The Catholic Foundation

The Catholic Foundation of the Diocese of Sacramento, Inc., provides a way for you to support the many ministries of the parishes, schools and agencies of the Diocese of Sacramento. Established in 2004, the Foundation’s focus is to ensure a strong financial basis for continuing services to the faith community in the 20 counties of Northern California for years to come. The Foundation operates in support of the Diocese and is managed by the Bishop and an appointed Board of Directors.

Generous donors from all walks of life have contributed outright gifts, bequests, gifts in trust, endowments and other types of gifts to the Foundation, where the assets are received and managed.

Annual Catholic Appeal Partner Spotlight

Wellspring Women’s Center

Wellspring Women's Center

Every day, countless good works are happening in the Diocese of Sacramento because of the widespread support the Annual Catholic Appeal. In 2011, more than $3.2 million in contributions from over 20,000 participants helped bring hope and help to people of all ages in desperate need.

Each month, The Catholic Foundation will feature a spotlight on Appeal dollars at work in our Diocese. This month we invite you to learn more about Wellspring Women’s Center, celebrating 25 years of service in July.

Wellspring is a trusted community resource located in the Oak Park community of Sacramento that serves more than 200 women and their children each week day, providing counseling, case management, safety net services and a nutritious breakfast with the help of over 100 volunteers and a professional staff of 8. Any woman and her children may participate in their programs; there are no prerequisites or pre-qualifications.

“Appeal funding literally translates into assistance for those who otherwise may go without: the elderly, the disabled, single mothers, the working poor, immigrants, and more,” sites Yolanda Torrecillas, the program’s Development Director. It is important to note that Wellspring receives no government funding. “The support we receive from the Appeal allows us to provide thousands of nutritious meals each year to our guests, to provide counseling and case management to people in crisis, and emergency services to those who have nowhere else to turn for assistance,” she continues.

2012 Annual Catholic Appeal

It's not just a weekend!

Every day, countless good works are happening in the Diocese of Sacramento because you support the Annual Catholic Appeal. But just as the need in our Diocese is not limited to one weekend, we too must also remember that contributions to the Appeal over the course of the entire year are what make a lasting difference in our community.

Appeal contributions help social service programs assist the ever-growing numbers of those overwhelmed with challenges to provide basic necessities for their families. They help families apply for tuition assistance so their children can have a Catholic education, help seminarians devote themselves fully to their studies as they prepare to serve as our priests and they assist parishes to provide for a wide array of local community needs.

If you haven’t already, please prayerfully consider a donation to the 2012 Appeal. There is so much good work yet to be done!

Watch the Annual Catholic Appeal Video

The Catholic Foundation provides increased parish and donor support

Melanie Torres Photo

As a critical part of the restructure of the Stewardship and Advancement Office and in order to ensure the delivery of the necessary resources to parishes and donors alike, The Catholic Foundation welcomes to the team Melanie Torres, Parish Support and Donor Relations Manager.

In this role, Torres is a key resource for the services of the foundation including Planned and Major Gift Giving support as well as education to parish staff, finance councils and parishioners regarding the Charitable Gift Annuity (CGA).

Torres is available to meet with prospective donors by request as well as provide informational seminars specifically related to the CGA—a sound charitable investing tool providing donors over the age of 65 an opportunity to support their local Catholic community while supplementing their annual income.

Serving Diocese in Dual Role

Rick Maya assumes management of Stewardship and Advancement Office and serves as executive director of The Catholic Foundation

Portrait of Rick Maya

Rick Maya, Director of Catholic Schools for the Diocese of Sacramento, has been appointed by Bishop Jaime Soto to also assume the management of the Diocesan Stewardship and Advancement Office. As part of his responsibilities, he will also be staff to The Catholic Foundation of the Diocese of Sacramento.

Bishop Soto announced the appointment in a letter to diocesan and parish leaders dated Jan. 4. The bishop said Maya in this dual role will ensure closer alignment between Catholic education and the Advancement Office.

"This will help meet one of the key strategic pastoral objectives for the Catholic community, to sustain the proud legacy of Catholic education," the bishop said.

The bishop noted that Maya will lead a restructuring of the Stewardship and Advancement Office to ensure the necessary resources so that the church can fulfill its mission. The office will focus on fund development, parish services, community outreach, reporting on outcomes and planning for the next diocesan capital campaign.