The Catholic Diocese of Madison Foundation staff have been reflecting on the 2025 Jubilee Year of Hope and on the many things that give us cause for hope this year.
God has given us a great opportunity in our line of work to see hope reflected in the community, here, in the Diocese of Madison. That is, the people who make our work possible.
Much of my work as the Operations Manager for the CDMF consists of internal operations, dealing with governance, assisting fund holders, working with our investment advisors, and the “numbers” of the Foundation.
However, as our assets under management continue to grow, this does not simply represent more money being brought in. These “numbers” instead represent growth in the impact that we are making in the community. Ultimately, because everything we do here is intended to serve the community of the faithful here in the diocese.
We are truly blessed when we see new funds started by individuals who wish to share their vision for a better future in our diocese and the Church at large.
It is not a matter of impersonal charitable giving, but rather, it is something inspired by God in their hearts.
Those who start funds with us have a vision. Sometimes this vision is inspired by something seemingly mundane, such as taking care of their church property. Other times, it is a desire for something like helping the disabled or those on the fringe of society. Whatever the cause, none of it is unseen by God. In fact, it is all inspired by God and makes an incredibly meaningful difference in the lives of many.
So, when reflecting on the idea of “hope,” there are so many things that come to mind because every day we get to work with selfless people, people who have been brought together by God to make up the body of Christ. Even those of us who may feel that we are unable to make a grand impact on the world are actually able to do just that, because God sees the desires of our heart. This desire for good will be nurtured by God, and we will begin to take action to strengthen those around us.
We are truly blessed by God and have been given a great cause for hope here at the CDMF.
We get the privilege of working at the core of the heart of giving. Every time someone wants to make a positive impact and begins to work with us, our hope continues to increase.
The Catholic Diocese of Madison Foundation (CDMF) provides grants, charitable distributions, and financial support to various parishes, schools, and nonprofits throughout the Diocese of Madison.
Many of the funds that support these great works are established by individuals who wish to make a faith-based difference in their community.
If you are interested in starting an endowment fund of your own which will fund the future of the Catholic church in our area, visit diocesemadisonfoundation.org or give us a call at 608-821-3048.
Also consider asking your parish priest if he has considered starting an endowment fund with the CDMF.
We would be happy to help in any way possible as we work together to serve Christ and His Church here in the Diocese of Madison.
Grant McGurn is the operations manager for the Catholic Diocese of Madison Foundation.