Denver Catholic

9 DENVER CATHOLIC | JANUARY 9-22, 2016 with children age 5 and under and preg- nant women. "It may not be what you think of when you think of someone starving; it comes out in more subtle ways," Numme said. "They might be getting enough calories but the food may not have the nutrients they need so we see lots of cavities and kids too small or too big for their age. Kids who aren't getting enough to eat are more likely to have developmental issues. They may not be able to identify shapes and colors." Though the sad reality of hunger in the local community will be presented to build awareness and empathy, youth will also learn how to turn their compassion into action. "We'll be talking about the good news: the food banks and organizations that send kids food home in backpacks every weekend during the school year and in the summer," Murphy said. "We'll have a fair (at the summit) where participants can ask questions of volunteers who help." Participants will explore building awareness through poetry, art and social networking—what fits their interests, skills and potential audience. "We're really focusing on the ability of participants to get involved so they are empowered to do something," Murphy said. "We want them to think, 'How can I bring this back to my parish or school or youth group?'" Youth want to help but need to know how to do so, said Teri Lauwers, religious education director at St. Joseph's. "Until our young people have an expe- rience such as the hunger summit, the reality of those struggles … may just seem like a story," she said. Organizers are reaching out to students in parish religious education programs and in Catholic schools, especially those preparing for confirmation. "We want to capture the youths' imagi- nations early on," Murphy said. "A personal connection captivates you for life." Cost of the summit is $5 per person. St. Joseph Parish Education Center is located at 968 Ulysses St. in Golden. Most Precious Blood Parish Center is located at 2250 S. Harrison St. in Denver. CELEBRATE LIFE WITH US January 15-16 YOUTH RALLY Middle and High School Students! Friday, January 15, 2016 | 6 pm - 9 pm Bishop Machebeuf High School 458 Uinta Way, Denver, CO 80230 SPEAKERS INCLUDE: Sisters of Life Christ in the City Missionaries Students for Life Servants of Christ Jesus Nashville Dominicans St. John Vianney Seminary Vigil Praise Team MARCH TO CELEBRATE LIFE Saturday, January 16, 2016 | 11:30 am - 3 pm Downtown Denver SCHEDULE: 11:30 am - Masses Downtown at Cathedral Basilica of the Immaculate Conception Holy Ghost | St. Elizabeth of Hungary 12:30 pm - Processions to the Capitol 1:00 pm - Rally at the Capitol 2:00 pm - March for Life. Register your school, church, family and friends today at liferockymountains.org The response to the first RCCS clinic in Denver was so positive that it has since grown to boast six clinical sites throughout the Front Range, in addition to providing multiple other outreach psy- chological services to Catholic schools and archdiocesan ministries. "I have been honored to work with some of the finest psychologists, therapists and support staª that I have ever known," Benes said. "They love the Lord and desire to serve Christ and the Church with their lives. It doesn't get much better than that." She added that she'll miss everyone and that "the people of the Archdiocese of Denver will remain in my heart and prayers forever." Benes and her husband, Greg, will be moving back to Lincoln, where she plans to continue to serve the Church in what- ever manner she's called. She's currently in the process of establishing a consul- tation private practice that will assist dioceses around the country with the development of other Catholic mental health ministries. What she's looking forward to most, though, is spending more time with her family — and especially her grandchildren. retires after long, fruitful career Two summits organized by the St. Vincent de Paul Society seek to educate young people on youth hunger in Colorado. Statistics from the 2015 Kids Count in Colorado report that nearly 1 in 5 Colorado kids may not have enough food to eat. COURTESY ST. VINCENT DE PAUL SOCIETY compassion into action FOR MORE INFORMATION Contact Elaine Murphy at murphyemary@gmail.com

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