Grants help parishes meet essential needs, efforts

St. Jerome Parish in Houston is among several communities in the Archdiocese supported by a fund that assists parishes in need, helping parish ministries and evangelizations efforts succeed. (Photo by James Ramos/Herald)HOUSTON — Generosity is one of the most visible signs of faith in action. Within the Archdiocese, that spirit continues to strengthen parishes, schools and ministries that serve those most in need. Each act of giving, whether through time, prayer or financial support, builds a community rooted in gratitude and united in Christ.

Through the Diocesan Services Fund (DSF), the faithful united to sustain more than 60 ministries and programs that bring Christ’s compassion to others. 

Among these efforts is the Aid to Poor Parishes Fund, established in 1968 by Bishop John L. Morkovsky to provide consistent support to parishes and schools facing financial hardship. He asked then-Father Joseph A. Fiorenza, who would later become archbishop, and a committee of priests and lay leaders to develop a program that would help ensure struggling communities could continue their mission.

Over time, the fund has grown through parish tithing and the DSF rebate process. When a parish exceeds its DSF goal, a portion of those rebate dollars is directed to the fund, which the Archdiocese uses to provide grants for essential building, maintenance and ministry needs. This financial assistance allows parishes and schools to continue valuable ministry programs for children and adults, address property and building repairs, and maintain safe, welcoming spaces where parish life and worship can prosper.

In 2024, the Aid to Poor Parishes Fund distributed more than $1.8 million in grants to over 50 parishes and schools across the Archdiocese, providing critical support for facility improvements, ministry programs and maintenance needs. Contributions to the Aid to Poor Parishes Fund through the DSF reflect the faithful’s deep commitment to fostering community and spiritual growth. Through this shared stewardship, smaller parishes facing hardship can meet the pastoral and sacramental needs of their people.

For Father Nicolas Ramirez, pastor of Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Conroe, one of the blessings of being a diocesan priest is experiencing a variety of parish communities throughout the Archdiocese, since priests are often reassigned based on pastoral need. He said his last assignment as a pastor was at St. Frances Cabrini Parish in Houston, which benefited from the Aid to Poor Parishes Fund, an experience that deeply inspired him.

“At my previous parish, [we] needed funding for basic capital repairs, including a new roof and other safety improvements,” said Father Ramirez. “I wrote to the bishop requesting consideration for those funds, and his response was affirmative. We received part of that aid, and I remain grateful to the parishes whose generosity made that possible through the fund.”

Reflecting on God’s blessings, both material and spiritual, Father Ramirez recalled Jesus’ teaching that “to those who have more, more will be given.” He said this remains the Church’s mission today: to discern where the greatest needs exist and to care for those who depend on its help.

“Jesus also said, you will always have the poor with you, but that doesn’t mean we stop serving their needs just because poverty persists,” said Father Ramirez. “We must continue Christ’s mission of serving the poor both materially and spiritually.”

Now serving a larger, financially stable parish, Father Ramirez remains committed to that same mission of generosity. Beyond the parish’s regular DSF contribution, he invited the finance council to allocate part of the annual rebate to support other communities that may not meet their goals.

“I feel a deep responsibility to help,” said Father Ramirez. “We have plenty of needs here as well, but we’re in a position to assist parishes that are more impoverished.”

By choosing to act, Sacred Heart has stepped forward in generosity, embracing sharing its blessings and exceeding what is merely required to address the needs of others.

Father Ramirez said he hopes more pastors will become aware of the Aid to Poor Parishes Fund and seek help when their parishes are in need. He believes greater awareness will lead to stronger collaboration within the local Church, ensuring that no community feels alone in its challenges.

“I’ve seen the value of this program firsthand, and that support allowed my former parish to meet critical needs at the time,” said Father Ramirez. “These are the same needs that many other parishes face. It is important to make sure other pastors know this aid is available, because while funds are limited, very few are even aware they can request this kind of help.”

Father Ramirez said that true generosity is not only about sharing financial resources but also about recognizing the interconnectedness of every parish community. When one parish flourishes, others are strengthened in turn, creating a ripple effect of faith and hope throughout the Archdiocese.

“Jesus identifies His people with Himself, which reminds us of our duty to care for the whole Body of Christ,” said Father Ramirez. “To think we can focus only on the needs of our own parish is short-sighted. When one member suffers, the whole body feels that suffering, and we are called to respond.”

To support the Aid to Poor Parishes Fund by donating to the 2025 Annual DSF Appeal, visit archgh.org/dsf.

Every dollar given to the DSF directly supports vital ministries that provide education and formation opportunities and deliver much-needed direct service across the Archdiocese. ​