In Service to Christ

 
"The most important thing we can do is put Jesus first." Fr. Carl Beavers, Board Member

The Wyoming Catholic Ministries Foundation advances Christ's ministry through the generous support of our donors. We provide financial support to select Catholic entities so they can grow our parish communities and advance faith and hope of Christ's promise throughout Wyoming. The Foundation raises funds and supports Catholic ministries with the hope that everyone will come to hear the word of Christ and celebrate in his joy and love for us.

• WCMF is a 501(c)(3) organization, incorporated under the guidelines of the Internal Revenue Service and in accordance to the requirements of the Roman Catholic Church. The Foundation is managed by an independent board of directors which sets policy guidelines and maintains fiduciary responsibility for the organization’s assets. Bishop Steven Biegler is an ex-officio, non-voting member of the board.

• The Foundation manages several endowments which generate grant funds to support Catholic ministries in Wyoming.

• In 2019, WCMF provided $285,316 to the Diocese of Cheyenne for operating support which includes parish formation, training and support services for parishes.

• The Foundation awarded more than $150,000 through a competitive grant program to Catholic schools in Casper, Cheyenne, Rock Springs, Riverton , Gillette and Sheridan. Funds were also awarded to St. Joseph’s Children’s Home. These funds purchased computer hardware and software, security upgrades such as video cameras and electronic door control systems and capital improvements.

• Young men driven to devote their lives to the Church received scholarships and support totaling $159,000 in 2019. These funds support our seminarians in their priestly formation and are comprised of private contributions from people across Wyoming who recognize the importance of  the future and helping young men in their journey to become priests. It costs approximately $50,000 a year to attend a seminary, and typically takes as long as 6 years.

• The Foundation provided $21,000 to St. Joseph’s Society to provide for the care and support of retired priests within the Diocese.  Retired clergy are tremendously important as they fill in for priests on vacation or those who fall ill. Retired priests also visit the sick, provide the sacraments to the homebound and serve the faithful in every corner of Wyoming.

• The Foundation holds pooled investments for parishes and independent Catholic entities totaling approximately $5 million. This service enables these groups to benefit from economies of scale with management fees that are lower than they would be for stand alone accounts.