Denver Catholic

Fire From Page 2 Meanwhile, a group of parish social outreach ministers and Stephen ministers set up camp at St. Gabriel the Archangel Parish in the northeast part of Colorado Springs to serve those whose homes had burned or were forced to evacuate. "I started getting calls last night from parishioners whose homes were destroyed," said Deacon Ed DeMattee, head of the ministry team. Most were members of Our Lady of the Pines Parish in Black Forest, he said. Our Lady of the Pines Church was near the mandatory evacuation zone but, as of June 12, was not evacuated. The parish was closed and Masses were suspended. c f a / Local News I 7 Denver Catholic Register I June 19, 2013 Gala celebrates 95 years of Mullen Home The Little Sisters of the Poor of Mullen Home for the Aged celebrated their 95-year anniversary of serving Denver's elderly poor on June 8. The gala took place at the History Colorado Center in Denver. Kevin and Mary McNicholas are presented a gift from by Little Sisters Therese Marie, left, and Mary Emilie. Photo by James Baca provided courtesy Mullen Home Dan Spadaro, a member of Corpus Christi Parish in Colorado Springs and columnist for The Colorado Catholic Herald, received a visit at his ranch from police just before 9 p.m. that he and his family, including his pregnant wife and five children, would have to leave their 5-acre property in Black Forest. With the help of friends, Spadaro was able to relocate his 10 goats that night to the designated animal safe haven at the Elbert County Fairgrounds. Doug and Jennifer Brummel, directors of marriage and family life ministry at Our Lady of the Pines, and their seven children were forced to evacuate from their Black Forest home and were staying at the parish house of St. Patrick Church in Colorado Springs, where they act as consultants. As of June 12, their home was intact. Fran and Larry Rutherford, who were out of town when the fire hit, heard June 12 their Black Forest home had been destroyed. The Rutherfords, who had lived in the home for decades, were unable to retrieve any family heirlooms, photo or memorabilia, said their son Ian, who also has a home in the area. St. Patrick pastor Father Larry Solan offered to have Our Lady of Pines parishioners attend Mass at St. Patrick the weekend of June 15-16, Brummel added. "People have just been remarkable with their help and support," he said, but he added that, due to the number of parishioners affected by the fire, "it's going to be a long road ahead." Gov. John Hickenlooper declared a state disaster for the three fires and ordered $10 million to pay for firefighters' efforts and other costs. Nearly 200 guests enjoyed a tour of the museum exhibits prior to seating for a delicious dinner. A new video by Jack Creamer was shown highlighting the history of the Little Sisters and the elderly residents they serve. The event, emceed by Bertha Lynn of 7NEWS, honored Mary and Kevin McNicholas, longtime pillars of the Denver community and strong supporters of the Little Sisters of the Poor. To show their appreciation, Little Sister Mary Emilie presented the McNicholas' with a Papal Blessing of Pope Francis, a St. Jeanne Jugan Award plaque, and two handmade rosaries. An enthusiastic live auction with auctioneer A. J. Nixon, a staff member at Mullen Home, helped raise much-needed funds for the elderly.

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