Gaylord, Michigan — Each spring, parishes in the Diocese of Gaylord are encouraged to apply [to the diocese] for grant funds to support the construction of homes in their community through partnership with Habitat for Humanity. The $5,000 annual grant allotment from the diocese is divided among a number of parishes or offered to a single parish depending on the number grant applications received. This grant is made possible through generous donations to the diocesan Catholic Services Appeal.
This year, funds were allocated to Our Lady of the Lake (Prudenville) and the cluster of parishes made up by St. Mary/St. Charles (Cheboygan); St. Clement (Pellston); and Sacred Heart (Riggsville). These parishes have a longstanding history of involvement with and support to their local Habitat for Humanity chapters: the Roscommon County Habitat and Cheboygan County Habitat for Humanity. Many parishioners from the associated parishes volunteer in the hands-on construction of homes in their local communities. Additionally, several parishioners serve in leadership positions within their Habitat chapter with Executive positions on the Board or staff team.
“This is a wonderful program that meets families where they are and shows the love of Christ in a very tangible way. I am thankful for this work being done to help families in need of safe housing — a basic necessity — and grateful for our parishes ongoing relationship with Habitat for Humanity,” states Bishop Walter A. Hurley, Apostolic Administrator of the Diocese of Gaylord.
It has been Diocese of Gaylord policy that if a parish is awarded Catholic Services Appeal grant funds for Habitat in a given year, that parish is typically are not considered again until an alternate year to allow for a broader range of involvement from various parishes, dependent on the number of parishes requesting funds.
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The Diocese of Gaylord was established by His Holiness Pope St. Paul VI on July 20, 1971. The territory encompasses 11,171 square miles and includes the 21 most northern counties of Michigan’s Lower Peninsula. The region is home to nearly 50,000 Catholics, served by 75 parishes, 17 Catholic schools and many closely-related institutions. For more information, visit www.dioceseofgaylord.org.
Media Contact: Mrs. Mackenzie Ritchie, Director of Communications | mritchie@dioceseofgaylord.org | 989.705.3506
