Surprise grant presented during 36th Annual Catholic Foundation Award Dinner honoring Cardinal Farrell for his tremendous impact during time as Bishop of the Diocese of Dallas.
DALLAS – The Catholic Foundation, together with its Board of Trustees, presented a $1.1 million grant to
Holy Trinity Seminary in honor of Kevin Cardinal Farrell during the 36th Annual Catholic Foundation
Award Dinner at the Hilton Anatole on Saturday, Feb. 3. The grant, planned as a surprise for Cardinal
Farrell and the nearly 1,600 guests in attendance, will benefit construction of the Cardinal Farrell
Student Center at the Seminary and is the largest single grant in Catholic Foundation history.
“Gratitude seems almost an inadequate word, but I do want to say how very grateful I am to The
Catholic Foundation and of course to the Trustees for this truly extraordinary gift to Holy Trinity
Seminary,” said Very Reverend James Swift, Rector of Holy Trinity Seminary. “It’s so fitting on this
evening honoring Cardinal Farrell, who from the very first day to the very last day of his being the Bishop
of Dallas made Holy Trinity Seminary a top priority for this Diocese.”
Currently serving as Prefect of the newly established Dicastery for Laity, Family and Life at the Vatican, Cardinal Farrell traveled to Dallas to receive the 36th Annual Catholic Foundation Award, an annual
tradition established in 1983 to honor exemplary Catholic leaders in the community for their
distinguished service and support in furthering local religious, charitable and educational needs
throughout the Diocese.
“There aren’t enough words to encompass the impact Cardinal Farrell has made on this Diocese,” said
Matt Kramer, President and CEO of The Catholic Foundation. “We are grateful he returned to Dallas for
this special celebration, but we wanted to go a step further to show him how tremendous his legacy is
here in Dallas. We couldn’t think of a better way than giving in his honor to the Cardinal Farrell Student
Center, which will serve decades of young men on their journey to priesthood.”
In addition to the grant to Holy Trinity Seminary, the Foundation also presented a scholarship to
Jonathan Seth De La Cruz, a junior at Cistercian Preparatory School.
About Kevin Cardinal Farrell
Kevin Cardinal Farrell was appointed the seventh Bishop of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Dallas by
Pope Benedict XVI and was installed at the Cathedral Shrine of the Virgin of Guadalupe in Dallas on May
1, 2007. After serving the Dallas community for nearly a decade, he was appointed by Pope Francis as
Prefect of the newly established Dicastery for Laity, Family and Life on Aug. 17, 2016. He was named a
cardinal by Pope Francis and elevated during the Consistory in Rome on November 19, 2016. Cardinal
Farrell’s titular church is San Guiliano Martire in Rome.
Born in Dublin, Ireland on September 2, 1947, Cardinal Farrell was ordained to the priesthood in Rome
on December 24, 1978. He was later incardinated as a diocesan priest in the Archdiocese of Washington
where he served in several parishes and assignments. He was named a Prelate of Honor in 1995 by Pope
John Paul II and was ordained an auxiliary bishop of the Archdiocese of Washington on February 11,
2002.
During his time as Bishop of Dallas, Cardinal Farrell also served as the Chancellor of the University of
Dallas, and on the boards of The Catholic Foundation, The Papal Foundation, Basilica of the National
Shrine of the Immaculate Conception, The Catholic University of America, and St. Luke Institute in
Washington, D.C. He was also elected by his brother bishops to serve as the Treasurer of the United
States Conference of Catholic Bishops from 2013 until 2016.
About the Catholic Foundation
The Catholic Foundation is a trusted giving vehicle for the Catholic community. Chartered in 1955, the
Foundation was founded by a group of dedicated Catholic laymen with a vision that extended far
beyond the charitable needs of the moment. The Foundation has spent decades building a strong
community, helping donors fulfill their charitable goals, and preserving the founders’ vision and
philanthropic legacy. Over the past 56 years, the Foundation has provided more than $148 million in
grants to religious, charitable and educational organizations. Today, it manages more than $225 million
in assets and houses more than 430 charitable funds and trusts.
About Holy Trinity Seminary
For more than 50 years, Holy Trinity Seminary has been instrumental in the human, intellectual, spiritual
and pastoral formation of young men who are called to serve the church. Hundreds of young men have
graduated from Holy Trinity Seminary and followed the voice of the Lord into priesthood, serving more
than 40 Dioceses across the country, with 10 ordained as bishops.
Emergency grant to Catholic Charities will help those affected by Hurricane Harvey in Texas.
DALLAS – (Sept. 21, 2017) – The Catholic Foundation, a Dallas-based, lay-led community foundation, has provided a
$100,000 grant to Catholic Charities Dallas for disaster relief funding in light of the record-breaking impacts Hurricane
Harvey had on Texas.
