The Upper Peninsula Catholic Foundation, Inc, (UPCF) recently distributed $410,806 to various organizations in support of Catholic ministries in the Diocese of Marquette. Now in its third year of operations, the Foundation is on the move to establish and grow permanent endowment funds for the long-term support of Catholic ministries in the Diocese of Marquette.
In an effort to boost endowment growth for the benefit of Catholic schools in the Upper Peninsula, the UPCF has partnered with the Diocese of Marquette. Each of the nine Catholic schools has the opportunity to receive a $100,000 challenge gift from the Diocese of Marquette by December 31, 2018.
To receive the gift, each school is asked to participate by raising a minimum amount for their school fund. In addition to the individual school funds, a U.P.-wide fund has been created to provide financial support in equal portions to all Catholic schools in the diocese.
“Catholic schools are an effective tool for parishes to evangelize families and educate and form students,” said Rev. Allan Mott, UPCF board member and pastor of St. Anthony, Gwinn and St. Joseph, Northland. “This initiative is looking to the future, to help schools manage operating costs over the long-term.”
A new endowment fund has been created to benefit Catholic Campus Ministry at Northern Michigan University in Marquette. Catholic Campus Ministry is a student organization which serves to bring young adults together to grow in faith and friendship. The director, Rev. Brandon Oman, offers student Masses and manages a center where students can gather for meals, fellowship, and to do homework. The ministry organizes a variety of community service activities and spring break mission trips. Students of all faith and denomination groups are welcome.
The Foundation’s annual report, Rooted in Faith, has recently been published. It contains current audited financial statements, list of funds and distributions, board members and more. “It is published annually as a measure of accountability and to share inspiring stories of how distributions are impacting lives and fostering the Catholic faith,” said Terri Gadzinski, executive director.
