Thank you for making a contribution to Foundations in Faith. Our journey of discipleship
includes funding our parishes, Diocesan ministries, Catholic Charities, and walking with
those most vulnerable among us. 

Our mission is to empower and transform pastoral ministries in the Diocese of
Bridgeport by inspiring discipleship and providing essential funding, guidance,
and resources, all in service of The One*.

Foundations in Faith administers several funds with distinct impact areas as described
below.

To make a contribution generally supporting the mission of Foundations in Faith, please
select the “General Contributions to Foundations in Faith” option under “Select Your
Designated Fund.”

Otherwise, you may designate your donation to any of the eleven funds below:

The Mini Grants Fund is our rapid-response fund and grant program available by
invitation only, on a rolling basis to parishes and ministries of the Diocese of Bridgeport
with innovative approaches or exceptional needs. 

The St. Charles Borromeo Fund for Seminarians and Vocations supports young
men discerning and pursuing the call to the Catholic priesthood. Whether they plan to
serve the Diocese of Bridgeport or as missionary priests once ordained, Foundations in
Faith is committed to their priestly education and formation.

The St. John Vianney Fund for Retired Priests provides for the needs of retired
priests in the Diocese of Bridgeport. The fund serves to thank and care for those who
shepherded their flocks for many years, and to bring them peace and comfort in the final
years of their lives.

The St. Francis Xavier Fund for Missionary Parishes alleviates the financial burden
of select parishes that exhibit strong leadership, are pastorally vibrant, and reflect
outstanding missionary outreach. The SFX Fund is committed to leveraging resources
and promoting partnerships as a way to empower pastors so their focus can remain on
tending and growing their congregations.

The St. John Paul II Fund for Faith Formation aims to support all generations when it
comes to learning about and growing in the Catholic faith. The fund is especially
supportive of young people in their own initiatives and of parishes and Diocesan
organization seeking to implement innovative approaches to faith formation.

The St. Therese Fund for Evangelization supports evangelization efforts and those
bringing the Good News of Christ into daily interactions, reaching out to convert
individuals and society with the Gospel. 

The St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Fund for Catholic Education funds resources for
Catholic school offsetting any impact on the cost of tuition. After the domestic Church,
Catholic education is the most fertile ground for evangelization and faith formation.

The St. John Bosco Fund for Special Needs in Catholic Schools helps make
Catholic education accessible to students with disabilities and specialized educational
needs and is crucial to the quality of Catholic education in the Diocese of Bridgeport. 

The St. Catherine Center for Special Needs Fund supports its namesake center
which helps meet the emotional, educational, and spiritual needs of young people with
disabilities whose needs cannot be met in a mainstream school setting. Students and
young adults learn, grow, and develop life and work skills in a safe and nurturing
environment.

The Lourdes Fund for Pastoral Care in Nursing Homes brings resources to pastoral
care teams in the three nursing homes previously owned by the Diocese of Bridgeport.
The teams comprised of clergy, religious sisters, lay staff, and volunteers work daily to
bring comfort and to meet the spiritual needs of its residents. 

The Catholic Charities of Fairfield County Fund provides funding for Catholic
Charities of Fairfield County, Inc..

The St. Augustine Fund for Diocesan Operations provides support to the overall
operation of the Diocese of Bridgeport through an annual grant. Established in 2025.

Contact Carol Incarnacao-Schirm at (203) 416-1393 or cschirm@foundationsinfaith.org for endowment options, legacy giving, stock gifts, or with any questions.

For policy information with respect to each of the funds, please visit the Foundations
in Faith website: foundationsinfaith.org/funds

*The One is the Diocese of Bridgeport’s commitment to renew the ecclesial culture of
our Church and to bring every believer closer to the Lord Jesus. There is a single
invitation offered to each of us by Christ: Encounter Him more deeply in mind, heart,
and will. Once we encounter the person of Christ, learn more about Him, fall in love with
Him, and share his life with others, our own faith becomes more profound. Then, as
missionary disciples in the world, we can accompany others who want to join in the
journey, calling each of our brothers and sisters to their own encounter.