Donor Story
For Dawn and Dan Schaaf, supporting retired priests is rooted in gratitude, faith, and a deep love for the priesthood. Their commitment began more than a decade ago when they became aware of a retired priest struggling with a major life transition. Without nearby family support and long removed from active parish ministry, he faced the challenge of moving into an assisted living community largely on his own.
That experience opened Dawn and Dan's eyes to the unique needs many retired priests encounter and inspired what would eventually become the Methuselah Ministry, dedicated to assisting retired clergy through practical support, companionship, and care. Along the way, they experienced countless moments that deepened their conviction that more could be done.
"Our family has always had a great love for the priesthood and witnessing the continued service these retired guys continue to give inspired our hearts to do more to meet their needs. Methuselah just didn't seem enough, and we desired to find other ways to give back to these men who have given us so much through their vocation of priesthood."
As their ministry grew, so did their desire to create a lasting source of support for priests who had faithfully ministered throughout the Diocese of Erie. Establishing the Dawn and Dan Schaaf Family Endowment through the Catholic Foundation of Northwest Pennsylvania became a natural extension of that mission.
"The personal experiences we shared through Methuselah Ministry, along with countless others, are what moved our hearts to start the endowment with the Foundation," Dan explained. "We are grateful to the Foundation for the successful collaboration to do this."
At the heart of Dawn and Dan’s commitment is a simple hope: that retired priests receive the care, assistance, and dignity they deserve. Through their endowment, they seek to help meet needs as they arise and enhance the lives of those who have devoted themselves to serving the Church.
Their inspiration flows from a Scripture passage that has long guided their family. At the Wedding Feast at Cana, Mary instructs the servants, "Do whatever He tells you." Those words continue to shape how Dawn and Dan discern God's call to serve.
They believe priests who faithfully shepherded their communities deserve the care and support of the people they once served. As Dawn and Dan often reflect, retired priests spent their lives ministering to the Catholic community. Now it is the community's turn to minister to them.
The Schaafs have been especially moved by the personal relationships formed through Methuselah Ministry and by opportunities that remind retired priests their service has not been forgotten. "Witnessing and experiencing these personal connections has brought us a profound sense of the priests' commitment to the flock they said yes to serving," Dawn said. "All for His glory. And so, it's our joy to honor their yes in these small ways."
Through their endowment, Dawn and Dan are creating a legacy that honors those who dedicated their lives to the Church while helping ensure future generations of retired priests receive the care and support they deserve. Their prayer is that this work will remain a lasting expression of gratitude for the faithful priests who have spent their lives serving God's people.
“The personal experiences we shared through Methuselah Ministry, along with countless others, are what moved our hearts to start the endowment with the Foundation. We are grateful to the Foundation for the successful collaboration to do this.”