St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Community is committed to sharing the first fruits of our treasure with both those in need and organizations that serve the needs and well-being of others. For the past 21 years, our parish has tithed 5% of our gross weekly offertory collection to various organizations each year. This long-lasting practice continues to benefit many through the generous stewardship of our parishioners – a practice done with an “attitude of gratitude.”
Each year, the parish seeks applications from parishioners to nominate a registered, tax-exempt organization. Father Tony, along with five registered parishioners making up the tithe distribution committee, uses the nominations to distribute funding, ensuring the organizations benefit the poor or those in need – typically not for capital campaigns or operational expenses. We extend our sincere thanks to everyone who submitted an application and brought forward many worthy causes for consideration.
We are pleased to announce the following organizations selected to receive funding for the 2025-2026 fiscal year. Funds will be distributed from now through the rest of 2025.
Catholic War Veterans Post 1058
$500 has been awarded to the Catholic War Veterans Post 1058 to purchase personal Christmas gifts for veterans at Michigan Veteran Homes at Grand Rapids.
Clay Street Center
$1,000 has been awarded to Clay Street Center to help fund low-income older adults with the fee to attend the day center.
Emmanuel Hospice
$2,000 has been awarded to Emmanuel Hospice to provide comfort and care for those who are dying and for families after death.
Equest Center for Therapeutic Riding
$500 has been awarded to Equest Center for Therapeutic Riding, helping fund expenses for the riding program.
Grace’s Table
$2,500 has been awarded to Grace’s Table, which will provide diapers, hygiene products, products for mothers, programming needs, and educational materials.
Grand Rapids Catholic Committee on Scouting
$1,500 has been awarded to the Grand Rapids Catholic Committee on Scouting, providing youth ministry through the Boy Scouts of America. All emblems are free of charge.
Hands for Haiti
$2,000 has been awarded to Hands for Haiti to support their mission of self-sustainability through education, faith development, healthcare, food programs, and farming initiatives.
The Holy Child Program
$5,500 has been awarded to The Holy Child Program to educate a special needs child in the Holy Land.
Ikus Indian Trails Camp
$1,000 has been awarded to Ikus Indian Trails Camp, providing funding for its skills-building program and other needs for the special needs community.
Lori’s Voice
$3,000 has been awarded to Lori’s Voice, helping the handicapped get chairs to make them mobile.
Mental Health Foundation of West Michigan
$2,000 has been awarded to the Mental Health Foundation of West Michigan, providing various programs and campaigns to support mental health awareness, suicide prevention, and crisis prevention.
Oasis of Hope Center
$1,000 has been awarded to the Oasis of Hope Center to assist with medication costs for individuals with no source of income and to help with transportation expenses.
Our Lady’s Rosary Makers of West Michigan
$1,000 has been awarded to Our Lady’s Rosary Makers of West Michigan, funding supplies to make lifetime rosaries and brown scapulars for distribution to missions worldwide among their flocks.
San Juan Diego Academy
$7,000 has been awarded to San Juan Diego Academy, providing tuition assistance for students.
Society of St. Vincent de Paul (St. Anthony conference)
$15,000 has been awarded to the Society of St. Vincent de Paul (St. Anthony conference), helping those in need with rent, water, transportation, etc.
Stitchers In Time
$1,200 has been awarded to Stitchers In Time, supporting the group that sews baby clothes and linens for pregnancy centers.
Seminarians of the Diocese of Grand Rapids
$1,000 has been gifted to purchase Christmas gifts for the seminarians of the Diocese of Grand Rapids.
The remaining funds will be distributed to the following, chosen by the tithe distribution committee:
- $5,000 has been added to our parish emergency fund.
- $5.575 has been awarded to In The Image.
- $5,575 has been awarded to St. Gianna’s No Cost Baby Boutique.
- $5,575 has been awarded to Help Pregnancy Aid.
- $5,575 has been awarded to Dégagé Ministries.