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A newly launched grant program in the Diocese of Wichita has begun awarding financial support to parishes and ministries serving those in need.
The In Love of God and Neighbor Fund, developed as part of the diocesan “One Family, Fully Alive in Christ!” campaign, issued its first round of grants in July, totaling $103,000 across 23 recipients, the diocese reported July 16.
The application process opened in May and included review by a lay committee. Bishop Carl Kemme approved the final grant awards, which are intended to support outreach efforts that address basic needs within the diocese.
“Through the generosity of the One Family, Fully Alive in Christ! Campaign, we are already seeing lives changed and needs met across the diocese,” the diocese’s report stated. “Together, we are providing food, clothing, shelter, and hope to those most in need – through the [sic] our local parishes living out the call as missionary disciples.”
Among the July recipients is the Church of the Blessed Sacrament in Wichita. Its Society of St. Vincent de Paul chapter reported a 70% increase in outreach activity since March, largely focused on serving low-income families in the Hilltop area.
With the new funding, the ministry plans to expand its housing assistance and maintain its annual Thanksgiving meal, a tradition it had considered cutting due to budget constraints.
St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church in Garden Plain also received a grant. St. Anthony’s Pro Life Outreach ministry, active since 1995, provides supplies to women and children referred through pregnancy centers, hospitals, and addiction recovery programs, according to the diocese. In the past year, the group served 453 women.
The grant will allow the ministry to purchase items like cribs and car seats in bulk, enabling more consistent aid and fewer delays, according to the diocese’s report.
The diocese called the July grants “only the beginning” and noted that the next application period will open Nov. 1, with at least $100,000 expected to be awarded in each round.
