Welcome to 29:Eleven, The Foundation for the Diocese of Helena’s quarterly e-newsletter. Jeremiah’s scripture describes what we strive for every day, “to give you hope and a future.” That’s what the Foundation is all about; working with our parishioners throughout the Diocese to prepare a faith-filled future full of hope for generations to come. I’m excited to share some of our latest projects with you.
By now, you probably know the Foundation for the Diocese of Helena. We were the ones who ran the Because He First Loved Us Campaign AND we manage the endowments for the parishes and ministries of the diocese, as well as the private family endowments that make such a difference for our faith communities. But recently, the Foundation has expanded and I’m excited to share our newest projects.
Earlier this year, the Foundation created the Parish Investment Fund (PIF). PIF is a means for parishes to invest their funds, either short-term or long-term, in accordance with socially responsible investments (according to the USCCB investment guidelines). Bishop Vetter is a strong proponent of faith-based investing and has encouraged our parishes to follow these standards. Following these guidelines with our parish investments ensures we aren’t inadvertently supporting activities contrary to our faith.
In a related project, the Foundation has developed a new educational series that provides parishes in our diocese a road map to long-term financial sustainability. I will be introducing this information, helping our priests and councils apply it to their individual parish financial situations this fall and winter. The hope is to enable parishes to establish and meet financial goals that will serve their congregations for decades into the future. We will look at standards encouraged by our Diocesan officials. I look forward to visiting with our priests and parish councils in person very soon. Please encourage your priest to reach out to me and I’ll be happy to join a parish council meeting to discuss a road map for your parish finances.
Our Mission at the Foundation is “to serve and strengthen the people, parishes, ministries and apostolic mission of the Diocese of Helena.” With these new projects, we can work to give them the hope for a faith-filled future.
I am grateful for you and the support you provide our Catholic parishes and ministries. May God bless you in a very special way this autumn.
– Dan Thies, Executive Director