One of the key objectives of the Catholic Community Foundation is to support the Pastoral Plan of the Diocese of San José. In 2025 we refreshed our annual open application granting process – the Living the Faith Grant Cycle – to align closely with the pillars of the Pastoral Plan —making it simpler for parishes to apply and ensuring that grants directly fuel the work they are already doing.
Parishes across the Diocese applied for inspiring programs in need of additional support, especially those that foster collaboration and community. Their requests centered on five key pillars:
- Family Ministry: tools, guidance, and resources to help families thrive spiritually and emotionally
- Formation: invigorate the formation of missionary disciples
- Music: reverent and joyful worship experiences
- Worship: fostering a welcoming worship environment and increasing appreciation for the Mass
- Youth and Young Adult Ministry: walk with young people as they develop their relationship with Jesus Christ
The response was remarkable. In total, 45 parishes received grants, along with chancery departments that oversee programs benefiting the entire Diocese. We awarded $327,200 to bring these initiatives to life.
Behind the numbers are stories of families growing in faith, young adults finding community, and parishes lifting their voices in worship. Here are just a few of the compelling grant recipients:
- Working together for beautiful celebrations of the Holy Eucharist, Feast of Our Lady of La Vang, the Vietnamese Martyrs, The Divine Mercy and the Lunar New Year.
- Parishes Partnering: Our Lady of Lavang, St. Maria Goretti, St. Elizabeth, Most Holy Trinity, St. Martin, Most Holy Trinity
- Collaborating on Youth and Young Adult ministry, including retreats, guest speakers, service projects and recognition of young leaders
- Parishes Partnering: Sacred Heart Saratoga, Queen of Apostles, St. Joseph of Cupertino, St. Thomas of Canterbury, St Mary of the Immaculate Conception, St Francis Cabrini
- Offering “A Day For Parents,” including outside speaker and small group discussions
- Parishes Partnering: Holy Family and Santa Teresa
- Collaborating on College Campus Ministry
- Parishes Partnering: Cathedral Basilica of St. Joseph and Catholic Community at Stanford
This is the Pastoral Plan in action. The parishes are alive with the spirit of renewal, committed to full and vibrant implementation of the Pastoral Plan, and working together to enhance the journey for all parishioners.