Fargo Caritas Award Luncheon: Honoring Deb Black

We are honored to celebrate Deb Black, the 2026 recipient of the Fargo Caritas Award, whose life reflects a quiet, steadfast commitment to serving others with humility, faith, and love. The Fargo Caritas Award Luncheon recognizes individuals who live out the mission of Catholic Charities through extraordinary service and compassion, and Deb embodies this spirit in every sense.

Deb Black grew up in the Rugby area and graduated from Rugby High School. Years later, she spoke at a parish teen-group meeting, recalling “that as a little girl, she felt God call her to serve Him through service to others.” As she grew Deb pondered this “call” as she learned about great Saints and Missionaries who served God by serving the poor and needy, She humbly wondered how she could follow in those footsteps from her life in rural North Dakota.

As life does, Deb’s life moved on. She married her husband, Mike, in 1976. They will celebrate 50 years of marriage this June. Together they raised four children and are the proud grandparents of two grandchildren. Deb and Mike spent many years ranching and later owned and operated a cabinet shop, building both a livelihood and strong roots in their community.

Deb devoted 34 years of her professional life to public service with the USDA Farm Service Agency, where she worked closely with farmers and ranchers, helping them access essential programs and resources. After her retirement, she continued her commitment to caring for others through several years of service with First Light Home Care.

A lifelong member of St. Therese the Little Flower Church, Deb has been deeply involved in parish life. She is a member of Christian Mothers and Catholic Daughters, and she served for several years as a high school catechist, helping to form young people in their faith.

In 2014, Deb felt a strong calling to the Society of St. Vincent de Paul after hearing a presentation by Mike and Michelle DeFoe. The DeFoes had been invited by Fr. Tom Graner to speak following Mass. Drawn by a deep love for serving others—especially those living in poverty—she became one of the founding members and the first president of the local SSVdP conference.

Deb was elected President of the Fargo District Council in 2024. Through this ministry, she enjoys the person-to-person home visits and collaborating with many organizations, building partnerships that strengthen and support those in need.

Deb continues her service today as a board member of the Pierce County Food Pantry and through her involvement with Great Plains Food Bank CSFP distributions. Her guiding philosophy is simple yet powerful: Live the Little Way. “Do small things with great love.” Deb remains deeply humbled and grateful to have been nominated for the Caritas Award by Father Frank Miller, viewing the recognition not as a personal honor, but as a reflection of the many faithful people she has been blessed to serve alongside.

Please join us in congratulating Deb Black and celebrating a life that beautifully reflects the heart of Caritas.

Caritas Award Luncheon

March 17, 2026

11:30 am to 1:00 pm

St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church

710 10th St S

Fargo, ND 58103

To RSVP for the Caritas Luncheon, please RSVP to Melinda at Catholic Charities North Dakota, melinda.ellsworth@catholiccharitiesnd.org by March 3, 2026. An RSVP is required to limited capacity.

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