On June 8, Catholic Charities North Dakota welcomed friends, supporters, and community members to Corpus Christi Catholic Church in Bismarck for the 2026 Caritas Luncheon. It was a joy-filled afternoon spent honoring Leon and Alicia Heick, a remarkable couple whose lives embody the spirit of Caritas through their unwavering love, compassion, and service to others.
We were grateful to see so many people gather to celebrate Leon and Alicia and the incredible impact they have made both locally and around the world. The luncheon provided an opportunity to recognize not only their professional accomplishments, but also their lifelong commitment to helping those in need.
Throughout their careers, Leon and Alicia dedicated themselves to serving others. Leon spent more than three decades supporting cooperative organizations through NISC/NCDC before continuing his work with the State of North Dakota. Alicia devoted an extraordinary 58 years to nursing and nursing education, caring for countless patients and helping prepare future generations of healthcare professionals.
Beyond their careers, the Heicks have lived out their faith through service. Their missionary work in Guatemala and Kenya, support for AIDS orphans and vulnerable families, and ongoing commitment to helping a family in Africa all reflect a deep dedication to caring for others. Closer to home, they continue to share their gifts through volunteer work, parish involvement, music ministry, and support of local organizations serving those most in need.
The Caritas Luncheon was filled with heartfelt stories, gratitude, and appreciation for the many ways Leon and Alicia have touched lives over the years. Their example reminds us that even small acts of kindness can create lasting change and that a life dedicated to serving others leaves a profound legacy.
Thank you to everyone who joined us for this special celebration and helped make the day such a success. It was truly a wonderful day honoring a wonderful couple, and we were blessed to celebrate alongside so many family members, friends, and supporters.
Congratulations, Leon and Alicia, and thank you for being shining examples of love in action. Your legacy of compassion continues to inspire us all.
