During a pilgrimage across the Diocese of Pennsylvania, Bishop Daniel G.P. Gutiérrez found that congregations needed help with their aging facilities:
For some churches this meant a renovation to a room for youth; repairing an old HVAC system; improving access with handicapped ramps; repaving the parking lot; or replacing old windows with new energy-efficient ones. Unfortunately, many of the congregations that shared these needs did not have the funds to undertake such a project. With the approval of Standing Committee, the Growth Development Fund was created to help parishes make these improvements.
The diocese will distribute $30,000 to ten churches each year for five years. Churches have until Jan. 15 to apply for a grant.
