Byzantine Catholic Eparchy of Parma Foundation

Why a Foundation?

• Fund and Award Accountability: No funds can be accessed without majority board approval.
• Discernment: Requests for support are reviewed by the Board to ensure rational and well justified decisions. This process involves thorough evaluation over time, helping to avoid impulsive approvals or pressured expenditures.
• Transparency: All expenditures are recorded, reviewed, and archived to ensure responsible and accountable stewardship of funds.
• Oversight: The Foundation undergoes regular external financial audits.
• Integrity: Board members are unpaid volunteers committed to stewardship.

Mission Focus
The Foundation raises and distributes funds to support four key areas:

• Parish & Mission Development: Ensuring our churches remain vibrant places of worship and community.
• Vocations & Seminary Education: Supporting the formation of future priests and religious vocations.
• Works of the Apostolate: Evangelization, ministries, and outreaches, especially to youth and families.
• Support for Active & Retired Priests: Providing for those who serve and have served our Church faithfully.

• John Shirilla, Chairperson & President – St. Joseph Parish, Brecksville, OH
• Albert Matyas, Secretary – St. Joseph Parish, Brecksville, OH
• Matthew McDonald, Treasurer – Chief Eparchial Finance Officer, Eparchy of Parma
• Allyn Pytel – Assumption Family Parish, Broadview Heights, OH
• Michael Kenes – St. Stephen Parish, Allen Park, MI
• Rev. Andrew Summerson – Administrator, St. Mary Parish, Whiting, IN
• The Most Rev. Robert M. Pipta – Bishop, Eparchy of Parma

Matt Messina, Development Officer, Eparchy of Parma, executes the strategies established by the
Board.

What is a general contribution? A general contribution is an unrestricted gift that allows the Foundation to allocate funds where they are most needed across the Eparchy’s programs and applicants.

Can I choose an option I most prefer? Yes. You may direct your contribution to a specific area of need, such as vocations, parish development, works of the apostolate, or support for retired priests.

What is a restricted contribution? A restricted contribution is a donation earmarked for a specific purpose or project. These funds are used only for the designated intent, such as seminary education or youth ministry.

Is my donation tax-deductible? Yes. The Foundation is a registered nonprofit organization, and all eligible contributions are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law.

Can I make a recurring donation? Yes. Recurring monthly or annual donations can be set up
to support ongoing needs and long-term planning. 

Will I receive updates on how my donation is used? Yes. The Foundation provides periodic updates and reports to donors, ensuring transparency and connection to the mission.

Who decides how funds are distributed? The Board of Directors reviews all requests and makes decisions based on need, mission alignment, and available resources.

What is planned giving? Planned giving refers to charitable donations arranged in advance, often as part of your estate or financial planning. This can include bequests in a will, charitable trusts, or naming the Foundation as a beneficiary of a retirement account or life insurance policy.

Can I donate real estate or other valuable assets? Yes. The Foundation can accept gifts of real estate, securities, or other tangible assets. These types of donations may offer tax advantages and can make a lasting impact on the Church’s future.

What is a Donor-Advised Fund (DAF)? A Donor-Advised Fund is a charitable giving account that allows you to recommend grants to the Foundation from your fund. It’s a flexible and tax-efficient way to support causes you care about.

The General Needs pillar is the heart of flexibility and responsiveness within the Byzantine Catholic Eparchy of Parma Foundation. It allows the Foundation to direct contributions to the areas of greatest and most immediate need, where help is needed now.

What does this support include?
General contributions are unrestricted gifts that enable the Foundation to respond quickly and effectively to emerging needs across all four mission pillars:

• Vocations
• Parish and Mission Development
• Works of the Apostolate
• Support for Active and Retired Priests

Why is this pillar important?
While restricted contributions are vital for long-term planning, general contributions provide the agility to meet challenges as they arise throughout our Eparchy. They ensure that no critical need goes unmet simply because funding is unavailable or delayed.

Supporting vocations is one of the most vital missions of the Byzantine Catholic Eparchy of Parma Foundation. By nurturing those called to the priesthood, diaconate, or monastic life, we ensure the future of our Church and the holy mysteries we hold dear.

What are vocational expenses?
Vocational expenses vary depending on the stage of interest. We support men exploring the priesthood and those in seminary formation. 

