As I have been out and about visiting parishes lately, I have had so many questions about the Upper Peninsula Catholic Foundation. I thought it might be a good time to review the basics:

The Upper Peninsula Catholic Foundation (UPCF) is an independent organization, separately incorporated from the Diocese, dedicated to growing and sustaining the Catholic faith across our beautiful peninsula. Through the power of permanent endowments, the Foundation helps to ensure the long-term financial health of our parishes, Catholic schools, and ministries. The UPCF supports the Church’s mission today and for generations to come.

A permanent endowment is a fund established by one or more donors to support a particular purpose, such as a parish or school. The principal amount given to start the fund, as well as future gifts, is never spent. Instead, in simple terms, the annual interest income is donated to the designated beneficiary as outlined in the fund agreement. This ensures the core value of the endowment remains intact forever.

Think of the UPCF as a long-term savings resource for the Diocese's future needs, in contrast to weekly donations to parishes or the Upper Peninsula Catholic Services Appeal (UPCSA), which largely support current obligations.

The UPCF is governed by a Board of Directors made up of parish and community leaders from across the Diocese. They are responsible to both donors and the ministries served by the funds. The Board engages the National Catholic Investment Pool to professionally manage and invest the Foundation’s assets. In addition, the Foundation undergoes an annual financial audit.

The Board ensures that all operations follow federal, state, and canon law. It serves in an advisory capacity to the Bishop of Marquette, although the Bishop does not participate in regular board meetings or daily management. The Diocese provides administrative services through a formal agreement, assisting with accounting and development operations.

Yes. All UPCF investments follow the guidelines issued by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. The Foundation gives donors confidence that their gifts will always be handled according to their intentions and guided by strong Catholic principles. The Board of Directors, faithful Catholics committed to Church teaching, carefully upholds these standards.

Not at all. The UPCF welcomes gifts of any amount. Every contribution strengthens the Foundation’s mission and allows more people to experience the joy of helping others through lasting charitable support.

No. The Bishop cannot withdraw or spend UPCF funds. Each fund is governed by a legal agreement that strictly defines how its assets may be used. Funds can be distributed only for the purposes specified in those agreements.

Legacy of Faith is the largest endowment within the UPCF. It was created to nurture and advance the Catholic faith throughout the Upper Peninsula. Legacy of Faith provides grants benefiting Catholic schools, parish faith formation, Catholic Social Services, and specific diocesan initiatives identified by the Bishop.

Many donors choose to support the Foundation through bequests or other planned giving arrangements. Others prefer to give directly by mailing a check, indicating the fund they wish to support, to:

Online giving is also available at:

What other questions can I answer for you about the Upper Peninsula Catholic Foundation Fund? Please don't hesitate to contact me today:

The Legacy of Faith Advisory Board invites grant applications that foster a deeper understanding of and renewed belief in the Eucharist, as well as proposals that encourage evangelization and growth within the Church. Faith Formation grants will continue to support programs that equip people to share their faith with others, reflecting our bishop’s vision for forming Spirit-filled Evangelizers in three steps: 

1. Be a friend of Jesus — Personal encounter and prayer. 

2. Make a friend — Building a loving community and creating welcoming parishes. 

3. Introduce your friend to Jesus — Sharing the faith and helping others make a personal decision to follow Him.

Submit Legacy of Faith grant applications Jan. 1-April 1, 2026, at upcatholicfoundation.org/grant-information. Please pass this notice on to anyone in your parish who may wish to apply for a Faith Formation grant.

Looking for financial assistance with your college education? Applications are now being accepted for the 2026 Bibianne Bessette Scholarship Fund. The scholarships aid graduating high school seniors who are pursuing a college or vocational education at an accredited degree-granting institution. Consideration is based on academic achievement.

Applicants must complete the online application found at: https://dioceseofmarquette.org/awards-scholarships and either mail an Official Transcript and ACT/SAT scores (via postal mail) to:

Bessette Scholarship Fund 

Diocese of Marquette 

1004 Harbor Hills Drive

Marquette, MI 49855

Or email them to Irene McCauley at imccauley@dioceseofmarquette.org. 

Applications must be received no later than March 15, 2026.

Developed in the spirit of Legacy of Faith to preserve and foster the Catholic faith in the Upper Peninsula, the Catholic Service Award annually recognizes lifetime dedication and service to the Church. 

