Dear Runners and Walkers,

Running, walking, and hiking have always been a part of my life, so I am honored to be the new captain for the running and walking section of Team Samaritan.

I am a wife, mother of three young children, Catholic, and an engineer in the renewable energy industry. My kids attend Our Lady of Fatima Catholic School, where we are parishioners, and I volunteer as a cross-country coach. Running brings me joy, especially when combined with prayer or listening to Catechism in a Year. As captain, I look forward to sharing this joy with you and fostering a sense of community and purpose.

Team Samaritan is more than just a group of runners and walkers; we are a movement dedicated to making a real difference in the lives of those experiencing homelessness in Colorado. Through our fundraising efforts, we directly support Samaritan House, which provides shelter, food, and resources to help individuals and families regain stability and hope. Last year alone, Catholic Charities spanning from Denver to Northern Colorado provided over 275,000 nights of shelter across the Front Range and served more than 640,000 meals. Every step we take and every dollar we raise helps ensure that more people receive the care, dignity, and support they need to rebuild their lives. By joining this team, you’re not just running or walking—you’re being a force for change in our community.

As a team, we will set goals to raise money for Samaritan House—which houses and feeds hundreds of unhoused people. We will train for upcoming local events such as the Colfax Marathon and Bolder Boulder. We will invite our friends to join our community. We will volunteer our time to serve at Samaritan House. We will show our faith through our actions, and we will be conduits for the love of the LORD.

As it is said in one of my favorite choir songs (by Father Peter Scholtes): “They’ll know we are Christians by our love.” Let’s show it to the world!

Thank you for your interest in our team.

Most Sincerely,

Jessica O'Connor