More than 750 Catholics gathered at the 42nd annual Cornerstone Gala on Friday, September 27, 2024. This yearly event is a unique and inspiring opportunity for Catholics from across the Diocese of Tucson to come together in fellowship, faith, and fun. With nearly 200 compelling auction items, live entertainment, a delicious dinner, and dancing, guests formed fond memories as part of Arizona’s vibrant Catholic community.
The nearly $300,000 in proceeds from the event support the Cornerstone Fund which was established in 2002 and provides “unrestricted support in the form of grants for the most pressing needs of the Diocese of Tucson in the areas of religious, educational, and charitable works,” said Elizabeth Bollinger, Executive Director for the Catholic Foundation for the Diocese of Tucson. In the past five years alone, the Cornerstone Fund has awarded 56 grants totaling almost $600,000. “The majority of these grants were emergency capital needs for parishes and schools,” said Bollinger.
Given the significant impact of the Cornerstone Fund and the Catholic Foundation as a whole, Bollinger said, “Every day I try to pause and reflect on the many acts of generosity and kindness I witness in my life. In doing so, I am reminded that, even in times when life feels heavy, God's love and mercy are ever-present. The Catholic Foundation has the privilege to accompany individuals and families as they strive to be the light of Christ in the world, passing on to others some of the blessings they have received.”
One person who shines the light of Christ into the world and is indeed a blessing to others is the 2024 recipient of the Cornerstone Award. The Catholic Foundation was proud to honor Deacon Tony Underwood, the pastoral administrator of Saint Patrick Catholic Church in Bisbee, AZ.
“As his bishop, I have observed Deacon Tony and seen him do wonderful, generous, loving work for the Church,” shared Bishop Edward Weisenburger. “This man has gone above and beyond his ministry. He is an inspirational spiritual director, actively promotes stewardship as both a practical and spiritual act, is very involved in his local and Church communities, and looks at every small detail as an opportunity to encounter Christ. Deacon Tony is known for making himself available to serve in any way that allows strangers and friends to encounter Christ. Deacon Tony cares deeply for each member of his parish community by embodying the selflessness and love that lie at the core of the Catholic faith.”
With past ties to Immaculate Conception Parish in Douglas, and Immaculate Heart School and Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish in Tucson, Underwood and his wife, Jackie, moved to Bisbee in 2000. Three years later, Underwood was ordained as a deacon by Bishop Gerald Kicanas. He has served as the pastoral administrator for Saint Patrick Catholic Church for the last 18 years.
“I need to thank Bishop Weisenburger and Bishop Kicanas for their trust, support, and leadership,” said Underwood. “I never knew that assuming all the duties of pastoral administrator would do this to me: over these many years, it has caused me to fall more deeply in love with Our Lord and His people.”
Underwood oversaw the $180,000 restoration of Saint Michael Mission in Naco, a true gem for the Cochise Vicariate, as well as the $500,000 restoration of Bisbee’s Saint Patrick Catholic Church's century-old stained-glass windows. However, Underwood said the true treasure and beauty of the Bisbee-Naco community are the people.
“The parishioners of St. Patrick Church and St. Michael Mission invite and welcome everyone to participate in our ministries and activities,” said Underwood. “They scan our landscape, looking for those who are in need and who figure out how we can satisfy that need. What they do in service and ministry not only enriches the lives of those they serve, but also enriches their faith at the same time. They do not just give to a need, but they have a need to give, as an expression of their Catholic identity. They simply and beautifully live out the Lord’s commandment to love Him and neighbor.”
Upon receiving the 2024 Cornerstone Award, Deacon Tony Underwood said, “I’m in awe and am very humbled by this recognition. With great gratitude, I accept this honor on behalf of the people who form St. Patrick Church and St. Michael Mission, together as we give great glory to our beloved God.”
Underwood also thanked his wife Jackie for being his “rock in life, in ministry, and in marriage for 45 years. Beside a good man is a great woman. Jackie has taught me that little things are often the greatest expressions of joy and love. She ministers to the minister.”
The Cornerstone Award included $10,000 to launch the Deacon Anthony Underwood Endowment for Diaconate Formation, held by the Catholic Foundation.
The Catholic Foundation for the Diocese of Tucson “seeks to foster a faith community where its members prayerfully consider their stewardship responsibility and decide to commit a portion of their time, talent, and treasure to serve the mission of Christ in the Diocese of Tucson. We are here to educate, motivate, and invigorate stewardship. We work to support the immediate and long-term needs of the faith community of the Diocese. We maintain and build funds that serve people, ministries, and programs within the Diocese.” With fundraising initiatives such as the Cornerstone Gala, Annual Catholic Appeal, planned giving, and endowments, the Catholic Foundation is able to support the diverse ministries of the Catholic Church in the Diocese of Tucson through grants, Thankful Thursday service projects, and the Cornerstone Award.
“Your support is helping the Catholic Foundation to garner those precious resources to help fund emergency grants for parishes like ours,” said Underwood. “To have the financial need to perform those charitable works throughout the Diocese. To always say ‘yes’ to those who come knocking, seeking help and hope in their lives. You are indeed making possible for many people throughout the Diocese an encounter with the Gospel of life and love, the Gospel of help and hope. We share a common faith, a common purpose, and a common goal.”