• Vocation Exploration Programs: may include webinars, conferences, printed materials, and other resources designed to help individuals learn more about the calling and what it entails.
• Seminary Support: Tuition, academic fees, books, room and board, technology, study materials, insurance, travel and formation-related, other essentials for daily living, and more.

Why is this pillar important?
Without financial support, many potential vocations may go unrealized. By contributing to this pillar, donors help ensure that those called to serve are never held back by financial barriers.

Can I designate my donation specifically for vocations?
Yes. You can make a restricted contribution that directly supports vocational programs and seminary expenses. Every gift helps plant the seeds of future leadership in our Church.

How are vocational funds used?
Ordinarily, seminarians pay 100% of their own expenses during the first two years as they explore their calling as Aspirants. In the next three years of formation, the Foundation covers 50% of expenses, and in the final year of formation, it covers 100%. Actual costs incurred by the Foundation depend on how many seminarians are active and how far along they are in their formation. For example, if two seminarians begin today, the Foundation incurs no cost in year one. However, by year six, expenses could exceed $100,000 that are due.

As contributions are received, they are added to a designated fund specifically for vocations. Even when there is no immediate expense, such as in the early years of a seminarian’s journey, these gifts accumulate. This proactive funding approach ensures that when future expenses arise, such as full tuition and living costs in later years, the Foundation is prepared to pay them in full and on time. Your generosity today builds the financial foundation for tomorrow’s priests.

Our priests dedicate their lives to serving the Church, administering the sacraments, and guiding the faithful. The Byzantine Catholic Eparchy of Parma Foundation is committed to ensuring that both active and retired clergy are cared for with dignity, gratitude, and compassion.

What does this support include?
Support for priests may include assistance with: 

• Extraordinary Needs: Emergency medical expenses, housing support, or other unforeseen challenges and emergencies that arise during their active ministry.
• Continuing Formation: Funding for retreats, educational programs, and spiritual renewal to help priests grow in their vocation.
• Retirement Support: Providing a modest pension to retired priests who have served faithfully, so they may live with dignity and continue to minister as they are able.
• Wellness and Stability: Providing resources that promote physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being throughout a priest’s life.

Why is this pillar important?
Priests are the spiritual backbone of our parishes. Supporting them—especially in times of need or transition—honors their service and strengthens the entire Church community.

Can I designate my donation specifically for priest support?
Yes. You can make a restricted contribution that directly supports the needs of active or retired priests. Your gift helps ensure that those who have given so much are never left without care.

How are priest support funds used?
As contributions are received, they are added to a designated fund specifically for financially supporting our priests when in need. Even when there is no immediate expense, such as during periods of good health or stable ministry, these gifts accumulate and grow to meet needs as they occur. This proactive funding approach ensures that when future needs arise, such as medical emergencies, or continuing formation, the Foundation is prepared to pay them in full and on time. Your
generosity today builds a safety net for those who have devoted their lives to serving the Church.

What are the realities for retired priests?
For practical and financial purposes, when our priests retire, they face the same responsibilities as any lay person does, including paying for housing, utilities, insurance, and all other living expenses. After a lifetime of spiritual service, they deserve the dignity of financial support that allows them to live in peace and continue ministering as they are able. While most are eligible for Social Security, their
benefits are modest, reflecting a lifetime of voluntarily earning low salaries in service to the Church. To help supplement this, the Eparchy maintains a pension fund. However, the pension currently lacks the financial capacity to fully support the annual needs of our retired priests, and this shortfall is expected to continue for the foreseeable future. Like any pension system, its health depends on investment
performance, the number of priests drawing benefits, and long-term financial planning. Your support helps bridge this gap and ensures our retired clergy can live with dignity and peace.

The mission of the Church is to proclaim the Gospel and make disciples of all nations. The Works of the Apostolate pillar of the Byzantine Catholic Eparchy of Parma Foundation supports this mission by funding evangelization, ministries, and outreach efforts that bring Christ to the world.

What does this support include?
This pillar helps fund a wide range of apostolic efforts, including:

• Evangelization Programs: Initiatives that share the Gospel and our beautiful faith through parish missions, public events, and digital outreach.
• Youth and Family Ministry: Programs that engage young people and families in faith formation, retreats, and community-building.
• Media and Technology Outreach: Developing content and platforms that reach people where they are: online, on social media, and through emerging technologies.
• Catechesis and Education: Supporting religious education for all ages, including training for catechists and lay leaders.
• Community Presence: Helping parishes become visible and active in their local communities through service, hospitality, and witness.

