Loretta Lecher Schneider Scholarships Awarded at Nativity High School

20 Seniors Have Been Awarded Loretta Lecher Schneider Scholarships for 2023 Twenty graduating seniors at Nativity High School in Pottsville received scholarships from the Loretta Lecher Schneider Scholarship Endowment Fund managed by the Catholic Foundation of Eastern Pennsylvania. The scholarships recognize students for their hard work and overall achievement while students at Nativity. The award allows students to pursue their future educational goals and aspirations. Congratulations to All of This…

Graduation Season Celebrates Student Achievement, Scholarships and Impact Endowments Make on Catholic Schools

Graduation day marks a significant milestone in the lives of students. It’s a moment when they reflect upon their journey and look ahead with excitement and hope. Our graduates have spent years immersed in the rich educational environment of our beloved Catholic schools. It is there where they find faith and knowledge intertwined to shape their character and inspire their dreams. The Power of Catholic School Scholarships The power of…

Couple establish science scholarship endowment to honor mentors

Shyam and Kathleen Suchdeo firmly believe people don’t succeed on their own. “We stand on people’s shoulders,” Shyam (pronounced Shaum Such-dev) says. “A lot of people, both visible and invisible, play an important part in shaping our lives.” “And there is God,” Kathleen added. The Rose Marie & William Scharle ACCHS Science Scholarship Endowment Fund In an expression of deep gratitude for an influential mentor who guided Shyam during his…

Board Leaders Provide Best Oversight, Solid Investment Expertise to Benefit Partners’ Funds

The Catholic Foundation of Eastern Pennsylvania’s Investment Committee brings experience and knowledge that benefits every endowment. Problem solved. Paul Huck is a problem solver. Whether as a mathematics major graduated from the United States Naval Academy or as the Chief Financial Officer of Air Products and Chemicals, Huck faced many challenges. And whether serving in the U.S. Navy or managing finances and businesses for the Fortune 500 company, he has…

Declared Distributions Surpass $3M Mark

During its first year of offering distributions in 2016, the Catholic Foundation of Eastern Pennsylvania declared a little more than $28,000 in distribution for one endowment fund. Fast forward to today and the Catholic Foundation declared more than $900,000 in distributions to the beneficiaries of 54 eligible endowment and donor designated funds. This record amount in 2023 brings the total declared distributions during the past eight years to more than…

Early Donors Push Sr. Janice Memorial Fund Past $100,000

Since its inception three months ago, 32 donors have made gifts to the endowment fund started in memory of Sister Janice Marie Johnson, R.S.M. who died in early January 2023. More than $100,000 has been raised to date for the Sr. Janice Marie Johnson R.S.M. Persons With Disabilities Ministry Endowment Fund with the Catholic Foundation. The fund, established with an initial gift from Gary Iacocca, honors Sister Janice’s 65 years…

Four Pastors Create New Parish Endowment Funds

Three pastors in Bethlehem and one pastor in Pen Argyl started new parish endowment funds with the Catholic Foundation of Eastern Pennsylvania. The funds were created to support parish liturgical programs and activities, as well as ongoing maintenance and capital improvements of the parish physical plants. “A strong, healthy endowment will make a tremendous difference for the future of our parish.” Rev. Anthony Mongiello, Pastor St. Anne Parish, Bethlehem New…

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…

Spring Into Action and Make an Impact on Your Favorite Catholic Cause

During his homily on Divine Mercy Sunday (4/16/2023), Deacon Chris Kinsella shared a powerful message of renewal to the congregation attending the 9 AM Mass at St. Thomas More Church in Allentown, Pennsylvania. He said if we choose to believe, Easter, and the days following it, provides all of us with a fresh start – a new beginning to practice our faith. It is an intentional spring cleaning of our…

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…

Author: Lisa Geosits