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'Shepherd's Circle' welcomes Serranos as new CDA co-chairs
By Joyce Coronel, news@catholicsun.org
December 18, 2008
Friends and supporters of the annual Charity and Development Appeal gathered Dec. 3 at the Diocesan Pastoral Center for a Mass and appreciation dinner.
The evening served as a bridge from this year’s efforts, spearheaded by Steve and Denise Zabilski, to the upcoming 2009 appeal. Ric and Davonna Serrano, owners of the popular chain of Mexican food restaurants bearing their name, were introduced as next year’s CDA co-chairs.
The dinner was held in appreciation for those belonging to what is known as the “Shepherd’s Circle,” comprised of those families or individuals who give $5,000 or more to the CDA.
Fr. Gregory Schlarb, vicar of stewardship, thanked Steve and Denise Zabilski for their outstanding service.
“It is because of their leadership and persistence that we achieved over $10 million — it just took us one additional month,” Fr. Schlarb said. “We appreciate how Steve, Denise and their children made all of this possible.”
The Zabilskis were presented with a DVD of their daughter Mary Elizabeth’s speech at a springtime youth festival, as well as a framed photo of their family with Bishop Olmsted.
“Our family was very honored to serve and work with the CDA. When much has been given, much will be required,” said Denise.
Steve, who is also the executive director for the local Society of St. Vincent de Paul, said he was thankful for the leadership of the priests of the diocese, noting that “at every parish we went to, the priest would be talking about the CDA” in spite of challenges.
“We love our Church and have faith in Bishop Olmsted and his vision, but most of all we believe we are called to serve,” Davonna Serrano told the crowd.
“Our family is truly blessed and we are honored and humbled to be chairs,” said Ric Serrano, thanking the past CDA leaders for their example and support.
“Our goal is to become active and encourage others to know that we are our brother’s keepers,” he said.
Fr. Schlarb said the goal for the 2009 CDA is $10.2 million and he hopes for more participation in the annual appeal.
“It’s not about the money, it’s about who’s being helped,” Fr. Schlarb said. “We’re all called to stewardship and to share our gifts.”
He wants people to give from their sustenance and not their surplus, pointing to the biblical call to offering God the first fruits of one’s labors.
A growing circle
Bishop Thomas J. Olmsted expressed his appreciation for The Virginia G. Piper Charitable Trust’s contribution to the CDA.
“For us to [have been able to] move beyond the $10-million threshold, they made a wonderful grant of $500,000,” he said. “As you’re probably very much aware, this stands in a long line of tradition of Virginia Piper and her dedication to the Church.”
The bishop added that the large donation was also granted “in recognition of the decline in the economy of Arizona and the state budget crisis, and the profound effect on many of the CDA programs and services that are seeing increased demands from the people they serve.”
Those in attendance witnessed the unveiling of a new painting in honor of the annual Charity and Development Appeal.
Kathleen Nageotte, a longtime parishioner at St. Maria Goretti in Scottsdale, was commissioned by Fr. Schlarb to capture the Gospel account of the feeding of the 5,000 as inspiration for the annual appeal.
Nageotte, a mother of nine and grandmother of 21, said she was a little nervous prior to the unveiling, but dozens of people, including Bishop Olmsted, applauded as the painting was revealed.
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