Join Catholic Extension Society on February 27, 2025, at the River Oaks Country Club in Houston, as we honor …

Stan Marek
Chairman and CEO of the Marek Family of Companies

Stan Marek is Chairman and CEO of the Marek Family of Companies, one of the largest interior specialty contractors in the Southwest, with offices in Houston, Dallas, Ft. Worth, Austin, San Antonio, the Rio Grande Valley, Atlanta, and Nashville.

In addition to leading his company, Stan has focused on workforce development and the sustainability of an industry dealing with a broken immigration system. Marek has his own immigrant story; his family immigrated from Czechoslovakia, lived the American dream, and lost everything during the Great Depression, experiencing four years of homelessness. That story is only one reason he has spent the last 25 years advocating for meaningful immigration reform. His other reason, as related to others, is that “it’s the right thing to do.”

Stan is the co-founder of Texans for Sensible Immigration Reform, and a member of the Greater Houston Partnership’s task force, Americans for Immigration Reform.

Stan is the co-author, with Loren Steffy, of “Deconstructed: An Insider’s View of Illegal Immigration and the Building Trades.”

Marek was inducted into the Texas A&M Constructors Hall of Fame in 2015.

His most recent efforts on immigration reform revolve around his support of high impact YouTube films with the creative team at Rational Middle, and hosting thoughtful discussions to educate the community and focus on solutions.

The Spirit of Francis Award

Catholic Extension Society’s Spirit of Francis Award recognizes an individual or group who has made a significant impact on the mission of the Catholic Church in America through service or philanthropy. Spirit of Francis Award recipients are laudable for their commitment “to reach out to the margins of society” in the spirit of St. Francis of Assisi, Pope Francis, and the founder of Catholic Extension Society, Father Francis Clement Kelley.

Event Beneficiary

Proceeds from this Spirit of Francis Award Dinner benefit pastoral and spiritual care for immigrant families.

In Texas, the Catholic faith is strong—and growing. As part of its mission to share the love of Jesus Christ, the Catholic Church in Texas has for many years offered pastoral services and spiritual care to immigrant families. Catholic Extension Society is proud to support these ministries which extend friendship, dignity and God’s presence to all. Proceeds from this dinner will support the ministries of today’s Catholic leaders doing this essential work.

Eighth Annual Houston Spirit of Francis Award Dinner

Event Co-chairs:
Bob and John Parsley

Thursday, February 27, 2025
6:00 PM | Reception
7:00 PM | Dinner and Award Presentation

Venue:
River Oaks Country Club
1600 River Oaks Boulevard
Houston, TX 77019

Make a reservation

Houston Spirit of Francis 2025 Sponsor Tiers

$50,000 – Heroes of Hope
In the spirit of Saint Francis

  • Two (2) tables of 10 with premier seating
  • Signage recognition at the event with the logo
  • Personal recognition at the event from the podium
  • Acknowledgment on-screen at the event
  • Prayers will be offered in an Extension diocese for you and your loved ones
  • Sponsorship acknowledgment on Catholic Extension Society’s website


$25,000 – Instruments of Change
In the spirit of Pope Francis

  • Table of 10 with prime seating
  • Personal recognition at the event from the podium
  • Acknowledgment on-screen at the event
  • Prayers will be offered in an Extension diocese for you and your loved ones
  • Sponsorship acknowledgment on Catholic Extension’s website


$10,000 – Visionaries
In the spirit of our founder, Father Francis Clement Kelley

  • Table of 10 with priority seating
  • Acknowledgment on-screen at the event
  • Prayers will be offered in an Extension diocese for you and your loved ones


$5,000 – Builders of Faith
To honor of those who change lives in Extension dioceses

  • Table of 10
  • Prayers will be offered in an Extension diocese for you and your loved ones

$500 – Individual Ticket

  • One (1) Dinner Ticket
Make a reservation

Click here to learn more about Catholic Extension Society.
For additional information or to make a reservation, please contact Catholic Extension Society’s Event Office at CatholicExtension@DaylaArabella.com or call 617.449.7384.