Mardi Gras Changed to All-Virtual Event 

January 11, 2022

The January 22 live-stream is free and open to the public.

After careful consideration, Catholic Charities of the Diocese of St. Cloud announces today that its 40th anniversary Mardi Gras gala and fundraiser will be a virtual event on Saturday, January 22, 2022.

Catholic Charities continues to monitor the Covid-19 situation at the local, state and national levels. With the fast-spreading omicron variant and the impact the virus is having on our community members and employees, Mardi Gras 2022 will be an all-virtual event. The safety of our guests, staff, volunteers, entertainers and vendors is paramount.

The annual “Celebration with a Cause” benefits Catholic Charities Emergency Services, which includes Catholic Charities Food Shelf, and Domus Transitional Housing, a program for women-led families.

The Mardi Gras 2022 virtual celebration will be live-streamed and will feature music by the Vista Jazz Club and this year’s headliner band, the Fabulous Armadillos. Guests will hear inspiring and heartwarming client stories, can bid on silent auction items online, and can support the two benefiting programs during the online Fund-a-Need special pledge appeal.

The silent auction opens Wednesday, January 19, at 12 p.m., and closes Saturday, January 22, at 9 p.m. The January 22 virtual event begins at 7 p.m., and is free and open to the public. Tickets are available with pre-registration at ccstcloud.org.

Mardi Gras is presented by Felling Trailers and SpartanNash, and Catholic Charities is grateful to all sponsors of this year’s event.

Our Recent News

How Catholic Charities Helped Kenneth

By Brittany Hoversten • June 17, 2025
When life feels overwhelming, finding the right support can make all the difference. That is exactly what happened for Kenneth, a 30-year-old father who found himself facing several impossible choices. With overdue bills, rent payments, and the pressure of providing for his children, Kenneth was struggling to keep his family afloat. On top of that, he needed his children’s birth certificates to register them for Catholic Charities' Toys for Tots program, so they could have presents for Christmas.  Though Kenneth had never used the Food Shelf before, he was introduced to our services by a Financial Assistance Program Coordinator, who showed him how utilizing the Food Shelf could ease some of the financial strain. The ability to save money on groceries would allow him to prioritize other needs, like utilities and rent. Our Financial Assistance program assisted Kenneth with obtaining his children's birth certificates and provided him with a cart full of groceries for his family. Additionally, we provided Kenneth with a list of community resources to help him continue moving forward. This assistance gave Kenneth and his family a renewed sense of hope. With a little help from our team, Kenneth felt a weight lift as he began to “dig out” of his financial struggles. The ability to provide his children with meals, secure the birth certificates needed for their Christmas gifts, and access other helpful resources helped him regain some stability during a tough time. Kenneth’s story is a powerful reminder that our work extends far beyond providing food. It is about offering hope, relief, and the tools needed to help individuals and families navigate challenges. Whether it is a grocery cart full of food, helping with essential paperwork, or connecting people to the broader network of resources, every bit of support contributes to making our neighbors’ lives better. We are honored to provide this kind of support to families like Kenneth’s. It is the generosity of our community that allows us to continue serving those who need it most. Whether through food donations, financial gifts, or volunteer time, the contributions we receive leave a lasting impact on our neighbors' lives.

Alexander & Sherise

April 23, 2025
A Journey of Hope and Resilience

Bryce's Pumpkins

By Brittany Hoversten • April 14, 2025
At Catholic Charities Emergency Services, we see countless acts of kindness every day, but a recent donation from a remarkable young man left a special mark on our hearts. On a chilly Friday afternoon, Bryce, a 17-year-old student at Albany High School, donated an impressive 860 pounds of squash. This generous gift highlights the power of community support, proving that even in challenging times, there is always hope. Bryce has grown his own pumpkins, squash, and gourds under the name Bryce Pumpkin’s, which has become known for fresh, locally grown produce. His efforts extend beyond growing, as he sells his harvest at farmers markets and even had a booth at the Made in Minnesota Expo in November, supporting local businesses and sustainable farming. What makes his story even more inspiring is how Bryce uses his success to give back. His donation will directly help families in need through our food shelf, which serves St. Cloud and surrounding areas. Bryce’s squash donation will be a vital part of our monthly food distribution, helping to provide nutritious meals to hundreds of families in our community. His gesture demonstrates not only a heart full of compassion but also the interconnectedness of local farmers, businesses, and families. When young people like Bryce step up, it’s a reminder that the future is well cared for. Bryce’s story proves that even small acts of kindness can grow into something truly transformative. Through donations like Bryce’s, we are able to provide food to those who need it most, including seniors on fixed incomes and single parents working multiple jobs. The connection between local farmers and organizations like Catholic Charities sustains our community and fosters hope for those struggling. Looking ahead to the upcoming growing season, we’re excited to see what other generous community members, like Bryce, will share. His efforts remind us that every small contribution adds up to something much bigger, and it’s not just about the food—we’re also strengthening our community and inspiring hope for all.