The Catholic Community Foundation of the Diocese of Cleveland and its executive director, Patrick Grace, earned three major awards earlier this month from the International Catholic Stewardship Council.
The foundation received the Award for Excellence in the Total Discipleship Campaign Effort and Honorable Mention for Diocesan Stewardship Effort. The awards were for the diocesanwide Heart of a Shepherd campaign, which raised funds for seminary renovations, to assist newly ordained priests with tuition debt, to help support retired clergy and to help parishes with needed improvements. Winners were chosen by a vote of ICSC members from across the country and beyond.
Grace received the 2022 St. Joseph Stewardship Award for Distinguished Service.
“It was amazing that we raised so much money during COVID,” said Rick Schultz, Heart of a Shepherd campaign chair and a St. Mary, Hudson parishioner.
The campaign spanned more than two years and faced challenges during the mandated suspension of public Masses. More than $51.4 million was pledged by 13,023 donors, including a $3 million commitment on behalf of the diocese.
“We had a great group working on this campaign. Thanks to Patrick’s leadership and organization, the foundation’s efforts, the campaign cabinet, campaign team, support from Lauren Costello and CCS Fundraising and diocesanwide support, it was a huge success,” Schultz said.
“The seminary really needed the work,” he said, noting that the residence hall rooms had one outlet which was not sufficient for current technology needs. In addition, there were issues with the heating and plumbing and no air conditioning in the rooms.
While the campaign entailed a great deal of planning and work, Schultz said it was worth it.
“We achieved a lot and had fun along the way,” he added.
The awards were presented at the 60th annual ICSC conference in Anaheim, California. Participants gathered to pray, learn, network, cultivate new relationships and reflect on the life of stewardship in the Catholic Church.
They also exchanged ideas on how to prepare for the Church’s transformational future in the post-COVID-19 environment.
Grace, a longtime active member of the organization, serves as a representative of Region VI (Michigan and Ohio) on the board of directors.
To make a donation to the Heart of a Shepherd campaign, call 216-696-6525, Ext. 1670 or click here.