Honor Bishop McGrath’s legacy of compassion, inclusion, and commitment to our vibrant Catholic community with a gift to this endowment, named in his honor
Bishop McGrath has been a constant source of love and support for lay leaders, clergy, and families. This endowment will invest strategically in strengthening our Diocese that has grown in faith with Bishop McGrath as our shepherd.
Beloved Bishop for 20 Years
The Bishop Patrick J. McGrath Endowment Fund is named for the second Bishop of San Jose, who served the local church for twenty years.
Under his leadership, a broad pastoral plan was developed and implemented, supported by a successful capital campaign. He fostered deep relationships with laity, religious and clergy. He embraced a movement of evangelization, seeking to invigorate “church” at all levels. He faced adversity with strength and conviction, deeply supportive of us, the body of Christ.
“As we continue to give God thanks and to minister God’s love in the valley, let us go forward…to proclaim the message and promise of God’s saving love. Let us witness to the light and salvation, and let us do it, ‘Together in Christ.'”
The newly established endowment will support three areas of ministry in honor of Bishop McGrath’s service and guidance:
Lay & Religious Leadership
The Backbone of our CommunitiesKey to the health and vibrancy of our community are active and prepared lay leaders.
- Lay leaders are ever more important as we seek to invigorate our Catholic community. Funding will be focused primarily on management skills. Grants will be available annually by application.
- Examples include:
- Management Development
- Financial Skills Development
- Conflict Resolution Training
- Sharing Best Practices
- Strategic Planning
- Innovative Programs
Family Life
The Domestic ChurchFamilies are at the heart of our community and the passing on of our faith.
- We seek to serve families’ sacramental, educational, community life, and spiritual needs at all stages of life. This begins with pro-life advocacy and changes with every season of life, ultimately leading to discussions about the Church’s stance on euthanasia. Grants will be available annually by application.
- Examples include:
- Tools and Resources to Help Parents Raise Catholic Children
- Parish Activities and Programs for the Whole Family
- Speakers on Topics Relevant to Families at all Stages of Life
- Resources for Couples
- Liturgical Year Celebrations
Clergy Leadership
Effective and Humble LeadersIn times of joy and sorrow, our diocesan priests provide comfort and the joy of the sacraments.
- It is essential that we support the spiritual, intellectual and professional needs of our clergy. These funds will be available to all diocesan clergy. Grants will be available annually by application.
- Examples include:
- Professional Development
- Retreats/Renewal
- Piloting New Ideas
- Wellness
I believe strongly in the importance of endowment to invigorate and sustain ministry. As we grow our local church, key to our vibrancy will be the strength and contribution of lay leaders, families, and clergy. Through this fund we will be able to support them forever.”
Everyone is welcome to make a gift of any size in honor of Bishop McGrath’s years of service. There is an opportunity to send Bishop McGrath a personal message with your gift.
What is an Endowment?
An endowment is a fund comprised of gifts that are made for the benefit of an institution or area of interest to provide it with a permanent annual support. An endowment fund is invested to generate income. The principal remains untouched forever; only a portion of the earnings that the investments generate become grants.
How will this endowment grant to ministry?
Every year the Foundation holds an open application cycle when it invites local parishes to apply for funding for their programs. Once this endowment has sufficient funding, these three areas will be included in the Foundation’s Spring Grant Cycle. Applications will be submitted annually and the Foundation’s Grants Committee will make decisions about grant awards. Click here to read more about the current categories in the Spring Grant Cycle.
Who is The Catholic Community Foundation?
The Catholic Community Foundation of Santa Clara County is a nonprofit organization independent of the Diocese of San Jose that strengthens our Catholic community through fund development and grant making. As a full-functioning community foundation, we are able to extend our outreach and effectiveness into the community by offering Donor Advised Funds and legacy planning services, in addition to our professionally invested and managed endowments.