CLICK HERE to read, FOSTERING HOPE FOUNDER from the Gazette, Colorado Springs

Nick Colarelli died yesterday. Nick and his family founded Fostering Hope, an organization to support children in the foster care system. He opened doors to many children in foster care so they could be welcomed into a supportive environment and a stable future. He reached out to faith communities to help support such children. He wanted every child to know security and safety at home and in school. He wanted people of faith to teach children basic skills of cooking or financial responsibility or gardening or whatever skill they wanted to pass on to another generation. Nick’s goal was to invite foster children into a life of adulthood and trust.

Nick was a psychologist. He was a man of deep faith. He spent many years working with clergy in Saint Louis, Missouri and in Colorado. His genuine conversations inspired many people to go the extra mile in service of others. Nick wanted the best for people. He wanted clergy to move beyond their control of parish life and into supporting the human needs of all people. He desired the hungry to be fed and the uneducated to know God. He set flames of hope alive in many hearts, including mine.  

Nick and Margaret raised a family that inspired me while I was their pastor in Colorado. I will never forget going to the gravesite on Margaret’s funeral day. His children and grandchildren all huddled around him as our prayers ended. He was at the center of their concern at that moment. Margaret was the love of Nick’s life and at that moment I watched the family surround him with great compassion. I will never forget their care and love for their father.

My richest memories of Nick were the times we shared lunch. He would call me and ask if I was available the next day to meet at noon. I knew the routine. I never declined. We sat together over Cobb salad and he would lead the conversation. On most occasions, I would take a pen from my shirt pocket and take notes. Nick spoke of his dreams about the Church. He so wanted leadership to be shared. He wanted me to understand the dignity of lay involvement in the Church. He affirmed me when I had done something positive in his eyes. He also told me how to improve my role as pastor. He shared with me his grief when tears came as guest to our table.  

May the angels lead you into paradise;

May the martyrs come to welcome you

And take you to the holy city,

The new and eternal Jerusalem.

Nick, rest in peace.