Urban All American Celebrartion Announces Keynote Speaker
Bishop Ricardo Ramirez to address
influence of Hispanics in the church, poverty
April 14, 2009 – Toledo, OH- Central City Ministry of Toledo (CCMT) is pleased to announce Bishop Ricardo Ramirez of Las Cruces, New Mexico as its keynote speaker for the 2009 Urban All-American Celebration. Sponsored by Mercy Health Partners, the UAA is a fundraiser for CCMT School. The event will be held at 7:00 p.m., Tuesday, May 5 at Gladieux Meadows, 4480 Heatherdowns Blvd. Steven L. Mickus of MHP is the Honorary Chairman.
Bishop Ricardo Ramirez has served as the first Bishop of the Diocese of Las Cruces, NM for the past 27 years. He was born in poverty in the border town of Bay City, TX to a faith-filled family. After obtaining his M.A. degree from the University of Detroit in 1968, he pursued his Doctor of Humane Letters from Siena Heights University, Adrian, MI. In 1981, Bishop Ramirez was named Titular Bishop of Vatarba and Auxiliary Bishop of San Antonio by Pope John Paul II.
He knows first-hand the struggles of the poor and is applauded as a voice for those living in poverty, especially the residents along the Mexican border. Bishop Ramirez served as Chairman of the Catholic Campaign for Human Development, which is the domestic anti-poverty and social justice program of the U.S. Catholic bishops. Within the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, he sits on numerous committees including the Committee on Hispanic Affairs, which supports cultural diversity within the Catholic Church. Bishop Ramirez is an engaging speaker, addressing topics such as the influence of Hispanics in the church, poverty, and the importance of a faith-based education.
The 18th annual Urban All-American is presented by the Diocese of Toledo’s Central City Ministry of Toledo (CCMT) which operates two Catholic elementary campuses in the central city: Rosary Cathedral on Collingwood and Queen of Apostles on Broadway/Courtland in the Historic Old South End. CCMT provides a life-lasting, faith-based education to 450 children, many of whom are considered “at risk.” The CCMT campuses provide clear goals and expectations, strict discipline, and strong academics in a safe and secure environment.
Urban All-American Celebration
March 25, 2009
Page Two
Two individuals will be honored at the event with the Urban All-American Achievement Award which is awarded to those graduates of a CCMT school who have achieved extraordinary success in their personal and/or professional lives. This year’s honorees are: Ms. Cheryl Durst, executive Vice-President and CEO of the International Interior Design Association, Chicago, Illinois (1976 graduate of St. Angela Hall) and Dr. Michael Cook, a prominent Toledo dentist (1969 graduate of St. Ann School). Dr. Cook resides in Sylvania with his wife Kathy and four children.
The CCMT Service Award is presented to an individual who has made an outstanding contribution to Catholic education in the central city. This year’s recipient is Mrs. Joan Neuser of West Toledo, the former office secretary at Rosary Cathedral School for 30 years. After retirement, Joan continued her service to the students of Rosary as a pre-school reading volunteer. She has made a positive impact on several generations of students enrolled in the school.
Two CCMT school students will also be recognized as the winners of the CCMT essay contest. Each student will read his/her essay about how their CCMT school helped to shape them spiritually, socially and intellectually.
Individual tickets for the Urban All-American Celebration can be purchased for $100, and sponsorship levels are still available; most include a “Sponsor’s Reception” with Bishop Ramirez and advertising in the program book. Proceeds for the event will be used to provide tuition assistance to CCMT students. For tickets contact Deb Marinelli, Event Coordinator, at 419-244-6711, ext. 220.
Press Release Contact Name: Deborah Marinelli
Press Release Contact Email: [email protected]
Press Release Contact Phone: 419-244-6711 ext. 220
Organization Name: Toledo Diocese
Website or Link: toledodiocese.org
Organization Address: 1933 spielbusch ave., toledo, OH, 43604
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