'The Catholic Advantage' celebration on Sept. 8 to honor Christian Brothers and Msgr. Edward Kavanagh

The Catholic Foundation of the Diocese of Sacramento has established a new annual event, set for Saturday, Sept. 8, to recognize the many achievements of Catholic schools and all those who make them what they are today. Proceeds from the evening will support students with the resources they need for success not only now, but in college and beyond.

 "The Catholic Advantage" celebration will set the stage for the induction of two inaugural Lifetime Achievement Award recipients. To be honored that evening will be the Christian Brothers and Msgr. Edward J. Kavanagh for their longstanding and impactful contributions to Catholic schools.

For more than a half-century, Msgr. Kavanagh headed St. Rose Parish and St. Patrick's School and Orphanage in Sacramento. Even his retirement in 2006 did not slow his commitment to the parish community or to the Diocese of Sacramento. Bishop Jaime Soto notes that "one could learn a great deal from Msgr. Kavanagh about Christian living if you have the energy to keep up with him.” And that sentiment is echoed throughout the Sacramento region by clergy and lay leaders alike.

Likewise, the Christian Brothers have made a lasting impact on the diocese that will be felt for years to come. "Sacramento would be a very different place had the Brothers not blessed this community with Catholic, Lasallian education,” notes Lorcan Barnes, president of Christian Brothers High School. "On behalf of our faculty, staff and generations of proud alumni, we thank them for their many years of service and congratulate them on receiving this much-deserved award."

Bishop Soto adds: “The words and deeds of the Christian Brothers will continue to echo throughout the Sacramento Valley and down through the generations. We look forward to recognizing both of these significant and unparalleled contributions in September.”

The Catholic Advantage Celebration is your chance to support the advancement of our Catholic schools and see what makes them the best in Northern California. Registration and networking begin at 5 p.m. at St. Francis High School, located at 5900 Elvas Ave. in Sacramento. The program and dinner will run from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Tickets are $150 each and attendance through sponsorship is also available. For more information, contact Chantal LeFevre at clefevre@scd.org or visit the website of The Catholic Foundation at www.tcfsac.org.