Grant Impact Story
The speaker for a parish mission can be the key to the success of the event. Amy Mosbacher, Director of Adult Faith Formation and Evangelization at The Epiphany of the Lord Parish in Meadville, had the perfect speaker in mind for their annual three-night mission and turned to the Catholic Foundation for a grant to bring him in.
Father James Sichko is a Papal Missionary of Mercy. “I’ve heard him,” Amy wrote in her grant application. “He's inspiring, humorous, and not afraid to challenge people in their faith life. His message would provide an opportunity for people to reevaluate their spiritual lives and consider how they can make the world a better place.”
The mission was broadly advertised to the local community, hoping to reach Catholics and non-Catholics alike for the three nights of talks by Father Sichko which were followed by social gatherings. “We hope to give people an encounter with Jesus and thus creating intentional disciples. Father Sichko's message is bold, and hopefully it will move people to examine their spiritual life and recommit themselves to living as Christ's followers in the long term.”
The Catholic Foundation awarded The Epiphany of the Lord Parish an Education grant to support bringing in Father Sichko as their speaker. By all measures, the mission was a success. “On the three nights of the mission, the church was packed every night,” Amy shared in her grant report. “Our seating capacity is 550, and it was challenging to find a seat Monday and Wednesday. On Tuesday night there was standing room only.” They have continually received positive feedback from both parishioners and non-parishioners, including those who are not Catholic or Christian. “Father Sichko’s message touched hearts. Hopefully the community will see the Church as a place that welcomes them.”
Further unexpected positive effects of the mission were seen by the parish team who worked to make it a success. A team of 40 people called every active parishioner to personally tell them of the event, and as a result they were able to update their parish database. “There's a residual enthusiasm from the mission underscoring what happens when we pull together to accomplish something,” Amy shared. “Seeing how this mission turned out shows that doing something larger is certainly doable, and it inspired people to come together to make it happen. I think the staff were all inspired to set our goals a little higher and not to be intimidated by high prices for speakers and events.”
“Thank you so much for making this grant available!” Amy wrote in thanks. “Because of your support, we were able to bring in a guest speaker for our parish mission who packed the church. We had parishioners and people from across the community join together in fellowship to hear his message about the goodness of God and mingle at the reception afterward. It wouldn't have happened without you and we are grateful!”
This project was supported by a grant from the Education Endowment of the Catholic Foundation. Your gift to the Foundation in any amount designated for this endowment increases our capacity to award grants for innovative projects and programs throughout northwest Pennsylvania.
“We were able to bring in a guest speaker for our parish mission who packed the church. We had parishioners and people from across the community join together in fellowship to hear his message about the goodness of God and mingle at the reception afterward. It wouldn't have happened without you and we are grateful!”