Denver Catholic

3 DENVER CATHOLIC | DECEMBER 22, 2018-JANUARY 25, 2019 T he National Western Stock Show is a historical event that has been celebrated in Colorado since 1906. For over 100 years, the stock show has presented many activities and shows for family enjoyment, among them livestock, horse, trade shows, exhibitions and rodeos. Twenty-fi ve years ago, the fair organizers decided to add a Mexican Rodeo, and that was the beginning of The Mexican Rodeo Extravaganza. In 2019, the National Western Stock Show is supporting various Catholic ministries. If you would like to attend the Catholic Families Night which will be celebrated at the Mexican Rodeo Extravaganza on Sunday, Jan. 13 at 6:30 p.m., buy your tickets with the promo code: (Catholic). To support the Black Catholic Ministries by attending the Black Cowboy Rodeo, which will be cel- ebrated at the Martin Luther King, Jr. Rodeo on Monday, Jan. 21 at 6 p.m., use promo code: (ARCHDEN). Gerardo (Jerry) Diaz, known as El Charro de Corazon, was assigned as the producer of the Extravaganza. He spoke with the Denver Catholic about charrería, his faith and his friend- ship with Father Tomás Fraile. "First, I want to say that I am very honored that God has given us the blessing, and the ideas to make this beautiful show, which is the most fes- tive and colorful of the Stock Show," said Diaz. Jerry is a man of great faith and he brings God to every one of his presen- tations. As part of its tradition, "From the very fi rst show [celebrated 25 year ago], 20 minutes before the show, we gather together — everybody, the char- ros, dancers, riders, even the president and the coordinators of the fair —and we pray. We always invite a priest or a deacon to lead the blessing. It's in our hearts, as people of God. I never start any show without the blessing of God. Without God one is nothing," he said. The Archdiocese of Denver is thank- ful for the families that participated last year, contributing to the fundraiser with the purchase of their ticket. We hope to see you again at the rodeo! Around the Archdiocese JOIN US AT THE HEIGHTS FOR SUMMER CAMP 2019! Registration opens for Youth and Family Camp January 23rd, 2019 970-586-5689 7400 State Hwy 7 Estes Park, CO 80517-6409 Annunciation Heights is located at the base of Longs Peak and Mt. Meeker, near Rocky Mountain National Park, and only two miles north of Camp St. Malo on Highway 7. annunciationheights.org Our Lady of Fatima 1985 Miller St., Lakewood, CO 80215 (303) 233-6236 | www.fatimalakewood.com CHRISTMAS EVE 4:00 p.m., 7:00 p.m. & 10:00: p.m. CHRISTMAS DAY 7:00 a.m., 9:00 a.m. & 11:00 a.m. NEW YEAR'S EVE 6:00 p.m. NEW YEAR'S DAY 7:00 a.m., 9:00 a.m. & 11:00 a.m. BY MAVI BARRAZA mavi.barraza@archden.org @MaviBarraza The National Western Stock Show welcomes the Catholic faithful Visit nationalwestern.com, click "Buy Tickets" at the top and enter promo code "CATHOLIC" or "ARCHDEN," depending on which event you'd like to attend. i

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