Catholic Charity Promotes Planned Parenthood Event During Holy Week

Archdiocese-affiliated group faces backlash for endorsing LGBTQ prom and HIV testing for minors

Apr. 3, 2026 at 1:20pm

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A dimly lit Catholic church in an urban setting, its facade bathed in warm, diagonal sunlight and deep shadows, conveying a sense of quiet contemplation and the sacred during a time of controversy.The quiet solemnity of a Catholic church stands in stark contrast to the controversy swirling around one of its affiliated charities during the holiest week of the year.Santa Fe Today

During the holiest week of the Catholic calendar, the Catholic Charities of Central New Mexico, a social justice organization under the Archdiocese of Santa Fe, promoted events hosted by Planned Parenthood and LGBTQ groups that critics say put minors at risk and contradict Catholic teaching. The charity's actions have sparked outrage among pro-life advocates who are calling for the CEO's removal and a halt to donations until reforms are made.

Why it matters

This controversy highlights tensions between Catholic social service organizations and their duty to uphold church doctrine, especially when it comes to sensitive issues like abortion and LGBTQ rights. The Archdiocese's oversight role is also being scrutinized, raising questions about accountability within the Catholic hierarchy.

The details

On Holy Tuesday, Catholic Charities of Central New Mexico (CCCNM) promoted 'Trans Day of Visibility' on its social media. The next day, on Holy Wednesday, the organization shared information about a 'Lavender Prom' event sponsored by Planned Parenthood's TeenMpower program, which encourages participation from teens and adults and offers free HIV testing.

  • On Holy Tuesday, CCCNM promoted 'Trans Day of Visibility'.
  • On Holy Wednesday, CCCNM promoted a Planned Parenthood-sponsored 'Lavender Prom' event.

The players

Catholic Charities of Central New Mexico (CCCNM)

A social justice organization under the Archdiocese of Santa Fe that has faced criticism for promoting events that contradict Catholic teaching.

Archdiocese of Santa Fe

The Catholic diocese that oversees CCCNM and whose archbishop sits on the charity's board of directors.

Natasha Gacinski

The CEO of CCCNM who is facing calls for her removal over the organization's actions.

Elisa Martinez

The executive director of the New Mexico Alliance for Life, a pro-life advocacy group that has condemned CCCNM's behavior.

Archbishop Wester

The archbishop of the Archdiocese of Santa Fe who sits on the board of directors of Catholic Charities of New Mexico.

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What they’re saying

“This is shocking and sacrilegious behavior coming from a Catholic organization that solicits donations from faithful Catholics, during Holy Week of all times—its affront to every Catholic and a cause for grave concern.”

— Elisa Martinez, Executive Director of New Mexico Alliance for Life

“There is no excuse for this blatant, reckless promotion of evil, especially among children, during Holy Week of all times. There must be accountability from the top down.”

— Elisa Martinez, Executive Director of New Mexico Alliance for Life

What’s next

The New Mexico Alliance for Life is calling on Catholics and pro-life advocates to contact the CCCNM board of directors and demand the immediate firing of CEO Natasha Gacinski. The group is also urging the Archdiocese of Santa Fe, whose archbishop sits on the CCCNM board, to take decisive action including the removal of the CEO.

The takeaway

This controversy highlights the delicate balance that Catholic social service organizations must strike between upholding church doctrine and serving the broader community. The Archdiocese's oversight role is also being scrutinized, raising questions about accountability within the Catholic hierarchy when it comes to sensitive issues that challenge traditional teachings.