When the Catholic Foundation started five years ago, I saw it as an opportunity to ensure the financial future of our parish. After careful study and with the consideration of our parish finance council, we started a general parish endowment fund in 2014 to provide a source of present and future income to support parish programs and activities. We are fortunate that we had very generous donors who also saw…
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We immediately saw the value of transferring the assets of Allentown Central Catholic’s Green & Gold (G&G) Fund to the Catholic Foundation. It made sense to move the Green & Gold Fund into the Catholic Foundation. With access to a broader investment portfolio, our fund will earn a better rate of return, grow faster and work harder to support educational programs at Allentown Central Catholic High School.
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As long time supporters of The John Paul II Center for Special Learning in Berks County, my dear wife Peggy and I had discussed the possible establishment of an endowment fund for the school. Following Peggy’s death, I was pleased to establish the John Paul II Center for Special Learning Endowment Fund in her honor with the Catholic Foundation of Eastern Pennsylvania knowing the endowment fund will provide financial assistance…
Read MoreAs a former Army chaplain deployed in Afghanistan, Fr. Christopher Butera had to be keenly aware of his surroundings. Although the United States was decreasing its presence, attacks on U.S. forces had increased and there was a bounty on Christian chaplains. In addition to his safety, Fr. Butera was on constant alert monitoring the disposition and spiritual well-being of his soldiers. These heightened awareness skills have proved beneficial in Butera’s…
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“I have spent my career managing a prudent investment process for retirement plans, institutions and individuals. Every Catholic institution needs funding so they may remain sustainable over the long run. An endowment fund with the Catholic Foundation provides consistent annual funding that will support an organization perpetually. Over time, the gift will grow which means the annual amount distributed to them will grow accordingly. In my involvement on various boards,…
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Join us for the 2026 State of the Foundation on Tuesday, October 20. This year’s theme, Think Bigger Than Your Lifetime, invites us to look beyond today and discover how endowments can transform and futureproof Catholic parishes, schools, and ministries — strengthening the causes we love forever. REGISTER FOR THE 2026 STATE OF THE FOUNDATION
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Monsignor Robert Wargo, pastor of St. Joseph the Worker Parish in Orefield, knows all too well the time and energy needed to raise funds for key parish programs. In the 46 years since his ordination as a priest, Monsignor Wargo has helped to raise millions of dollars in the half a dozen parishes where he has been stationed. He recalls organizing a successful $125,000 fundraising effort for a parish cemetery only…
Read MoreCatholic parishes in the Diocese of Allentown that oversee a cemetery may participate in the newly created donor designated cemetery fund program started by the Catholic Foundation. Cemeteries are required by law to set aside a portion of the sale of burial plots in a perpetual care account. The purpose is to cover the long-term maintenance and upkeep of the cemetery. The Catholic Foundation is the best option for parishes…
Read MoreImmaculate Conception BVM Church, Douglassville is among the parishes that have education endowments to support their schools. Pictured, Immaculate Conception Academy celebrated 100 days of school Feb. 9 by dressing in silly, clashing clothing and collecting nonperishable food items for the local food bank. The Student Council Executive Board set a goal of at least 100 items, and by Feb. 14 students had collected 282. For information on how to…
Read MorePete Waldron was recently named the first executive director of the Catholic Foundation of Eastern Pennsylvania (CFEP). Paul Huck, chairman of the Board of Directors for CFEP, made the announcement. Waldron comes to CFEP with 30 years of corporate affairs, philanthropy, community involvement, marketing communications and public relations experience. He recently headed up Corporate Citizenship and Philanthropy for CrossAmerica Partners. He also helped create and manage two corporate foundations: Lehigh…
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