I have come to know and respect the Rocky Mountain Children’s Law Center through one our parishioners, who is its Founder and Executive Director. Last month, the staff of Holy Trinity and I went to their annual fundraising banquet and during the evening we learned more about the work of the Center on behalf of abused, abandoned and neglected children. We heard some of the life stories of these children, and I don‟t believe there was a dry eye in the house; for instance, Wendy: “Wendy ran away from very abusive parents when she was only 11 year old.  Life on the streets, begging for food and sleeping in abandoned buildings, was preferable to a life of violence and fear. When police picked her up, the Children’s Law Center helped find a loving permanent foster home for her.  The Center helped Wendy and her foster family adjust to each other, and now, years later, Wendy not only found a loving home, but graduated from high school and is now attending the University of Colorado.”

The Law Center changes and saves lives. The personal, individual sacrifices of so many attorneys and counselors who donate of their time and talents have saved the lives of literally thousands of children at risk. Their work is remarkable. This is why I am doing my second “Triple Bypass” ride, on July 11th, to help raise funds for the Center. I will ride my bike for 120 miles over Sqaw Pass, Loveland Pass and Vail Pass. You may wonder if I have all my marbles, yes the ride is difficult, but those children are worth a little of bit of pain.

As you know, I am committed to the pro-life cause and the protection of those who are the weakest: these children have no one to speak for them, except those of us who care. Last year, your generous donations contributed to this great cause. If you wish to sponsor my ride this year, make out a check to Holy Trinity Church, put it in an envelope marked “Fr. Hilton’s Ride”, drop it in the collection or bring it by the parish office. I will also be standing at the church entrance after all the Masses next week to gratefully accept your donation. You can also make a gift to this worthy cause online here – just look for my name. Now I‟d better get on my bike and train!