Jesus tells the parable of the tiny mustard seed that with rain, sunshine and loving care grew into a great tree that provided for many birds of the air. (Cf Mark 13:31-32)
Fifty-seven years ago a seed was planted by a group of visionary Dallas Catholics that, like the mustard seed, has grown into a great organization that has touched virtually every parish, school and ministry in the Diocese of Dallas, I am speaking of the Catholic Foundation which, since its establishment, has made grants of more than 73 million dollars to assist Catholic entities in the Church of Dallas.
Many Catholics are unaware of the Catholic Foundation and its contributions to our Catholic community. I want to change that. Every Catholic should be aware of the Foundation and its good works.
To spread the good word, October 13 and 14 have been designated Catholic Foundation Sunday and I have written a letter to be read at all masses explaining the Foundation’s work and purpose. Priests have been asked to explain how the diocese and their parish have benefitted from the gifts of the Foundation.
This is not an appeal for money; there will be no special collection. The only purpose is to pay tribute to the Catholic Foundation and the many men and women who have been so generous over the years as members of the board and committees, and to the executive directors and staff who have served so well.
The Foundation has succeeded because of their efforts and because it has provided a way for individuals who wish to support Catholic ministries, to ensure that their gifts are distributed according to their wishes.
We have been blessed by the vision of those who established the Foundation and those dedicated to leading it into the future,
This post is also available in/Esta entrada también está disponible en: Spanish