Denver Catholic

"It is more blessed to give than to receive." (Acts 20:35) DISCIPLE OF THE MONTH Beloved Volunteer Awarded Posthumous Disciple of the Month Celebrating MICHAEL CORDOVA Archbishop's Catholic Appeal, "Disciple of the Month." "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith." (2 Timothy 4:7). Michael Cordova was nominated to be Disciple of the Month earlier this year, but this dedicated volunteer passed away before he could be officially named. It was decided to posthumously award Cordova this special distinction from the Archbishop's Catholic Appeal. Once word of his award got out at Holy Name Catholic Church in Sheridan, numerous anecdotes and tributes were sent into the archdiocese confirming the magnitude of the late Cordova's legacy of discipleship. "I could always count on Mike. In my worst times, he was there suffering with me. In my times of joy, he was joyful with me," said Donald Hannon. "True friend! True Disciple!!" Angie Woods, Holy Name music director, said: "Despite suffering many physical infirmities, including injured knees, a bad back, and macular degeneration that caused him to rapidly lose his sight at the end of his life, Mike never stopped serving." Cordova was a fourth-degree member of the Knights of Columbus and served in many positions including grand knight. He taught religious education, was a lector, an usher, Eucharistic minister and handyman. He attended Denver Biblical and Catechetical School, which he put to good use evangelizing to others, said Graham Haworth. "Mike rarely took a seat for himself and was often the first to arrive and last to leave," said Cheryl Hall. "When someone told Mike they wish others could be like Mike, he would just stop and say, 'no, be better!'" After Cordova passed, the parish had to create a special spread- sheet called "Mike's Tasks" just to make sure none of his jobs got missed. Even in his passing, Cordova was helping others become better people, passing on the baton of evangelization, charity, and good works, Hall said. Maybe the best tribute to Cordova is to share his own words written in a letter to his son. "Maturity is responsibility and the most important thing you can do is put God first in your life always. If he calls you to act, respond with a resounding YES. Keep your heart and ears open so that when he does call, you will be receptive to his voice." 20 23 D I SCI P LE O F TH E M O NTH

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