Catholic Charities’ Disaster Relief program assists clients through the initial crisis with financial assistance
towards temporary housing, transportation, food assistance and case management services. Primary emphasis is placed
on long-term assistance and recovery, designed to address employment needs, navigation through the insurance claim
process, household budgeting and planning, and other needs. Long after the storm has passed, Catholic Charities is
there to help clients return to self-sufficiency and success.
“We are still reeling from the disastrous impact that Hurricane Harvey has made in Texas and Louisiana,” said
Matt Kramer, president and CEO of The Catholic Foundation. “Given the vast network of services that Catholic Charities
provides, we are confident that they will utilize the emergency grant funds to provide help where it’s needed most. We
offer our prayers for all those who have suffered such significant losses as a result of the recent devastating hurricanes.”
Economic losses have been estimated at anywhere between $70 billion to $200 billion, with so many flooding
victims uninsured or under-insured.
“CCD is working with the various Catholic Charities throughout Texas and the coastal region to meet the
overwhelming needs created by Hurricane Harvey,” said Dave Woodyard, president and CEO of Catholic Charities Dallas.
“In our chosen role as ‘3rd Responders’, we are focused on the long-term recovery efforts after immediate needs for
safety, food and shelter are addressed. The reality is that the road to recovery will be lengthy and difficult, often lasting
many months or even years. CCD case managers walk with those effected in their journey to full recovery, helping to
provide direct support as well as connections to other needed services. We are so thankful to The Catholic Foundation
and their donors for the $100,000 grant that will serve long past when the media crews have gone home.”
About The Catholic Foundation
The Catholic Foundation is a trusted giving vehicle for the Catholic community. Chartered in 1955, the Foundation was
founded by a group of dedicated Catholic laymen with a vision that extended far beyond the charitable needs of the
moment. The Foundation has spent decades building a strong community, helping donors fulfill their charitable goals,
and preserving the founders’ vision and philanthropic legacy. Over time, the Foundation has provided more than $126
million in grants to religious, charitable and educational organizations. Today, it manages more than $220 million in
assets and houses more than 400 charitable funds and trusts.
Emergency grant will help those affected by local severe storms and tornadoes on Dec. 26, 2015.
DALLAS – (Jan. 7, 2016) – The Catholic Foundation, a Dallas-based, lay-led community foundation, has
provided a $200,000 grant to the Catholic Diocese of Dallas for disaster relief. The funds will help those
affected by at least nine tornadoes and severe weather that occurred in North Texas on Dec. 26.
The storms resulted in 11 deaths, and damages are expected to cost more than $1 billion.
Trustees of The Catholic Foundation gathered following the disaster to approve the emergency grant.
“It is indeed the role of a community foundation to step in when devastating events hit the
communities we serve,” said Matt Kramer, president and CEO of The Catholic Foundation. “Our prayers
are with those who suffered tremendous losses, and we are confident that the Diocese will utilize these
funds to provide help where it’s needed most.”
All parishes in the Diocese of Dallas took up a Second Collection at all Masses on Jan. 2-3 for
disaster relief. The Catholic Foundation’s grant, as well as money collected during these Masses, will be
distributed to Catholic Charities of Dallas and The Society of St. Vincent Diocesan Council of Dallas to
reach those in need.
About The Catholic Foundation
The Catholic Foundation is a trusted giving vehicle for the Catholic community. Chartered in 1955, the
Foundation was created by a group of dedicated Catholic laymen with a vision that extended far beyond
the charitable needs of the moment. The Foundation has spent decades building a strong community,
helping donors fulfill their charitable goals, and preserving the founders’ vision and philanthropic legacy.
Over the past 30 years, the Foundation has provided more than $100 million in grants to religious,
charitable and educational organizations. Today, it manages more than $200 million in assets and
houses more than 370 charitable funds and trusts.
Grants support arts and science enrichment programs in Diocese schools
Now more than ever, schools are fighting to keep students engaged and equipped for future success. Listening to music on tape does not compare to a live classical brass performance followed by a question-and-answer session with the musicians. A lecture-based biology lesson does not resonate as strongly as learning hands-on by dissecting a cow’s eyeball. At Catholic schools across Dallas, students are participating in these and other arts and science enrichment activities, thanks to the generous donors of The Catholic Foundation.
The Catholic Foundation funds unique educational enrichment programs in several local Catholic schools. The Catholic Foundation has provided $196,400 in grants to Big Thought since 2001 and $89,900 in grants to the Perot Museum of Nature and Science and its predecessor (Museum of Nature and Science) since 2006. With these funds, teachers and administrators choose arts and science programs they would like to offer their students in alignment with academic areas.
