2 Churches to Benefit From Fund-Raiser

Two area Catholic parishes, among the neediest in the Los Angeles Archdiocese, are due to receive about $50,000 each in proceeds from an upcoming fund-raiser.

Guardian Angel Church and Mary Immaculate Church in Pacoima, along with St. Mary Church and Presentation of Mary Parish in Los Angeles, Sagrado Corazon y Santa Maria de Guadalupe in Cudahy and Our Lady of Sorrows in Santa Barbara, were chosen as beneficiaries of the 11th annual Cardinal’s Award and Recognition Dinner scheduled Feb. 5 at the Beverly Hilton Hotel.

Last year, 21 parishes and schools shared $350,000 in proceeds from the dinner that attracted 900 guests.

Archdiocese officials say 800 are expected at this year’s $250-a-plate dinner, expected to generate about $300,000 in proceeds. The event’s main purpose is to honor those who have made a difference in Southern California.

More than $2.3 million in proceeds have been awarded in the past decade, said Father Gregory Coiro, spokesman for the archdiocese.

Cardinal Roger Mahony decides which parishes and schools will receive money, and in turn, each pastor decides how to spend it, Coiro said.

At Guardian Angel Church, funds will very likely be used for tuition assistance, educational expenses for teachers and youth ministry leaders, and educational equipment for the school, which has 300 kindergarten through eighth-grade students. The church also 600 students in the its religious education program.

“I’m trying to spread it in all areas,” said Father Juan Enriquez, the church pastor. “Education is the most important.”