Over $10,000 will be available this year through the Catholic Foundation of Northwest Indiana to ministries across the Diocese of Gary. Apply today. Awards will be made in November 2025.

In the past several years Mercy Grant winners have included food pantries, mental health programs, and evangelization ministries.

Father Chris Stanish, Vicar General, presents a check to one of the 2024 winners.

Adoration Grantees Were Honored 6/28/25:

St. Paul Parish, Valparaiso – receiving a custom-built altar and new linens to support youth adoration. Carol Danapas accepting on behalf of St. Paul Parish

Holy Family Parish, LaPorte – receiving funds for new carpeting, kneelers, and paint to renew their chapel. Lynn Johnson accepting on behalf of Holy Family Parish

St. Helen Parish, Hebron – receiving a new ostensoria, cope, and humeral veil for more accessible daily adoration. Judy Holicky accepting on behalf of St. Helen Parish.

RED MASS 10/15/2025: Legal and Financial Communities Embrace Integrity & Social Justice

RED MASS 2025

Our Lady of Consolation

8303 Taft St. Merrillville, IN 46410-6119

OCTOBER 15, MASS CELEBRATION: 8 am

Most Reverend Robert J. McClory, Bishop of Gary

BREAKFAST TO FOLLOW – ALL FAITHS ARE WELCOME

CLE SPEAKER: Honorable Thomas Kirsch II, 7^th Circuit, U.S. Court of Appeals addresses:

“The Judicial Decision-Making Process and the Importance of an Independent Judiciary”

RSVP HERE or to jholicky@catholicfuture.org

JESUS IN BODY, BLOOD, SOUL, AND DIVINITY – Applications are due December 31, 2025 for the 2026 Eucharistic Adoration Grant.

The Catholic Foundation for Northwest Indiana is proud to announce a new grant-making endowment fund that will encourage life-long faith in the Sacred Body and Blood of Jesus Christ – the Eucharistic Adoration Endowment.

The Eucharistic Adoration Endowment Fund was created within the Catholic Foundation to help unite disciples who yearn to bring the world closer to Jesus through Adoration. Anyone can contribute to it and know that they are a part of this mission. In turn, any organization that facilitates Eucharistic Adoration and needs assistance in any aspect of sharing our Lord with others, can apply for a grant. Whether you contribute to the fund or apply for a grant you are part of this awesome mission. We are disciples called to make disciples. For more information go to https://dcgary.org/news/new-endowment-fund-supports-eucharistic-adoration.

For a list of parishes hosting Eucharistic Adoration, including days and times, go to https://dcgary.org/adoration-opportunities .

The mission of this endowment is to help people experience the love of Jesus through Eucharistic Adoration, and to share that love with others. Will you help support this mission?

2024 Mercy Grant Winners Announced

November 6, 2024 – The Catholic Foundation for Northwest Indiana awarded 12 Mercy Grants for ministries within the Gary diocese for a total over $10,000. Again this year several grantees were selected who provide food and concern for those living with hunger, while other winners assist with other quality of life needs including mental health, respect for life, and prison ministry. You can be part of the Mercy Grant ministry; to give, click here.

This year’s winners are listed below:

St. Mary Crown Point: God’s Groceries – Over 4,500 people were served last year; they have recently increased the variety of healthier food. They also provide breakfast bags, back-to-school backpacks, and school supplies.

St. Mary of the Lake Food Pantry and Community Garden – In 2024 the St. Mary of the Lake’s Community Garden has harvested and distributed over 2 tons of greens and vegetables. The pantry has served close to 6,000 people this year.

Sojourner Truth House – Provides hope and help for homeless and at-risk women and their children, including hospitality, advocacy, integrative services, and collaboration. Approximately 2,500 people are served every month.

Queen of All Saints Preserving Dignity – The Peace and Social Justice Commission at Queen of All Saints serves the community with four Christmas trees, a school uniform shirt drive, and school supply drive. Their goal is to provide dignity to those with limited resources.

Queen of All Saints Radiate Truth Student Service Project – Educates students through service projects by reaching out through community service and ministering to others, by serving their peers, providing for both physical and spiritual hunger.

St. Michael the Archangel Good Samaritans – The Good Samaritans provide help with both food and finances, helping clients to establish a more stable life for themselves and their families. Assistance may include help with rent and housing.

