The Big White Church On The Prairie

The Catholic Foundation doesn’t just help renovate aging facilities, it helps growing churches and schools meet the needs for expansion. Such is the case for St. Martin of Tours Catholic Church in the boom town of Forney, Texas, where a grant helped the church place a beautiful steeple atop its new sanctuary.

In 2019, Dallas Bishop Edward J. Burns visited the University of Texas at Dallas, expecting to celebrate Mass for about 50 students. To his delight, he was greeted by 300 students.

Recognizing a huge need for Catholic students at a university with more than 30,000 students to have a sacred space to worship, gather and network as young adults, the creation of a University Catholic Center at UT Dallas was forged.

The Diocese of Dallas purchased a 15,000 square-foot building across the street from the university to lay the foundation.

Funds from The Catholic Foundation have been used OR are being used to renovate and build a permanent chapel inside the facility.

“It is unbelievable the faith among these students,” says Fr. Tymo Ksiazkiewicz, chaplain for Catholic students at UTD. “The students are so committed, and it has totally moved me to see their excitement and participation in their faith.

“They are the future of our church, and this facility really helps us to minister to them and to grow their faith.