“The Catholic Foundation is proud to step up and fill the gaps in our local Catholic schools with incredible programming from Big Thought and the Perot Museum of Nature and Science,” said Matt Kramer, president. “Principals, teachers, students, parents and Foundation trustees who conduct site visits vouch for the value of these art and science programs in elevating our students’ educational experience.”
Kaitlyn Kramer, a kindergarten teacher at St. Mary of Carmel Catholic School in Dallas, schedules programs for both Big Thought and the Perot Museum of Nature and Science at her school. “Every teacher’s goal is that students enjoy learning to increase their level of excitement and interest in education. These programs help us do that, and every student in our school is being touched in some capacity because of these partnerships,” she said.
Big Thought
Big Thought serves Catholic schools through its ArtsPartners program, which gives students access to the wide variety of educational opportunities offered by the city’s cultural organizations and helps educators build these learning experiences into their standard curriculum. The program, which includes a searchable online database of nearly 1,000 arts and cultural programs, has been shown to positively impact students’ academic development in core subjects and attitude about school, decrease dropout rates and increase motivation.
At St. Augustine Catholic School, 5th-8th grade students are currently making class videos, taking on the entire process including planning, writing, acting and editing. Other classes are introduced to pottery, glass painting, musical performances and sewing.
“Generally these students don’t have exposure to these types of activities. Because of these programs, many students discover a hidden talent, and they help with self esteem and confidence,” said Lisa Mandac, a 2nd-3rd-grade teacher.
Earlier this fall, St. Mary of Carmel Catholic School utilized a Big Thought professional storyteller to model storytelling to parents and empower them with tools to use at home. They also leverage the partnership for ballet performances and interactive workshops.
Perot Museum of Nature and Science
The Perot Museum of Nature and Science, whose mission is to inspire minds through nature and science, has brought science programming to more than 8,000 students served by The Catholic Foundation grant since the 2006-2007 school year. The programming helps students in Pre-Kindergarten to 12th grade connect with scientific concepts and principles, inspiring them to improve their understanding of science while discovering a passion for pursuing these areas of study. The Museum offers 24 different classroom and lab-based programs that span the fields of Earth, Physical, Life and Applied sciences for students ranging from Pre-Kindergarten to 12th grade.
“We are thankful to The Catholic Foundation for their continued support and partnership in inspiring the next generation of scientists, technologists, engineers, and mathematicians,” said Nicole Small, Eugene McDermott Chief Executive Officer of the Perot Museum of Nature and Science.
Kim Nguyen, a 3rd-grade teacher at St. Joseph Catholic School in Richardson, has used the grant for “in-school” field trips, where the Museum comes to her classroom three times a year for hands-on enrichment activities, like a recent program on the three types of matter.
“The school has limited funding for field trips, so this grant basically provides an opportunity for my students to experience the excitement and wonder of science in action. It teaches them concepts they can apply to their own lives,” said Nguyen.
St. Augustine Catholic School received a visit from the Museum’s mobile planetarium, which Diane Eaker, a 5th-8th grade science teacher, said the kids loved. She also said the kids are still talking about the cow’s eyeball they dissected last year.
“Our students would never have access to these phenomenal programs if not for the grant,” said Eaker.
The Catholic Foundation
Twice yearly, The Catholic Foundation provides grants to organizations that demonstrate the ability to meet the physical and spiritual needs of the Catholic community throughout the Diocese of Dallas. A Distribution Committee conducts site visits, reports and ultimately decides on the recipients and amounts of each grant. Grants are made from the unrestricted Philanthropy Fund as well as restricted funds established through the Foundation by individuals or families, named or otherwise, to benefit their communities today and for future generations.
The Foundation’s next grant ceremony will be held on Nov. 20 at Holy Trinity Community Life Center.
Chartered in 1955, The Catholic Foundation was founded by a group of dedicated Catholic laymen with a vision that extended far beyond the charitable needs of the moment. This independent, nonprofit corporation has dedicated its resources to compassionate charitable giving through grants provided by benefactors through its many planned giving programs. Over the years, the Foundation has provided $78 million through grants to various religious, educational and charitable organizations.
