We know many parishioners actively search for ways to invest in their parishes, the greater Catholic Church as well as other organizations that align with our Catholic Values. They look to support good deeds through their generous giving. An option to consider is opening a Donor-Advised Fund (DAF) through our Catholic Foundation, now celebrating our …
Author Archives: Michelle Mesiano
Scholarships Available for Stewardship Conference in September!
The Office of Stewardship and Development is sponsoring three (3) scholarships for the International Catholic Stewardship Conference (ICSC) being held in Orlando, Florida September 12-15, 2021. The scholarship is open to Parish Leaders from all 79 parishes and missions of the Diocese of St. Petersburg who are looking to participate in the conference for the …
Continue reading “Scholarships Available for Stewardship Conference in September!”
Parish Stories – St. Thomas the Apostle, Homosassa
As a bustling, active parish in Citrus County, parishioners at St. Thomas the Apostle Parish in Homosassa dreamed of building a social hall to house events and bring people together. In 2020, parishioners’ dreams came closer to becoming a reality through the establishment of a Foundation Bequest Fund thanks to a generous $35,000 legacy gift. …
Continue reading “Parish Stories – St. Thomas the Apostle, Homosassa”
Impact from 2020 Gala
Each year, the Foundation plans and hosts a signature event for the Diocese of St. Petersburg. Historically, this event has been the primary source of annual fundraising for the Foundation and has allowed us to raise millions to support Catholic education tuition assistance programs. During the planning stages of the 2020 Gala, Bishop Parkes asked …
Behind the Scenes of a Live Stream Event with Bishop Parkes
A giving society is established by organizations to give thanks to those who make it possible for them to fulfill their mission. While this is usually done through in-person events, the Diocese of St. Petersburg courageously jumped into the unknown last November to launch their Mater Dei Giving Society virtually. “For the last couple of …
Continue reading “Behind the Scenes of a Live Stream Event with Bishop Parkes”
Committed to Transparency and Accountability – 2020 Impact Report
The purpose of endowed and long-term investments is to provide support to beneficiaries now and into the future. The Catholic Foundation is proud to be entrusted with more than 70 managed and endowed funds from committed donors. As stewards of the legacy gifts so generously given, the Catholic Foundation is committed to transparency and accountability. …
Continue reading “Committed to Transparency and Accountability – 2020 Impact Report”
Legacy Planning Video Series
As with many large gatherings in the past year, the popular Catholic Foundation Life Planning Workshops for parishes were put on hold. However, questions surrounding legacy planning, legal matters and financial planning issues were flooding in. To assist and provide a new resource for parishes and their parishioners, the Catholic Foundation has launched the new …
2020 Diocesan Annual Report
Even through difficulties and challenges, our more than 24,000 generous donors provided more than $10 million in support of our 50+ diocesan ministries and services through the 2020 Annual Pastoral Appeal. Gifts were also made to support special projects through the Forward in Faith Campaign, and Bishop Gregory Parkes launched our new Mater Dei Giving …
2021 Giving Challenge Update
The Catholic Foundation 2021 Giving Challenge is off to a great start! Two weeks ago, the Foundation announced that due to the current status of the pandemic and concern for the safety of potential guests, the annual Gala event would not be held in 2021. Instead, past event sponsors and supporters, as well as …
Event Change Brings Exciting Challenge
As we embark on a new year, the Catholic Foundation is making changes to a traditional, well-loved annual event. In past years, the Catholic Foundation held its Gala in February as the signature event for the Diocese of St. Petersburg, bringing together 600+ supporters from across our five counties. Taking into account the current status of …