A New Partner! School Sisters of St. Francis Launch Two New Funds to Support Scholarships, Ministry Efforts

Sister Marian Sgriccia, Provincial Minister for the School Sisters of Saint Francis, recognizes that the road ahead for Catholic ministries is uncertain. So, to make sure they are not walking that road alone, Sister Marian and her fellow Sisters partnered with the Catholic Foundation of Eastern Pennsylvania and established two new funds to help secure the future of their ministries and strengthen relationships with their supporters. “Through our partnership with…

Students Honored With Academic Awards & Scholarships

For students in our Catholic schools, graduation marks the culmination of years spent in an environment where academic rigor is deeply intertwined with faith and values. Catholic schools form not just minds, but hearts, preparing students for a life of purpose, leadership, and service. These outcomes are important to the donors of the Catholic Foundation of Eastern Pennsylvania. Almost 50 percent of the endowment funds managed by the Catholic Foundation…

With Joy

With Joy A couple of weeks ago, my wife and I had the privilege of attending the priestly ordination of Fr. Robert Rienzo in the Diocese of Allentown. My wife and Fr. Rienzo were friends back in middle and high school, and since moving back to the area, we’ve had the blessing of witnessing his journey through seminary, leading up to that day. Standing there, watching the sacrament of Holy…

Allentown Attorney Joins Catholic Foundation Board

Eric J. Gaspar, an attorney from Lower Macungie Township, has joined the board of directors of the Catholic Foundation. He is a member of the Ford Law Office in Allentown. Gaspar has a wide range of legal experience with concentration in the areas of civil litigation and workers’ compensation defense. He also has experience in estate administration, wills, powers of attorney, real estate transactions, zoning, subdivision, land development, and matters…

Bethlehem Catholic Builds Stronger Future As Newest Partner of Catholic Foundation

With its 100th anniversary in sight for 2026, Bethlehem Catholic High School established a clear path to its future by forging a partnership with the Catholic Foundation of Eastern Pennsylvania to manage its endowment fund effort. Bethlehem Catholic moved nine scholarship endowments into the Catholic Foundation — one general and eight other funds started in memory of or in honor of alumni, administrators, or friends of the school. “If you…

Bishop Ordains Largest Class of Transitional Deacons Since 1981

Bishop Alfred Schlert ordained six Transitional Deacons on May 17, 2025, in the Cathedral of St. Catharine of Siena, Allentown. This was the largest class ordained to the Transitional Diaconate since 1981. Congratulations and God Bless to: Reverend Mr. Dominic Civitella of St. Jane Frances de Chantal Parish, Easton Reverend Mr. Tyler Davis of Assumption BVM Parish, Bethlehem; grew up in Coopersburg Converted to Catholicism while a student at DeSales…

Preparing For Heaven: Catholic Estate Planning Workshop Gets Your Financial & Spiritual Affairs in Order

At the Catholic Foundation of Eastern Pennsylvania, we believe in planning not just for the present, but for eternity. Estate planning is one of the most meaningful ways Catholics can express their love for family, faith, and the causes that have shaped their lives. And yet, for many, it is a conversation they avoid out of fear of confronting uncomfortable topics like death, legal documents or thinking “I don’t…

What the Church Needs…

What the Church Needs… “Habemus Papam,” We have a pope! The world listened with anticipated joy as the traditional Latin announcement was made two weeks ago from St. Peter’s Square in Rome. And the conclave of cardinals elected the first American pope, Pope Leo XIV! This was the third papal conclave (and the third white smoke sighting) of my lifetime. When Pope Benedict XVI was elected, I was in eighth…

New Monthly Reflection Series Explores Faith, Prayer, and the Legacy of Generosity

The Catholic Foundation welcomes Mark Quaranta, author of the beloved daily Summons, to lead readers deeper into the timeless truths of Catholicism—and into a life that leaves a lasting mark. The Catholic Foundation is excited to announce a new feature to our monthly e-newsletter: Summons To Forever written by Mark Quaranta. Our readers may recognize Quaranta’s thoughtful and thought-filled writing style from his popular daily Summons that he delivers to…

Distributions Hit Record Level To Support Catholic Causes

The Catholic Foundation of Eastern Pennsylvania reported a record level of distributions — $979,207 — from endowed funds that support Catholic causes throughout the Diocese of Allentown. Since 2016, the Catholic Foundation has reported a total of $5,987,684 in distributions from both endowment and donor designated funds. “The distribution process is doing what it is set up to do: provide funds to various Catholic organizations when they need it,” Pete…