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Our History

Our History

The Catholic Foundation was established in 2001 to support the growing needs of our Catholic community. We work with the Diocese as a separate entity to fund operations, ministries, and scholarships. Gifts made to the Catholic Foundation are safeguarded through endowed funds to ensure donations grow over time and continue to serve the charities and causes intended by the donors.

The Catholic Diocese of El Paso covers ten Texas counties, including El Paso, Brewster, Culberson, Hudspeth, Jeff Davis, Loving, Presidio, Reeves, Ward, and Winkler. Within the Diocese of El Paso, there are 56 parishes and 17 missions.

Catholic Foundation Milestones
Catholic Foundation Milestones
2001
Catholic Foundation Board of Directors Created

The Catholic Foundation is governed by a volunteer Board of Directors from El Paso and West Texas. Founding board members include Bishop Armando X. Ochoa, Rev. Richard A. Matty†, Sister Helen Santamaria, SL, Rudolph “Rudy” Miles, Calvin Kessler and Carolyn Mora.

2003
First Stewardship Day Held for the Diocese

Each year, the Catholic Foundation holds a Stewardship event. Past events have included Stewardship Days, the Mass Attendance Count, Steward of the Year Contest, Stewardship Workshops and Stewardship Classes held through Tepeyac’s Summer Institute.

2007
First Foundation of Faith Dinner Celebrated

Each year, the Catholic Foundation holds a Stewardship event. Past events have included Stewardship Days, the Mass Attendance Count, Steward of the Year Contest, Stewardship Workshops and Stewardship Classes held through Tepeyac’s Summer Institute.

2009
Miles Scholarship Fund Gifted to the Catholic Foundation

A gift of $2.6 million from Michael M. and Clara Miles in 2009 to establish Catholic school scholarships for students in high school laid the groundwork for what is known today as the Catholic Foundation’s Scholarship Program.

2013
Catholic Legacy Fund Hits $10 Million

The Catholic Legacy Fund is the Foundation’s permanent endowment program that exists to support the annual and long-term needs of the parishes, schools, ministries and charities of the Diocese of El Paso. Our goal is to build the Catholic Legacy Fund to $25 million.

2015
Progress Annual Appeal Surpasses $2.2 Million

Progress Annual Ministry Appeal nurtures the spiritual growth of our Catholic community by raising funds for the annual support of 15 diocesan ministries.

2017
St. Patrick Cathedral Historic Preservation Fund Surpasses $1 Million

The St. Patrick Cathedral Historic Preservation Fund was established to provide for the future care of the Cathedral. Donations to this fund are a great gift to our community and will ensure that all families within our Diocese are able to enjoy the beauty and sanctity of our Cathedral Church now and for years to come.

2018
Seminarian Education Endowment Fund Reaches $2 Million

The Seminarian Education Endowment Fund, which was created to ensure continual resources for the recruitment and training of seminarians to serve as the future leadership of the Diocese of El Paso, reached $2 Million of a $5 Million goal.

2020
Catholic Legacy Fund on its Way to $20 Million

The Catholic Legacy Fund, the Foundation’s Endowment Program, has a total fund value of $19.9 million and is on its way to $20 million in 2020. When you establish an endowed fund, you create a permanent legacy of support that will make a lasting impact on our Catholic community.

2021
The Catholic Foundation Turns 20

In 2001, 122 seed donors contributed $177,000 to create a Catholic Foundation. The Catholic Legacy Fund, the Catholic Foundation’s endowment program, reached $21 million on its way to our short term goal of $25 million. The Catholic Foundation manages six programs and 101 separate funds, and will distribute $748,336 from endowed funds in 2021.

2023
Catholic Legacy Fund reaches 110 funds including the first ever Sisters in Action Fund

The Catholic Legacy Fund reached 110 unique funds, including an endowment fund dedicated to enriching the lives of the Religious Sisters serving the Diocese of El Paso. The Sisters in Action Fund was created in memory of Sister Antonia de Maria, SSHJP.