Impact Stories

The Warren County Catholic Community is continually growing in their collaboration and relationship-building efforts between the two local parishes of Holy Redeemer and Saint Joseph. One thing on their wish list to continue these efforts was to create an outdoor seating area with a fire pit at Holy Redeemer Parish where many faith formation groups and other parish groups could gather. From youth groups to OCIA sessions, small group gatherings for young families to visiting priests, the possibilities for use of the space were endless.

As the world becomes more technology-reliant, not keeping up means losing out on opportunities for education and community. For Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish in Mercer, upgrading their wi-fi network and other technology was no longer a want, but a necessity.

Each year, the National Catholic Youth Conference (NCYC) attracts students from all over the country. Father Kevin Holland, pastor of Saint Boniface Parish in Kersey, knew this could be an impactful experience for his faith formation students. He sought a grant from the Catholic Foundation to support their attendance.

Each year, the staff of Saint Mary Parish in St. Marys, as well as formation staff who serve the three parishes of St. Marys, are offered opportunities for spiritual formation within the parish and in the surrounding area. Wanting to go outside of their locale for once, The Defending the Faith Conference at Franciscan University in Steubenville seemed to be the right fit.

In anticipation of the parish summer Vacation Bible School (VBS) based on the biblical story of Daniel, Sarah Beaver, Coordinator of Youth Ministry at Our Lady of Peace Parish, planned a pilgrimage for VBS youth leaders. This pilgrimage was supported by a grant from the Catholic Foundation.

Paulist priest Reverend Ricky Manalo, CSP, Ph.D. is a nationally known composer, theologian, and author. Many of his hymns are known to most parish communities. Betsy Williams, Pastoral Associate and Advancement Director at Saint Joseph Parish in Warren, wanted to host Father Manalo for a concert and presentation for the Warren Catholic Community. She was able to plan this special two-day event centered on music and the Eucharist with support from the Catholic Foundation.

Students of the Shenango Valley Catholic School System now have improved theology experiences thanks to new bibles and theology textbooks, purchased through grants from the Catholic Foundation.

The Faith Formation Office of the Diocese of Erie hosted a Confirmation retreat open to all students in the diocese on October 14, 2023. This retreat was supported by a total of $20,000 from three grants from the Catholic Foundation, which in part allowed the retreat to be offered at no cost to any of the participating students.

One of the ministries Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish in Erie provides to the community is the Kinship Ministry. This ministry partners with Catholic Charities Refugee Resettlement to help prepare homes for refugee families resettling in Erie. Kinship Ministry had the idea to assemble their own first aid kits for these families.