Catholic Foundation grateful for support

By Elizabeth Bollinger
Executive Director, Catholic Foundation  
Photos Courtesy of: Dominic Ortega
  
Greetings from the Catholic Foundation, my name is Elizabeth Bollinger, the executive director of the Catholic Foundation for the Diocese of Tucson. I am delighted to share with you that this year's Cornerstone Gala was an absolute success! Our 41st event did not disappoint as we hosted 800 Catholics from throughout the Diocese of Tucson. This year at our annual fundraiser, "A Night in White," we enjoyed dinner, dancing, a silent auction, and Bishop Edward Weisenburger recognized Monsignor Domenico Pinti for his work in the Church. On behalf of Bishop Weisenburger and our board of directors, please accept our heartfelt thanks to everyone who purchased tickets, donated items, or sponsored a table. It's through your generous efforts that we are able to continue serving the many needs of the diocese.  
  
To keep moving forward, we need your help. This year, like all others, came with challenges. One of the oldest parishes in the diocese, Saint Patrick in Bisbee found itself facing a crisis during a sewer break. The cost for a repair was nearly $40,000. Saint Patrick is a small parish consecrated in 1917; today it has about 650 parishioners. For a small church in rural Arizona, the cost was extraordinary. Deacon Tony Underwood, the pastoral administrator, made an emergency request for grant funding and within hours I'm proud to say the Catholic Foundation sent him $15,000. That is just one example of the many ways the Catholic Foundation supports our parishes. 
  
As you know, some parishes are well resourced while others are not. As a Catholic in the Diocese of Tucson you'll hear from us many times, especially during the Annual Catholic Appeal. Every year, the Catholic Foundation strives to support parishes, schools, and our many diocesan ministries. We cannot do it without you. Your generous support goes toward making sure our priests have what they need to serve their parish communities, our schools are equipped with resources to educate children in the Catholic faith, and our many ministries can continue making an impact throughout our diocese. I am excited to announce that grant applications for 2024 are open! You can learn more by going to our website: https://catholicfoundation.smapply.org/ 
  
As we gently enter in the holiday season, I ask that you prayerfully consider ways you can continue to support the Catholic Foundation for the Diocese of Tucson. As stewards of your hard-earned dollars, I promise that we will continue to look for ways that best support our diocese and its Catholic identity. Thank you for your support and prayers. 


Photo Courtesy of: Dominic Ortega