St. Thomas More Mental Health Program – The goal of the ministry is to increase the parish’s awareness of mental health and provide community resources including family support, mental health, and crisis services through practical tools to support individuals and their families.

St. Mary of the Immaculate Conception Mercy for the Most Needy – This food pantry serves approximately 1,000 individuals per month from all races, genders, ethnicities, and faiths. Reducing food insecurity also reduces anxiety and improves the health of the most needy.

St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Respect Life – The Respect Life program at St. Elizabeth’s provides pamphlets, booklets and other forms of information to help individuals access services as they accompany them with prayer and spiritual guidance with decisions in their lives.

St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Prison Ministry – Ministers visit incarcerated men and share prayer and the Good News with them. The ministry provides those who are released with clothing, shoes, and support to begin their new lives.

St. Clare’s Kitchen Holy Name of Jesus – Their vision is to foster a sense of belonging and compassion, offering not just meals, but meaningful connections that strengthen the community through the love of Christ providing food, fellowship, and a welcoming environment.

Winfield St. Vincent de Paul – Vincentians is an organization of volunteers who assist people in need of food and financial assistance for utilities, housing, and more. Winfield is one of 22 SVdP conferences in Northwest Indiana.

July 2024 National Eucharistic Congress and Revival

60,000 pilgrims attended the National Eucharistic Conference July 17 through 21 in Indianapolis. Five buses from the Diocese of Gary travelled to our state capitol for Saturday’s Eucharistic Procession. In addition, countless faithful attended all 5 days from numerous parishes in the diocese.

This is the day that the Lord has made! Let us rejoice and be glad! Catholic Foundation for Northwest Indiana is in line for $50 million over 15 years!

June 12, 2024, the Dean and Barbara White Family Foundation announced a $150 million donation to support Big Shoulders Fund’s efforts within all Diocese of Gary Catholic schools.

Bishop Robert J. McClory also announced that the Diocese will establish an endowment within the Catholic Foundation for Northwest Indiana to supplement compensation enhancements for principals, teachers, and staff within diocesan schools, a fund of $50 million over the next 15 years.

Those wishing to donate to the funds to enhance education in our Catholic schools can go to https://www.catholicfuture.org/donate/ .

For more details on the announcements go to https://dcgary.org/schools-gift .

SAVE THE DATE! RED MASS October 3, 2024

At the 2023 Red Mass, Bishop Robert J. McClory (center) delivers his homily before area judges who have gathered for the liturgy at Our Lady of Consolation Church in Merrillville. The Red Mass, a centuries-old Catholic tradition, includes an invocation to the Holy Spirit for wisdom and guidance especially for those professionals in the legal and financial fields who are present. Bishop McClory, who holds a law degree and practiced in the legal field before he answered the call to the priesthood, advised judges, attorneys and financial professionals gathered to keep their daily appointments with God: “Remember the necessity of prayer, quiet, silence, reflection in (the) life of all professionals, where the duties…can become so all consuming, demands can be so pressing.” (Anthony D. Alonzo photo)

Catholic Foundation: 2024 Mercy Grant Applications Are Closed; Winners to be announced in November.

There are times in our lives when we are able to do something significant for those in our community who are in great need. You can be that person, by giving to the Mercy Fund or applying for a Mercy grant.

The Mercy Fund provides grants to Catholic organizations who benefit the needy and carry on our Catholic Culture of caring for others through the corporal and spiritual works of mercy. The last 2 years, the Catholic Foundation has split up to $8,000 in grant money each year as seed money for new programs that exemplify the works of mercy. All Catholic tax-exempt 501(c)3 organizations located within the Diocese of Gary and any Catholic organization listed within the Diocese of Gary directory are eligible to apply for a grant. Applications received through August 1^st, 2024 are being reviewed by the committee. To donate to the Mercy Fund go tohttps://www.catholicfuture.org/donate/.

