CV NEWS FEED // The diocese of Wichita, Kansas, has just launched a new fund that will especially help support those suffering from poverty and homelessness.
The new “In Love of God and Neighbor Fund” is a part of a broader campaign launched by the diocesan called, “One Family, Fully Alive in Christ!”
The diocese highlighted in an April 16 diocesan news release that serving the poor is crucial to Catholics’ call to live out the Gospel and to evangelize. Because of this, the broader campaign will give 10% of all raised money to the new special fund.
“It is a Gospel truth that as we work for ourselves, we also need to look out for and maintain the poor. Caring for the poor is one of the works that we must do,” said Fr. Curtis Hecker, a pastor in the diocese. “I’m excited to see that is where we are moving and that we have not forgotten the poor in this campaign.”
The fund will annually disperse its proceeds towards outreach efforts and programs throughout the diocese.
“The $5 million fund will be managed with the discipline of a true endowment, meaning that the money will be invested and grants will be awarded to parishes and outreach ministries each year from the interest the fund generates,” the news release reads. “Once the fund is established, an estimated $200,000 in annual grants will be available to bolster these ministries.”
Several of these outreach programs minister to mothers in need and those suffering from homelessness or poverty. Other programs provide financial assistance for food and utilities, or mental health support.
“This fund will play a significant role in expanding outreach ministries in parishes across the diocese,” said diocesan Director of Development and Planned Giving Michael Wescott. “It is our hope that annual grants from this new fund will support parish food pantries, soup kitchens, Society of St. Vincent de Paul Councils, and similar ministries serving their communities.”
Fr. Schibi, a local pastor in the diocese, said that his parish’s food pantry is able to help many families per week, but added that every month the supplies run out.
“Our parishioners replenish the pantry, but it has been very difficult to keep up with the needs of the community,” Fr. Schibi said. “This new fund will help us better serve and support those who rely on [the] pantry and help even more people in the coming years!”
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