Sidebar:
Below is a list of schools that have benefitted from Big Thought and/or Perot Museum of Nature and Science enrichment programming thanks to The Catholic Foundation
- Bishop Dunne Catholic School
- Bishop Lynch Catholic High School
- Good Shepherd Catholic School
- Holy Family of Nazareth School
- Immaculate Conception School
- James L. Collins Catholic School
- Our Lady of Perpetual Help School
- Santa Clara of Assisi Catholic School
- St. Augustine Catholic School
- St. Bernard Clairvaux Catholic School
- St. Cecilia Catholic School
- St. Elizabeth of Hungary Catholic School
- St. Joseph Catholic School-Richardson
- St. Joseph Catholic School-Waxahachie
- St. Luke Catholic School
- St. Mary’s Catholic School (Sherman)
- St. Mary of Carmel Catholic School
- St. Philip the Apostle Catholic School
Catholic Foundation donors help east Dallas Church with much needed renovations.
With asbestos in the floor and an equally worn interior to match, the old sanctuary at St. Philip the Apostle Church wasn't reflective of the Church's healthy and vibrant spiritual community. The parish today has much to be thankful for as they gather for Mass on Sundays in a completely renovated sanctuary thanks to donations from collections and The Catholic Foundation.
The church was recently outfitted with a new tile floor, pews, freshly painted walls and altar furniture, and congregants now also enjoy the redesigned acoustics that are accompanied by a new piano. A Catholic Foundation grant of $50,000 allowed St. Philip's to purchase new pews for the sanctuary renovations.
"This grant was essential to helping the Church revitalize the sanctuary," Deacon Dave Obergfell said. "Our new pews are a deeply appreciated gift that will allow us to continue growing our Church family, and we were delighted to be able to help a fellow parish by donating the previous ones."
Since 1954, St. Philip's has served the southeast Dallas area through a variety of ministries that impact the spiritual development of kids, adults and seniors. Ministries include St. Vincent De Paul, religious education for parishioners with special needs, as well as Boy Scout and Cub Scout chapters among others.
"At St. Philip's we are committed to sharing the Gospel with our neighbors and will continue to concentrate our leadership on this worthy endeavor," Obergfell said. "With continued support from local companies, organizations like The Catholic Foundation and parishioners, we've been blessed to share our abundant gifts with the community."
A long awaited new parking lot at St. Augustine parish kick-off the school year in a positive light.
A parent picks up a St. Augustine student after school in the school's new concrete parking lot. Parents welcomed the new St. Augustine Catholic Church and School back parking lot when school began this year.
A new parking lot to most is just a new parking lot. But when it brings a community closer together, a new parking lot is reason to celebrate!
After years of complaints, a parking lot that was an eye sore and a danger was transformed as St. Augustine School and parish as they roll into carpool lane in a new parking lot. It makes carpool a safe and easy task for parents and teachers and it creates a safe place for church parishioners to park on the weekend.
The community came together to make it happen with a $40,000 grant from The Catholic Foundation, a $10,000 donation of rebar and volunteers who helped throughout the process. The leader of this initiative was a parishioner Danny Chavez who has been a St. Augustine parishioner for 25 years, and has a grandson who attends St. Augustine Catholic School. Though he coordinated the entire process, including the grant request to The Catholic Foundation, Chavez is humble about taking credit.
"With the help of The Catholic Foundation, other donors and people from the community, we got it accomplished. I talk to our parishioners about being owners of the parish. Once everyone takes ownership, they become a part of everything we do. Alone we can't accomplish big projects, but together we can," said Chavez.
It also was important to Principal Marian Davis that this project be completed. "Having their kids here at St. Augustine gives these families hope for the future. Our working parents want their children to have a good Catholic education and spiritual direction," she said.
Davis said that parents of her students are committed to their children's education and to the school, and she feels it is important that their wishes are heard.
Demolition of the old parking lot began on the very last day of school. The entire project was completed by early August, with plenty of time before the new 2012-2013 school year began.
The new parking lot benefits more than the school. The parking lot is used by the entire parish, which serves approximately 10,570 parishioners and 2,000 families. Weekly Mass attendance averages 4,300, and the majority of the Masses are held in Spanish.
St. Augustine's new parking lot is just one of the many projects The Catholic Foundation has supported at this parish. Because of donor commitment to the Foundation's mission, the Foundation has invested more than $645,000 into St. Augustine Catholic Church and School since 1989, providing funds to help with computers, building repairs, tuition assistance, science equipment, a new roof, new flooring, new curriculum and more.
Davis feels that The Catholic Foundation has helped keep the school alive, and Chavez agrees. "I can't see us surviving without The Catholic Foundation," said Chavez. "At St. Augustine, there are so many things we would never have been able to do without the Foundation's support. When I speak to the parishioners about the Foundation helping our parish, it just motivates them. If someone from the outside is helping us, why can't we help ourselves? We need to do our part. And they always step up."
Become a donor today. Contact our development department at 972-661-9792 or email us at info@catholicfoundation.com for more information on how your contribution can continue to make a lasting impact on our community.