Donor Story
When Father James McCormick, pastor of Saint James Parish, guided the merging of the parish communities entrusted to his care, he recognized both the weight of significant change and the opportunity for renewal. While managing multiple church buildings was sustainable for a time, the eventual decision to sell Mount Calvary Church prompted a deeper reflection. Father McCormick and the parish leadership were committed to honoring the spirit and legacy of a parish community that had flourished for nearly 75 years.
A prudent pastor and thoughtful administrator, he worked closely with the parish finance and pastoral councils to discern how best to preserve Mount Calvary’s legacy. He also engaged the Catholic Foundation of Northwest Pennsylvania to gain a clear understanding of its services, including investment stewardship, performance, and the safeguards in place to ensure that any established funds would directly benefit the Saint James parish community.
Confident in the Foundation’s strong governance and faithful stewardship, Father McCormick and the parishioners moved forward with a clear plan. The entire proceeds from the sale of Mount Calvary Church, School, and Rectory were placed into a newly established, non-endowed fund designed to carry its legacy into the future. “The Mount Calvary Legacy Fund will support outreach, maintenance, faith formation, and other charitable initiatives, ensuring that the love and legacy of Mount Calvary parishioners endure,” Father McCormick explained. The fund also retains the flexibility to become a permanent endowment in the future.
The purpose of the fund reflects both pastoral vision and practical wisdom—rooted in accountability, collaboration, and deep respect for those who built the Mount Calvary community. Father McCormick understands that while buildings may change, the mission of the Church endures. With the support of the parish councils, he has created more than a financial resource; he has built a bridge between past and future. In doing so, he ensures that the faith, generosity, and spirit of service and outreach that defined Mount Calvary will continue to bless the parish community for generations to come.
“I appreciate your help in making our dream a reality.”