The Mausers' story illustrates how the benefits of sponsoring a child through CFCA can be surprisingly far-reaching. CFCA calls this the ripple effect of sponsorship. After their son, Daniel, was killed in the shootings at Columbine High School in Littleton, Colorado, on April 20, 1999, the Mausers decided to use donations they received in Daniel's name to build a parochial school in Evi's town of San Ixtan, near the El Salvador border. At the same time the school was being built, a group of students were pressing Msgr. Greg Schaffer for a library in the town of San Lucas Toliman, a few hours from San Ixtan. Msgr. Schaffer is pastor of San Lucas parish and a CFCA board member. “I didn't know how they were going to do it, but I offered to raise the money,” said Msgr. Schaffer. Word of Msgr. Schaffer's fund-raising efforts spread to CFCA President Bob Hentzen, who lives in San Lucas. Bob showed the library site to the Mausers and suggested they support its construction with money from the Daniel Mauser Memorial Fund. Tom and Linda were surprised and deeply moved by the idea of building a library in honor of Daniel, who died in the Columbine library. Tom considered the connection an unusual coincidence because Msgr. Schaffer initially didn't know the circumstances of Daniel's death. The Mausers were heartened by the school and library projects. “When you have suffered the way we have, it helps to see you are not alone,” said Tom. “These people have just come out of 40 years of civil war. It was very touching to see their smiles and their spirit, despite the poverty.” The Daniel Mauser Memorial Library opened in December 2000. Today, the library contains more than 7,000 books and is a busy hub for students and adults at every level. “The Daniel Mauser Memorial Library has been a marvelous addition to our whole community,” said Msgr. Schaffer. “We are forever grateful to the Mausers for making this possible.” While the ripple effect of the Mausers' sponsorship extended to several communities, CFCA sponsors have the chance to make an impact in one person's life. Sponsorship is a relationship of mutual support that provides encouragement and life-enhancing benefits to children and aging persons in 26 economically developing countries in Latin America, Asia, Africa and the Caribbean. For $30 per month, the impact is great. CFCA sponsorship is a manifestation of the Church's social doctrine, which teaches Catholics to build a just society and live lives of holiness amidst the challenges of modern culture. For more information on CFCA, click here to visit our website, or call (800) 875-6564. |
May 13, 2006
Ripple Effect of Sponsorship Creates Legacy of Learning
