Perpetual Funds Maintain Cemeteries, Ease Budget Pressure on Parishes

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…

Priest Starts Endowment to Support Future of Diaconate ministry

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…

Due Diligence Pays Off, Donors Establish Catholic School Fund

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…

Catholic Schools Week Celebrates Key Outcomes of Catholic Education

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…

Sister Janice Marie Johnson, R.S.M: Her Service to Others Will Be Remembered Forever

Honoring 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…

Forever Committees Foster Forever Giving and Forever Gifts

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…

Donor’s planned gift creates lasting scholarship support

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…

Where There’s a Will, There’s a Way

During Fall, God brings out the best in nature and surrounds us with a blaze of color before blanketing us with the cold and quiet of winter. Living life filled with passion and purpose — in a blaze of glory — honors God’s goodness. At any stage in life, we want to look back and know our moments on earth matter. A Will Helps Protect the People and Causes You…

Age 70 1/2? Support Catholic Causes and Avoid Taxes With Qualified Charitable Distributions

Supporters of Catholic causes can ensure their favorite organization continues fulfilling its missions by directing distributions from their tax-deferred retirement accounts to an endowment or donor designated fund managed by the Catholic Foundation of Eastern Pennsylvania. This is a win for both the Catholic organization and the donor/taxpayer. With qualified charitable distributions, they can begin as young as 70 1/2 years old. What Are Qualified Charitable Distributions? If you are age 70½…

Join Us for the 2022 State of the Foundation Meetings

The Catholic Foundation of Eastern Pennsylvania invites you to join us for the 2022 State of the Foundation Meetings being held at of three different locations within the communities we serve. CLICK HERE TO REGISTER Dates, Times & Locations for State of the Foundation Meetings October 5, at 9:00am: The John Paul II Center for Special Learning, Shillington (Berks County)October 12, at 4:30pm: Mercy School for Special Learning, Allentown (Leigh…

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