Six Parishes Awarded Called & Sent Grants Thanks to a Generous Anonymous Gift

At the Called & Sent parish workshop, six parishes stepped forward with thoughtful, mission‑driven SMART goals—each one a concrete plan for how the diocesan synodal vision will come to life in their local communities. Their plans ranged from strengthening Eucharistic ministry, to expanding evangelization efforts, to enhancing sacred spaces, to deepening vocational awareness among youth. Every submission reflected creativity, prayer, and a sincere desire to serve the people of God.

Originally, the Catholic Foundation planned to award four $500 grants. However, thanks to a quiet and generous anonymous donation that strengthened our Witness of Hope granting fund, we were able to support all six parishes that applied. While these grants are modest in size, they make a meaningful difference for parishes taking their first steps from conversation into implementation.

Congratulations to the Parishes Awarded

The six parishes receiving Called & Sent grants are:

• Church of the Crucifixion (La Crescent) — evangelization at their new Early Learning & Faith Formation Center, expanded Eucharistic ministry, parish‑wide prayer for vocations, and altar server recruitment.

• Pax Christi (Rochester) — strengthening new‑parishioner welcome, launching ChristLife as an evangelization pathway, and assessing parish culture and sacred environment.

• St. Felix & St. Agnes (Wabasha/Kellogg) — hosting Andrew Dinners for vocational discernment and expanding St. Paul Street Evangelization into community festivals.

• Cathedral of the Sacred Heart (Winona) — restoring 24/7 Eucharistic Adoration and broadening catechesis through discipleship‑driven formation.

• St. Mary’s (Winona) — enhancing their renovated worship space with cohesive, welcoming sacred art.

• Co‑Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist (Rochester) — adding sacred art to parish spaces, creating an audio tour for visitors, and strengthening small‑group discipleship through Group Vitals.

Each parish demonstrated a clear commitment to the synodal priorities and a readiness to take practical steps forward. 

A Gift That Helps Parishes Begin

The anonymous donation that expanded our Witness of Hope fund didn’t create a giant pool of money—but it created enough to ensure that every parish who took the time to discern, plan, and submit SMART goals could receive support. For many parishes, $500 is exactly what they need to:

• purchase prayer cards or sacred art

• train a new minister

• host an evangelization event

• improve welcome materials

• or begin a small but important project

These grants help parishes start moving, and that momentum matters.

Gratitude for Our Parishes and Our Donor

We are grateful to the many parishes who participated in Called & Sent and the six that shared their plans with us for strengthening Catholic life in Southern Minnesota. Their leadership and creativity are signs of hope for our diocese.

And we extend sincere thanks to the donating family whose quiet generosity made it possible to fund every parish that applied. Your support helped turn thoughtful ideas into real action.

The Catholic Foundation is honored to steward these gifts and accompany our parishes as they continue implementing the synodal vision with faith, clarity, and purpose.

If you would like to give to our Witness in Hope fund, contact us today!