Miter dinner draws 1,000 devoted CDA supporters

By Joyce Coronel | February 3, 2009 | The Catholic Sun

More than 1,000 people packed the Sheraton Phoenix Downtown for the Society of the Miter dinner Jan. 14. The annual event is held in appreciation for those who contribute $1,000 or more to the Charity and Development Appeal.

Fr. Gregory Schlarb, vicar of stewardship for the Diocese of Phoenix, said those gathered had “made it possible to continue support for our more than 70 charitable, educational and spiritual ministries which counsel, feed, clothe, house, educate and comfort those in need.”

Ric and Davonna Serrano, the 2009 co-chairs for the CDA, spoke about why they think the CDA is important to the diocesan family.

“Our calling is to spread the Gospel… to work for others, to show them Jesus’ love through our service, a hug, a meal and yes, our financial support,” Davonna said.

The couple realizes that with the ongoing economic downturn, the need for assistance from CDA-funded ministries is greater than ever. And while participation in the annual appeal has hovered around 30 percent of all registered families, they’re hoping that more people than ever will give this year.

“Things may seem bleak,” Ric said, “but we know with God, all things are possible.”

Steve and Denise Zabilski, the 2008 CDA co-chairs, spoke about what leading the appeal had meant to them as a family.

“Our family was honored to serve this diocese and Bishop Olmsted,” Denise said. “When much has been given, much will be required.”

Bob Mulhern, who belongs to St. Thomas the Apostle Parish, said he and his wife, Tina, have been coming to the Miter dinner for about 15 years.

“We support the CDA because it supports the priorities of our own family: faith, values, education and support for the needy,” he said.

Kay Kandas, of St. Mary Magdalene Parish in Gilbert, said she and her husband, Wayne, support the CDA because “it helps people in the diocese that we might not otherwise be able to help.”

Attendees at the event also saw a preview of the CDA video, which debuted in parishes last weekend.

“Please give what you can,” Bishop Thomas J. Olmsted said, “and if possible, an increase over last year’s contribution.”

At the dinner, the bishop also addressed the ongoing difficult economic conditions, and the fact that many of those in attendance know people who have lost jobs and homes.

“This is something that we can’t help but take seriously to heart. All of us together are eager to be part of hope for these people who are suffering,” he said.

Last year the Society of the Miter contributed nearly $3 million to the CDA. Membership in the group has grown steadily, from 420 families in 1994 to nearly 2,000 families in 2008.