By IRENE MOSCHNER Director of Grants and Community Engagement Catholic Foundation of Southwestern Indiana
This hymn is so poignant and beautiful it nearly brings me to tears each time I hear it sung. As I write this, however, I am thinking of the words in a broader, more far reaching context. The Catholic Foundation of Southwestern Indiana now has a granting program, Cor Unum — Catherine Groben — One Heart Grants. These grants are for programs and projects around the Diocese of Evansville, which may be outside the normal budget of a parish, school, cemetery or a diocesan office. These programs or projects are managed and facilitated by a Catholic entity in the Diocese of Evansville but touch untold numbers of people. “. . . Breath of Heaven, Lighten my darkness, Pour over me Your Holiness, For You are Holy . . .”
In 2025, a grant was made to renovate the upstairs of the Newman Center at the University of Evansville, converting it from an apartment to a chapel. According to Jeremy Goebel, former Director of Youth and Young Adult Ministry, “There has long been a vision in the Diocese to bring Jesus to the campus. He is the center of the Newman ministry and having the presence of the Eucharist in that space is a physical, tangible manifestation of the Lord among the students.” The grant from the Catholic Foundation helped make that vision a reality. In fact, it created confidence in the project and inspired others to give as well. There are still some needs to enhance this worship space and the office of Youth and Young Adult Ministry has a list of items if you are interested. “. . . Breath of Heaven, Hold me together, Be forever near me . . .”
Lynn Falcony, the Campus Minister at UE, describes the Newman Center as a home away from home for many of the students. It is a gathering space; a homework retreat; a safe space to question, ask and explore their faith and life in general; a place to pray openly among your peers; and now a place to spend time in the presence of the Lord. Lynn expressed her desire for the ministry this way, “One goal we have is to support and nourish students in their faith. We want them to have an active prayer life, not just here on campus but one they take with them into the future after graduation.” “. . . I am waiting in a silent prayer, I am frightened by the load I bear, In a world as cold as stone, Must I walk this path alone? Be with me now . . .”
As we look back at grants from the past two years and forward to ones yet to be made, it is our vision that the people of the Diocese are able to use these funds to do the work of the Lord, bringing comfort, joy, peace and love to everyone they touch. If you would like to help increase the scope and number of grants available in the future, consider making a gift to the Cor Unum One Heart Grant endowment with the Catholic Foundation. “. . . But I offer all I am, For the mercy of Your plan, Help me be strong . . . Breath of Heaven . . .”
