Catholic Diocese of Spokane, Washington

From the

Official News Magazine of the Diocese of Spokane

(From the Dec. 15, 2005 edition of the Inland Register)

On Sunday, Dec. 4, the Assumption Parish Moms Group in Spokane hosted, for the second year, Catholic Charities’ Childbirth and Parenting Alone (CAPA) doula Christmas party. The group provided homemade gingerbread houses and supplies, dozens of homemade cookies, and sent Santa down from the North Pole to visit. This wonderful gift was greatly appreciated by all of the women who volunteer for and are served by the CAPA Program. (IR photo from Catholic Charities)

A raffle to raise money to support the Holy Land Rosary Project concluded Dec. 6 with prize drawings at the Catholic Pastoral Center.

Connie Smith of Spokane was the winner of the first prize of a hand carved olivewood figure of the Holy Family. Second and third prizes went to Fran Trail and Christina Miller, both of Colville. All prizes came from Catholic Relief Services Work of Human Hands fair trade craft program.

The Rosary Project provides needed employment for Christian rosary makers in the Holy Land. Their hand-made olive wood rosaries are purchased and given to each child Confirmed by Bishop Skylstad during the course of the year.

The raffle’s proceeds, some $366, will be used to purchase new rosaries.

Charity Navigator, a national analysis group which examines the efficiency of non-profit organizations in the United States, has given Catholic Charities of Spokane a four-star rating for fiscal management – its second such annual rating in a row.

“This ‘exceptional’ rating from Charity Navigator differentiates Catholic Charities, Spokane, from its peers and proves that it’s worthy of the public’s trust,” wrote Trent Stamp, executive director of Charity Navigator.

“This confirms to our donors that Catholic Charities, Spokane, puts their gifts to use appropriately and responsibly,” said Rob McCann, Charities’ Executive Director.

Catholic schools and households have been observing the traditions of Advent, including these fifth graders at Cataldo School, Spokane. Each class in the school has been utilizing an Advent wreath during the season before Christmas. From left: Elizabeth Byers, Eli Ryder, Madalyn Heutmaker, Griffin Hare, Nicolyn Restivo, Joe Lenoue, and Trevor Cote. (IR photo from Cataldo School, Spokane)