Record $1.3 Million In Distributions Fuel Catholic Life Across the Diocese

“The distribution process is doing what it is set up to do: provide funds to Catholic organizations precisely when they need it,” said Pete Waldron, President of the Catholic Foundation. “What we’re seeing now is the long-term power of endowments in action —  steady, dependable support that grows year after year.”

And in a year marked by rising costs and severe winter weather, that dependable support has never mattered more.

Across the Diocese, these distributions are quietly — but powerfully — sustaining Catholic life.

At parishes, funds are helping cover unexpected expenses like increased heating bills, snow removal, and critical building maintenance after a harsh winter. These are not headline-grabbing needs, but they are essential to keeping doors open and communities gathered.

“This support from our parish fund allows us to respond to real-world challenges without hesitation,” said Reverend Robert George, pastor at St. Columbkill Catholic Church in Boyertown.  “When unexpected costs arise — like heating or snow removal — we can continue serving our parishioners without compromising our mission.”

In Catholic schools, the impact is both immediate and long-term. Distributions are funding student scholarships, upgrading classroom technology like Chromebooks, underwriting arts programs, and recognizing teachers through annual excellence stipends.

“Endowment support gives us the ability to invest in both our students and our faculty,” said Michael Grabowski, Principal at Nativity BVM High School in Pottsville. “It strengthens the entire educational experience — from the classroom to extracurricular programs — while also affirming the dedication of our teachers.”

For young people, these funds are opening doors to transformative faith experiences—like attending the Steubenville Youth Conference—while also supporting local youth ministry programs that build lifelong connections to the Church.

“These opportunities change lives,” a youth ministry leader said. “Endowment funding makes it possible for more teens to encounter Christ in meaningful ways and bring that energy back to their parish communities.”

And behind the scenes, distributions are also shaping the future of the Church itself — supporting the education and formation of seminarians preparing for priesthood.

“Formation is a long and deeply important journey,” said Father John Maria, Director of Vocations for the Diocese of Allentown. “These funds ensure we can provide our seminarians with the human, intellectual, spiritual and pastoral formation they need to serve faithfully for generations to come.”