Read about our donors and the impact they are having on our community.
The Catholic Foundation awards Catholic Social Ministry grants to projects and ministries that embrace and align with Catholic social teaching and answer the Gospel call to respond to needs within the community. While a variety of programs receive grant funding every year, what they all have in common are projects that respect and serve others in need and efforts that realize tangible impact.
As Director of Technology for Saint Stephen School in Oil City, Gregory Knox knew how important it is to incorporate innovative technology in the classroom. He applied for grants from the Catholic Foundation to give the students the opportunity to interact with technology in a hands-on way, stating, “our students are bright and deserving; we want to equip them with the skills to meet an ever-changing world.”
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.
Hermitage, PA
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.