Bishop Ricardo Ramirez to speak at CCMT fundraiser |
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Sunday, 05 April 2009 01:00 |
TOLEDO—Bishop Ricardo Ramirez of Las Cruces, N.M., is the keynote speaker for the 18th annual Urban All-American Celebration, a fundraiser for Central City Ministry of Toledo School (CCMT).
The event, which is sponsored by Mercy Health Partners, is May 5 at 7 p.m. in Toledo at Gladieux Meadows, 4480 Heatherdowns Blvd.
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| Bishop Ricardo Ramirez |
Bishop Ramirez has served as the first Bishop of the Diocese of Las Cruces, N.M., for the past 27 years. He was born in poverty in the border town of Bay City, Texas, to a faith-filled family.
After obtaining his Master of Arts degree from the University of Detroit in 1968, he pursued his Doctor of Humane Letters from Siena Heights University in Adrian, Mich. In 1981, Bishop Ramirez was named Titular Bishop of Vatarba and Auxiliary Bishop of San Antonio by Pope John Paul II.
He knows first-hand the struggles of the poor and is applauded as a voice for those living in poverty, especially the residents along the Mexican border. Bishop Ramirez served as chairman of the Catholic Campaign for Human Development, which is the domestic anti-poverty and social justice program of the U.S. Catholic bishops. Within the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, he sits on numerous committees including the Committee on Hispanic Affairs, which supports cultural diversity within the Catholic church.
Bishop Ramirez is an engaging speaker, addressing topics such as the influence of Hispanics in the church, poverty and the importance of a faith-based education.
Several awards are also to be presented during the Urban All-American Celebration.
The Urban All-American Achievement Award is given to graduates of a CCMT school who have achieved extraordinary success in their personal and/or professional lives. This year’s honorees are Cheryl Durst, a 1976 graduate of St. Angela Hall who is now executive vice-president and CEO of the International Interior Design Association in Chicago, Ill., and Michael Cook, a prominent Toledo dentist and 1969 graduate of St. Ann School. Dr. Cook resides in Sylvania with his wife, Kathy, and four children.
The CCMT Service Award honors an individual who has made an outstanding contribution to Catholic education in the central city. This year’s recipient is Joan Neuser, who served as the office secretary at Rosary Cathedral School for 30 years. After retirement, Mrs. Neuser continued to serve as a pre-school reading volunteer. She has made a positive impact on several generations of students enrolled in the school.
Two CCMT students are also to be recognized as the winners of the CCMT essay contest. Each is to read his/her essay about how their school helped shape them spiritually, socially and intellectually.
CCMT operates two Catholic elementary campuses in the central city: Rosary Cathedral and Queen of Apostles. The school provides a life-lasting, faith-based education to 450 children, many of whom are considered “at risk.” The CCMT campuses provide clear goals and expectations, strict discipline and strong academics in a safe and secure environment.
Individual tickets for the Urban All-American Celebration can be purchased for $100. Sponsorship levels are still available, and most include a “Sponsor’s Reception” with Bishop Ramirez and advertising in the program book. Proceeds for the event provide tuition assistance to CCMT students. For tickets contact Deb Marinelli, event coordinator, at 419-244-6711 ext. 220.
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Last Updated on Thursday, 04 June 2009 09:17 |
