Dear Friends,

I have been on the job here at the Diocese since May, and with 2022 now behind us I thought it time to recap on some of the amazing things that have been happening in the Stewardship & Development department. I would be remiss to make it sound like these results were all my own – they are not. They are the results of my and my predecessor’s hard work and legacy; of collaboration with a myriad of departments, organizations, and people; and of the amazing charity and thoughtfulness of people like you. In fact, we’re a bit spoiled in this department – we get to spend our days meeting people of faith, sharing the stories and fruits of our Catholic traditions with each of you, and witnessing amazing acts of Catholic charity on a day-to-day basis. So here are some of the results of the work in my department over this past year, together with some news on upcoming campaigns in 2023:

Our UP Catholic Foundation remains a powerhouse for endowment building and grant funding throughout the Diocese. Since May 2022, the UP Catholic Foundation has gone from an organization overseeing 33 endowments valued at approximately $17,000,000 to an organization overseeing nearly 40 endowments valued at approximately $32,000,000. Even in a difficult investment environment, support for our endowments this past year has been incredible. As the endowments continue to grow both in number and principal, so too do the distributions and cost-sharing benefits to our fund beneficiaries. To read more, you can view our recent UPCF press release by clicking here.

Of course, one of the largest endowments in the UP Catholic Foundation is 

Legacy of Faith. Originally started by Bishop Garland, this endowment provides funding pursuant to a set formula: 50% of its annual distributions go to support Catholic schools throughout our Diocese; 30% supports faith formation at parishes and missions; 10% supports Catholic social services; and 10% supports emerging or essential ministries, as determined by the bishop. This past summer alone, Legacy of Faith distributed $371,022 to these worthy causes. To view a list of the recent grants, click here.

Speaking of seminarian education, Yoopers for Seminarians continues to thrive under Fr. Ben Hasse’s leadership. Yoopers for Seminarians exceeded the 2022 fundraising challenge of $100,000 and a $25,000 matching gift will be added to the Seminarian Endowment Fund. Growth of the Seminarian Endowment Fund ensures a perpetual income source for the education and support of our seminarians here in the U.P. For more information on Yoopers for Seminarians, you can visit their website by clicking here.

Looking ahead to 2023, we are gearing up for the Regional Eucharistic Congress (to be held at the Superior Dome in Marquette June 9-10) and the National Eucharistic Congress (to be held in Indianapolis in July 2024). Legacy of Faith is even offering $200 grants to help offset the ticket cost of attendance at the National Eucharistic Congress. For more information on the Legacy of Faith grants, click here.  

Finally, it warms my heart to see the continued growth and support of our Catholic schools here in the U.P.  I hope to continue working with our schools throughout 2023, to find ways to improve their sustainability, growth, and development. And of course, as a former Catholic high school teacher myself, I am eager to also explore ways to expand Catholic high school offerings in the U.P.  We will see what transpires of these hopes and dreams.