The Spiritual Works of Mercy

The Spiritual Works of Mercy have long been a part of the Christian tradition, appearing in the works of theologians and spiritual writers throughout history. Just as Jesus attended to the spiritual well-being of those he ministered to, these Spiritual Works of Mercy guide us to “help our neighbor in their spiritual needs” (USCCA). Lent is a good time to reflect on the Acts of Mercy:

FIRST WEEK OF LENT: Counseling the doubtful (USCCB)

Everyone has moments of doubt in their faith journey. Nevertheless, we should always remember that Christ is the Way, the Truth, and the Life and turn to him along our way.

Listen to counsel and receive instruction, that you may eventually become wise” (Prov 19:20)
The Cross of Christ “the foolishness of God is wiser than human wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than human strength” (1 Cor 1:25)
Has someone asked you for advice? Orient your response to Christ, who is the Way, the Truth, and the Life
Follow Christ with the witness of your life so that others may see God’s love revealed in your actions
Accompany a friend who is struggling with believing to join a parish group for service or faith formation, share a book you found useful in dealing with your friend’s faith concern, and worship at Sunday Mass

MERCY GRANT WINNERS 2023

Nativity of our Savior Food Pantry – Portage

Volunteers serve over 600 individuals every second and fourth Tuesday of the month. With help from the Mercy Grant, they will be able to reach more individuals, serve more families, and offer hope in these trying times.

Sacred Heart Food Pantry of St. Mary of the Immaculate Conception Parish – Michigan City

Food insecurity is an epidemic in Michigan City. The Sacred Heart pantry serves the poor, needy, and working poor Friday evenings (4:30 – 6:30). In the first six months of 2023, January-June over 4,000 individuals have been served.

St. Agnes Adult Day Service Center, Caregiver Support Group – St. Paul Parish – Valparaiso

In addition to their care of the elderly, St. Agnes serves many families struggling through the stages of dementia with loved ones, the Caregiver Support Group has seen continued growth with 30 participants and meets monthly.

St. Mary of the Lake Outreach to the Poor Food Pantry – Gary

Serving 120-130 households, around 400 individuals in Lake and Porter County, St. Mary’s provides food, information, and other resources for those in the surrounding community. Starting in November 2015, the food pantry ministry has been growing steadily.

St Matthias Parish Mental Health Ministry – Crown Point

Serving those with mental health struggles in a parish setting will allow parishioners to feel their needs are acknowledged. The program aims to spread awareness and provide a safe setting to share stories. and provide relevant speakers and information.

St Matthias Parish Pick 7 Food Pantry – Crown Point

The Pick 7 ministry serves the whole person with a warm atmosphere, sharing a meal, camaraderie, and shopping. At each event over 300 individuals are served. When available, the parish nurse provides blood pressure checks and wellness information.

SS. Monica and Luke Soup Kitchen – Gary

For 30 years SS. Monica and Luke Soup Kitchen has served the homeless, marginalized, impoverished in Gary, approximately 200 individuals every Friday. In a food desert many are served a nutritious balanced meal on a weekly basis.

Society of St. Vincent de Paul, District Council of Gary, Inc. Feed the Hungry Food Pantries at St. Ann Church – Gary, Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church, and St. Casimir Church – Hammond

Three SVDP food pantries in Hammond and Gary serve the communities all year long. They provide food to 200 families in need. Grant money will be disbursed evenly between the communities to purchase food items and grocery gift cards.

The mission of the Mercy Fund endowment is to distribute funds to eligible agencies that serve the poor and vulnerable in Northwest Indiana. This year’s winners reflect the increased need to feed the hungry and to care for the spiritual and mental health needs in our community.

Thousands of people have been touched by projects and ministries that received support from the Mercy Fund. You can support the Mercy Fund; for more information contact Judy Holicky 219-769-9292 x 268, pay online at https://www.catholicfuture.org/donate/ or send your payment to the Catholic Foundation, 9292 Broadway, Merrillville, IN 46410.

Catholic Foundation Video: What We Are All About

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Click here to donate to the Mercy Fund!

“For it is in giving that we receive.”
– St. Francis of Assisi

As a faithful disciple of Christ, you are generous with your time, talents, and treasure. The Catholic Foundation of Northwest Indiana is here to help you create a philanthropic legacy that will reflect your faith and benefit your favorite Catholic church or ministry forever.

Contact Judy Holicky to learn how to start a fund:
219-769-9292 x 268
info@catholicfuture.org

Posted on October 5, 2016 by CFuture.