We Care Project’s $10,000 missionary award matched by the diocese

Morgan, MN - Mary Larsen, the 2003 recipient of Catholic Extension's Lumen Christi Award, knew that she was to receive a $10,000 award for her garage ministry, the We Care Project, which provides food and necessities to some 200 families each month.

What she didn't know was that her bishop, Bishop John C. Nienstedt, would match that gift with a portion of the $25,000 award Catholic Extension bestows to the nominating bishop to use in his diocese.

Larsen was speechless when Bishop Nienstedt made the announcement Sept. 27, 2003 during the Lumen Christi Award presentation at her church, St. Michael, Morgan. "That was really a surprise - but wonderful! We will spend it on food," she said, adding that the $20,000 will allow We Care Project to help more families "in different ways."

This year marks the 26th annual Lumen Christi award given by Catholic Extension. Nominations, made by U.S. bishops, are judged by a prestigious panel. For more than 20 years, Larsen, 77, has operated the We Care Project from her four-car garage with the help of her son, Joe, sibling Sr. Magdalen Schwab, and Sister Gladys Meindl.

Learn more about Catholic Extension, call 888-47-FAITH (888-473-2484) or visit www.catholic-extension.org.