During its first year of offering distributions in 2016, the Catholic Foundation of Eastern Pennsylvania declared a little more than $28,000 in distribution for one endowment fund. Fast forward to today and the Catholic Foundation declared more than $900,000 in distributions to the beneficiaries of 54 eligible endowment and donor designated funds. This record amount in 2023 brings the total declared distributions during the past eight years to more than…
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Since its inception three months ago, 32 donors have made gifts to the endowment fund started in memory of Sister Janice Marie Johnson, R.S.M. who died in early January 2023. More than $100,000 has been raised to date for the Sr. Janice Marie Johnson R.S.M. Persons With Disabilities Ministry Endowment Fund with the Catholic Foundation. The fund, established with an initial gift from Gary Iacocca, honors Sister Janice’s 65 years…
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Three pastors in Bethlehem and one pastor in Pen Argyl started new parish endowment funds with the Catholic Foundation of Eastern Pennsylvania. The funds were created to support parish liturgical programs and activities, as well as ongoing maintenance and capital improvements of the parish physical plants. “A strong, healthy endowment will make a tremendous difference for the future of our parish.” Rev. Anthony Mongiello, Pastor St. Anne Parish, Bethlehem New…
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Cemetery funds are essential for the long-term maintenance and upkeep of Catholic cemeteries. A cemetery fund can provide a reliable and sustainable source of income to cover ongoing costs such as landscaping, monument preservation, and general maintenance. The Catholic Foundation manages 24 cemetery funds for parishes located in the Diocese of Allentown. These perpetual care funds relieve the budget pressures placed on a parish to maintain these properties. Endowment Funds…
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Eight years ago, Monsignor Michael Chaback, then the Director of the Office for Permanent Diaconate Formation for the Diocese of Allentown, presented 47 men to then Bishop John Barres to be ordained as deacons. You read that number correctly: four – seven. According to the Center for Applied Research in the Apostolate (CARA) at Georgetown University, which studies church trends and demographics, it was the largest class of deacons in…
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Catholic school education has played an integral part in Michael and Christine Ippoliti’s lives. Both are graduates of Catholic schools. As long-time parishioners of Our Lady of Perpetual Help Parish in Bethlehem, the Ippolitis’ four daughters are alumna of OLPH elementary school. Michael also serves on the OLPH School Board. “Knowing the impact Catholic education had on our lives, Christine and I wanted current and future OLPH students to have…
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Each year, Catholic Schools Week recognizes the unique strengths that are at the heart of Catholic education: rigorous academics, unwavering faith, guiding principles, and service to others. It is because of these strengths that almost 50% of endowment funds invested by donors with the Catholic Foundation of Eastern Pennsylvania support Catholic schools and scholarships. “Strong academic outcomes anchored by our Catholic faith are why our donors believe in Catholic schools,” Pete…
Read MoreHonoring a Champion for Persons with Special Needs November is not just about falling leaves; it’s about embracing the diverse abilities of all individuals. It is a time to recognize and celebrate the achievements of persons with disabilities, acknowledging the richness they bring to our communities.. The hope is that the awareness kindled during this month becomes a catalyst for lasting change. By shining a spotlight on the unique challenges…
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Dennis Sullivan has been a dedicated volunteer at Holy Family Parish in Nazareth for more than 20 years. He has served in a variety of leadership positions on various committees, including finance, capital campaign fundraising, and the Knights of Columbus. A former sales executive, Dennis’s outgoing demeanor and deep Involvement has brought him in contact with many parishioners. Some affectionately refer to him as “the mayor of Holy Family.” “It’s a tight-knit community.” Sullivan said. “My…
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Seventeen students from three Catholic high schools were part of the inaugural class of scholarship recipients from the Bernard Schramko Memorial Scholarship Fund managed by the Catholic Foundation. These annual scholarships awards are made possible through a bequest from the estate of Bernard M. Schramko. Bernard Schramko Memorial Scholarship Fund Mr. Schramko, a 1951 graduate of Allentown Central Catholic High School, died July 2019. He stipulated in his will that…
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