This is most definitely a month for big smiles, celebratory cake, and prayers of thanksgiving as the Catholic Foundation of the Diocese of Lansing marks its 10th anniversary. Ad multos annos.
The Catholic Foundation was founded in 2016 by Bishop Earl Boyea to inspire giving and to steward funds for the work of the Church throughout the Diocese of Lansing — all for the glory of God and the salvation of souls.
“Congratulations to the parishes and other organizations of our diocese who have been and are using the Catholic Foundation for the investment and security of their funds, which are all meant for the service of the People of God in our Diocese of Lansing,” said Bishop Boyea, March 26.
“Our Foundation has proven to be a very blessed vehicle for this ministry, especially due to the leadership of Mr. Matt Hufnagel and all those working with him. May these first ten years merely be the harbinger of great things to come.”
Since 2016, the Catholic Foundation has helped to raise and steward over $150 million for the work of the Church in the Diocese of Lansing, including:
• Over $100 million in contributions to two diocesan capital campaigns: Witness to Hope and Stewardship for Saints and Scholars.
• Over $50 million in contributions to the annual Diocesan Services Appeal.
• Over $10 million in Legacy Gifts documented from 75 members of the Immaculate Conception Legacy Society.
• 70 endowments with a combined value of $70 million, established for the benefit of diocesan ministries, parishes, Catholic charities, clergy, vocations, Catholic schools and education, and other Catholic programs.
• Over $15 million in grants awarded to endowment and restricted fund beneficiaries.
• Over $75 million of invested assets managed in agency for the diocese and its parishes and schools.
“It has been an honor to serve as board chair of the Catholic Foundation since it began a decade ago,” said Father Tim MacDonald, Vicar General of the Diocese of Lansing and Pastor of Queen of the Miraculous Medal in Jackson.
“Not only watching the Foundation grow into what it is today, but actually helping it to do so, has been a unique privilege. What the diocese and the Foundation are able to do together is far more impactful than what either of them would be able to achieve on their own.”
"I firmly believe that the Catholic Foundation provides the gas for the engine of evangelization across the Diocese of Lansing, and the best is yet to come.”
The Catholic Foundation operates as a separate and distinct non-profit organization under the guidance and care of the Bishop of Lansing. Its board of directors governs the Foundation and assures its transparency in operations and accountability to the people of the diocese. Pictured below enjoying some birthday cake with Bishop Boyea are some of the Foundation staff.
“My overwhelming feeling upon this anniversary is gratitude,” said Matt Hufnagel, pictured, President of the Catholic Foundation. “I’m grateful and thankful for all the faithful from across the Diocese of Lansing who continue to live lives of stewardship and bless the Church with a share of the abundant gifts that God has brought into their lives.”
* To find our more about the Catholic Foundation of the Diocese of Lansing go to: https://www.catholicfoundationoflansing.org/