Why is this pillar important?
Our faith has never been static. Our response to Jesus’s call is a blessed ongoing calling. Through the Works of the Apostolate, we respond to Christ’s call to “go and make disciples.” These efforts ensure that our parishes are not only places of worship, but also centers of outreach, formation, and spiritual renewal.

Can I designate my donation specifically for apostolic works?
Yes. You can make a restricted contribution that directly supports evangelization, ministry development, and outreach programs. Your gift helps bring the light of Christ to those who need it most.

How are apostolic funds used?
As contributions are received, they are added to a designated fund for apostolic works. These funds are used to launch new initiatives, sustain ongoing ministries, and respond to emerging needs. Whether it’s a youth retreat, a digital evangelization campaign, or a parish mission event, your generosity fuels the Church’s presence in the world. Even when a program is still in development, early donations ensure that resources are ready when the opportunity arises.

Our parishes are the spiritual homes where we gather to worship, celebrate the sacraments, and grow in faith as a community. The Parish and Mission Development pillar of the Byzantine Catholic Eparchy of Parma Foundation ensures that these sacred spaces remain vibrant, welcoming, and equipped to serve both current and future generations.

What does this support include?
This pillar helps fund the physical and operational needs of parishes and missions
across the Eparchy, including:

• Facility Maintenance and Renovation: Repairs, upgrades, and preservation of church buildings, halls, and grounds.
• New Mission Development: Supporting the launch of new communities and outreach efforts in underserved areas, to build churches where none yet stand.
• Safety and Infrastructure: Upgrading systems such as heating, cooling, lighting, and security to meet modern standards.
• Liturgical and Community Spaces: Enhancing worship environments and gathering areas to foster deeper connection and hospitality.

Why is this pillar important?
A thriving parish is more than a building, it’s a beacon of faith, hope, and community. By investing in parish and mission development, we ensure that our churches remain places of beauty, safety, and spiritual nourishment for generations to come, just as those who came before us, did for us.

Can I designate my donation specifically for parish development? 
Yes. You can make a restricted contribution that directly supports parish infrastructure, mission
expansion, and facility improvements. Your gift helps preserve the sacred spaces where our faith is lived and shared.

How are parish development funds used?
As contributions are received, they are added to a designated fund for parish and mission development. These funds are used to address both immediate needs—such as emergency repairs—and long-term projects like building renovations or new mission launches. Even when a parish is not currently undergoing construction, early donations ensure that resources are available when needs arise. Your generosity today helps sustain the physical foundation of our spiritual life.

Because Our Faith Needs a Now—and a Future Your gift helps ensure that our Church operates faithfully today and, just as others once gave to sustain us, continues to thrive for generations to come.

Because Seminarians Shouldn't Carry the Burden Alone Formation is very costly. Your support lifts the financial burden so our Priests can focus on their calling of leading parishes, delivering Divine Liturgy, helping save souls and grow the faithful.

Because Our Priests Gave Everything Many retired priests live with very minimal income. Your gift actively honors their lifetime of service.

Because Parishes Are More Than Buildings They are homes of worship, community, and sacramental life. Help keep them safe and welcoming.

Because Evangelization Doesn’t Happen by Accident Outreach takes resources. Your gift helps bring Christ to those who haven’t yet encountered Him.

Because Emergencies Don’t Wait General contributions allow the Foundation to respond immediately when urgent needs arise.

Because You Can Make a Difference, Right Now Every dollar helps. Whether it’s $10 or $10,000,000 your gift becomes part of something bigger.

Because You Believe in the Mission Supporting the Foundation means supporting vocations, parishes, ministries, and the people who make it all possible with us.

Because Giving Is an Act of Faith It’s a way to live out your values and invest in the spiritual life of your community.

Because Giving Is an Act of Stewardship Your gift is more than a donation—it’s a sacred responsibility. It reflects gratitude for what we’ve received and a commitment to care for the Church entrusted to us.

Because We Are the Whole—Made Strong by the Many No single gift sustains the Church, but together, our collective generosity becomes a powerful force. When each of us gives what we can, we build something greater than any one of us could alone.

Because This Is an Opportunity to Be Part of History—Now The decisions we make and the generosity we show today will shape the Church for generations. Your gift becomes part of a living legacy, written in the lives we touch and the faith we preserve.