Many of us know the profound changes that arise, both in our lives and communities, when we begin to spend regular time in prayer before the Blessed Sacrament. Pope Saint John Paul II wrote in 1996: “Closeness to the Eucharistic Christ in silence and contemplation does not distance us from...

St. John Vianney Priest Tribute     A huge thank you to everyone who supported our priests by taking part in the Catholic Foundation of Eastern Montana’s first-ever St. John Vianney Priest Tribute! Catholics throughout the Diocese of Great Falls-Billings were invited to honor, or remember, priests who meant the...

A Cheerleader for Future Generations     Amy Wathen knows exactly why she wanted to start the Amy J. Wathen Endowment. “I just want to be a cheerleader for future generations—someone who cares enough to say, go for it!” The Amy J. Wathen Endowment is our newest endowment at the...

2022: A Banner Year! The parish community of St. Joseph’s in Hardin processes on the Solemnity of Corpus Christi with their new Eucharistic canopy. Saint Faustina wrote, "Not only are we to receive and adore the Eucharist; we must live the Eucharist. We are to let the rays of mercy...

At the Heart of a Family   Bob and Ardyce Kelly at Lake McDonald (Glacier National Park) in 2021. This faithful couple gives us all an example of keeping our philanthropy local, lasting, and above all Catholic.   Rewind to Montana State University in the 1950s. Bob Kelly, studying to...

Growing Disciples, Now and Forever   Parish Catalyst director John Poitevent gives a “dynamic discipleship” retreat to leaders at St. Pius X in Billings, a resource made possible by the parish’s Ministry Endowment at the Foundation.   Passing along the faith from generation to generation is a hallmark of what...

A Time to Give Back Tom Heisler admits that he “wasn’t the best-behaved kid” while he was a student at Great Falls Central Catholic High School. But he also notes that didn’t stop his teachers and coaches from putting up with him. In fact, he said they genuinely cared about…

Endowing the Future of Our Faith At the Catholic Foundation of Eastern Montana, we help Catholics build permanent endowments for parishes, schools, our clergy, seminarians, and other Catholic ministries throughout our wide and wonderful diocese. Every year, as more people donate to their favorite permanent endowments, the total dollar amount…

Family Matters By Anna Attaway, Communications and Development Specialist   The Wathen family puts their faith into action together. Throughout Monsignor Daniel Wathen’s priestly ministry, his parents John and Rosie have been wonderful allies. They renovated rectories, helped at the schools and parishes where he has been placed, and much...

Sacred Heart elementary students rejoicing as they practice for their 2021 Nativity play! Serving the Sacred Heart   When you support endowments at the Catholic Foundation of Eastern Montana, your gifts make a real difference in the lives of your fellow Montanans. This year, six families in Miles City received...