Support the Mission Collection on Jan. 10-11, 2026. This collection benefits several outreach ministries of the Universal Church, including the Black & Indian Missions, Catholic Home Missions, the Solidarity Fund for the Church in Africa, and the Propagation of the Faith Mission. See below for a description of each mission:

Black & Indian Missions
The Black and Indian Mission Collection exists to help local African American and Native American diocesan communities throughout the United States spread the Good News of Jesus Christ and respond to real and pressing needs. This collection advances causes important to native and African American Catholics. To learn more, visit blackandindianmission.org.

Catholic Home Missions
"Home Missions” is the name for dioceses and parishes in the United States, including its territories and former territories, which cannot provide basic pastoral services to Catholics without outside help. Basic pastoral services include Mass and sacraments, religious education, and ministry training for priests, deacons, religious sisters, and lay people. For more information, visit usccb.org/committees/catholic-home-missions.

Solidarity Fund for the Church in Africa
While the Church in Africa is growing, many still lack access to basic resources and pastoral care. Many suffer due to high rates of poverty and unemployment, illiteracy, and poor education. The Solidarity Fund for the Church in Africa supports pastoral projects that foster lasting peace and reconciliation in a continent often marked by division and tension. To learn more about this ministry, visit usccb.org/committees/church-africa.

The Society for the Propagation of the Faith
The Society for the Propagation of the Faith is vital to the missionaries serving in 1,111 dioceses throughout Asia, Africa, parts of Latin America and Europe, and on the Islands of the Pacific. Your generosity makes it possible for local priests, religious, and catechists to reach out to communities, families, and children in desperate need, bringing the light of Christ to the darkest circumstances and covering more than half the globe. For more information, visit onefamilyinmission.org.

During Catholic Schools Week, Jan 25-31, one meaningful way to show support is by volunteering your time—whether by assisting with school events, reading to students, helping in classrooms, or organizing activities that highlight the school's community spirit.

Donating to an existing scholarship or tuition assistance fund provides vital financial resources, helping families afford Catholic education and ensuring the school's mission continues to thrive. See all the funds here.

You can also take initiative by creating a new fund, such as starting a dedicated fund in honor of a loved one or for a specific need, which offers a lasting legacy of support for future generations of students.

Join Bishop John Doerfler and hosts Dcn. Steve & Jackie Gretzinger on an amazing journey to the Green Isle! Enjoy traditional Irish food, song, and dance, celebrating Mass in breathtaking churches & cathedrals while taking in unrivaled views like the Cliffs of Moher and Giant’s Causeway. We’ll tour religious sites like Ballintubber Abbey, the Shrine of Our Lady of Knock, and so many others. 

For fun, we’ll try to learn to dance the Treble Jig, see how whiskey is made, and beer is perfected. We’ll even visit the impressive Titanic Museum and Book of Kells Experience at Trinity College. Price includes daily breakfast, a welcome lunch in Belfast, and seven dinners, including a farewell dinner with traditional music and Irish dancers. Our Pilgrimage includes excellent hotel accommodations and awe-inspiring places you’ll never forget. For more details, complete pricing, and registration information, visit www.petersway.com/1400.html or contact Megan at Peter’s Way Tours (516) 605-1551 ext. 18 / megan@petersway.com.

As the new year approaches, consider making your New Year's resolution to create a planned gift to the Catholic Church—a thoughtful way to leave a lasting legacy of faith.

Planned giving, such as including your parish, diocese, or a Catholic ministry in your will, trust, or estate plan, ensures that the Church's mission of spreading the Gospel, educating the young, and serving those in need continues for generations to come.

This resolution reflects stewardship of the blessings God has given you, allowing you to support the Church beyond your lifetime while potentially providing tax benefits for your family.

By committing to a planned gift now, you embody gratitude and hope, building an enduring impact that honors your Catholic values into the future.

Contact Megan O'Connor at moconnor@dioceseofmarquette.org or (906) 379-5057

You can respond to this email directly (either publicly or privately) by clicking the blue reply button below. We love hearing from you!

Megan O'Connor

Executive Director of Stewardship & Development and U.P. Catholic Foundation, Inc.

Direct line: (906) 379-5057
Email: moconnor@dioceseofmarquette.org

Admin. Asst. to Stewardship & Development and U.P. Catholic Foundation, Inc.
Direct line: (906) 227-9156

Email: wmullettdioceseofmarquette.org