Dear Friends:

Planting, sowing, cultivating, growing, harvesting, roots, new life…I’d like you to think about how these words describe the work of The Catholic Community Foundation in the Archdiocese of Miami.

First envisioned by Archbishop John C. Favalora in 1998, the Catholic Community Foundation in the Archdiocese of Miami, Inc. has spread its roots deep within our Catholic community. Its predecessor organization, the Archdiocese of Miami Endowment Fund, Inc., laid the ground work for the CCF to follow and build on its foundation nearly 20 years later. It receives its life from the stability, goodwill and good works of the people in our Archdiocese. The Catholic Foundation enables all of us to say the Catholic church in Miami- Dade, Broward and Monroe counties are here to stay... its endowments are perpetual and its mission it everlasting.

There is a long list of different endowments which provide for the future needs of our Church. The dedicated persons responsible for setting these up should be applauded for having the foresight and planning that is so necessary if we are to flourish. How else can we sustain the ongoing efforts of our different parishes, school and ministries without the help of dedicated friends and parishioners such as yourselves?

Beyond the idea of enhancing and furthering the education of the children in our schools and assisting needy parishes, endowments are also a way to remember loved ones who have left this life. In the past, these remembrances took the form of memorial windows, altars, mass intensions and liturgical vessels. Today, a living endowment keeps a person’s memory or family name alive forever, while giving you the opportunity to make an impact in the Archdiocesan community, or one of its affiliated parishes, schools or ministries.

Remember Jesus’ parable of the sower in Matthew, 13: 3-8, when you are deciding how to make a charitable contribution. Consider opening or adding to an endowment in the Catholic Community Foundation and be assured of abundant and perennial fruit.

Very Truly Yours,

Mr. Emilio Alonso- Mendoza
President, Catholic Community Foundation