSJD’s AARP Tax-Aide site prepared 229 federal tax returns and 223 state returns.
- Over 1,000 clients received free legal consultations through Legal Nights.
- 1,200 people received COVID-19 vaccinations through a collaboration with Vuela for Health.
- 30 community leaders attended trainings on domestic violence prevention and detection and, in turn, presented this information to their own parish groups and apostolates.
New Positions and Desire for Continued Growth
In 2021, Centro San Juan Diego added a Formation and Catechesis Specialist and a Family Support Specialist to our existing programs team! We feel incredibly blessed to offer additional educational support through essential programs designed to enrich the Hispanic community’s experience of both faith and family in the United States.
WELCOME, NEW TEAM MEMBERS!
Since late October 2021, Centro San Juan Diego has added three new members to the team. We are pleased to introduce Maru Gutierrez (left), Roberto Lopez (middle), and Ruby Leon (right). We are confident that their efforts will bear great fruit for Centro's ministry, and for the Hispanic community in northern Colorado!
Maru Gutierrez replaced Erin Scherer as Centro's new Program Manager in mid-November. Maru is from Monterrey, Mexico, and she and her husband and their two daughters came to the United States six years ago. In the past few months, Maru has been working hard to update the processes and procedures of each program.
Roberto Lopez is Centro's newest Program Coordinator, and will be in charge of the UPAEP program as Carla Breton transitions into her new role as Centro's Family Support Specialist. Roberto and his wife, Rusmary, started at Centro as computer teachers and have been generous with their time, talent, and dedication. Now, Roberto is excited to be a full time member of the Centro San Juan Diego team!
Ruby Leon joined the team in October as Centro's Formation and Catechesis Specialist after many years of parish work. She has already coordinated several classes for 2022 including basic and intermediate Bible courses and a workshop for lay leaders who want to improve their preaching abilities.
LET THERE BE LIGHT! ENERGY EFFICIENT BUILDING UPGRADES
Housed in the former Sacred Heart school building, which is over 130 years old, Centro San Juan Diego's facility requires special maintenance and care. As such,
we applied to Energy Outreach Colorado's Nonprofit Energy Efficiency Program (NEEP) in late 2020, and received approval in early 2021!
The NEEP program awards grants for energy efficiency upgrades to nonprofit organizations that serve low-income individuals and families. The goal of the program is to lower the high cost of organizations' energy bills so that savings can be allocated to programs that directly serve the community.
After a series of building walkthroughs and meetings with contractors, NEEP approved significant upgrades to the building's HVAC and lighting systems as well as insulation projects for both the attic and basement windows.
While most of Centro's classes are still offered virtually, the building has started to fill up again with classes, events, and tax preparation services, which makes us all the more grateful for these timely updates!
CULTURAL EVENTS AT CENTRO: SAVE THE DATE!
We hope you can join us for the following events. Please feel free to share these opportunities with others in your community. All are welcome!
You can purchase tickets for Frida Kahlo and the Bravest Girl in the World here.
Book Drive for Honduran Orphanage
¡Se piden libros en español!
If you have any Spanish-language books you would like to donate, please bring them to Centro San Juan Diego before April 12, 2022. Thank you for your support!
