07 Nov A Night of Faith, Generosity, and Impact | The Catholic Foundation of South Louisiana Awards Over $80,000 to Catholic Schools through St. Joseph’s Dinner
The Catholic Foundation of South Louisiana (CFSL) celebrated an extraordinary evening of faith, generosity, and community at its annual St. Joseph’s Dinner, held Thursday, October 30, 2025.
This year’s sold-out event brought together hundreds of faithful supporters from across the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux to celebrate the mission of the Foundation and the spirit of giving that strengthens our Catholic schools, parishes, and ministries.
The evening opened with a heartfelt prayer and blessing from Bishop Simon Peter Engurait, whose joyful presence and spiritual leadership set a tone of gratitude and hope. His words of encouragement and blessing over the Foundation, our schools, and all gathered served as a moving reminder that every act of generosity becomes a reflection of God’s love in action.
Guests were also blessed to hear inspiring words from Dr. Mark Williams, Superintendent of Catholic Schools, who shared a moving vision for the future of Catholic education in our diocese. His reflection reminded everyone that faith-filled learning not only forms the mind but transforms the heart — shaping students into disciples who carry the light of Christ into the world.
Foundation Leadership- A Shared Vision of Faith and Purpose
The evening also featured remarks from Board Chairman, Robert Riviere and Chief Executive Officer, Amy Ponson, who reflected on the Foundation’s mission to sustain the ministries of the diocese through strategic fundraising, endowment building, and donor engagement.
Together, they shared the remarkable growth of the Foundation — from $5 million in assets in 2017 to over $33 million today — and highlighted the impact behind those numbers: supporting Catholic Charities, seminarian education, retired priests, parishes, and Catholic schools.
Each year, the proceeds from the St. Joseph’s Dinner directly support the ongoing mission and operations of the Catholic Foundation of South Louisiana. In addition, the CFSL Board prayerfully selects a grant recipient to reinvest a portion of the event’s proceeds back into the community.
This year, the Foundation is honored to make an investment of more than $80,000 back into our 10 Catholic schools, the Office of Catholic Schools, and three of our CFSL Endowments for Catholic Education. These funds will bring to life a variety of meaningful projects—helping to purchase STEM and art supplies, renovate a school chapel, build outdoor prayer and seating areas, provide new Bibles for classrooms, and much more. Through these grants, the Foundation continues to fulfill its mission of strengthening Catholic education, enriching student faith formation, and ensuring our schools remain places where children encounter Christ every day.
Ponson concluded with gratitude, saying, “Your presence tonight is a powerful reminder that we are building something lasting — something Holy — together as one Catholic family. Your gifts, your prayers, and your faith make this mission possible.”
Honoring the 2025 Bishop’s Good Shepherd Award Recipients
The evening also featured one of its most cherished traditions — the presentation of the Bishop’s Good Shepherd Award, honoring those whose lives reflect Christ’s call to serve.
“Each year, we prayerfully discern who God is calling us to honor,” Ponson shared. “This award celebrates extraordinary witness through time, talent, and treasure in service of the Church and God’s people.”
This year’s recipients, Mr. Mike and Mrs. Ginger St. Martin, were honored for their lifetime of generosity and faith-filled service. Their love and leadership have touched countless lives, especially through their home parish, St. Anthony of Padua in Bayou Black.
Ginger, a founding member of CFSL’s Mother Teresa Women’s Giving Circle, has been instrumental in expanding its mission and impact. Together, the St. Martins helped establish the Sr. Rosario – St. Lucy’s Child Development Center Endowment, continuing their earlier work with the Louis Infant Center, which cared for children who could not be placed in foster care. When the center later closed, their vision ensured its legacy lived on—providing access to affordable, faith-filled childcare for families in need.
Beyond financial generosity, Mike led volunteer efforts with Catholic Charities to cook and serve meals for families impacted by hurricanes in the Carolinas. Their faithful example is a living testimony of Christ’s love for His children, especially the most vulnerable.
This year, the Catholic Foundation was honored to recognize Mike and Ginger St. Martin as the 2025 Bishop’s Good Shepherd Award recipients—a couple whose lives radiate the joy of the Gospel and inspire all to give from the heart.
Faith in Action: Building the Future of Catholic Education
“This evening is a beautiful testament to what happens when faith and generosity come together,” said Ponson. “Because of the love and commitment of our donors, we are able to fund all ten of our school’s projects.”
The Foundation extended heartfelt gratitude to the St. Joseph’s Dinner Committee, dedicated volunteers, and generous sponsors for making this year’s celebration possible.
“Our work is made possible by people who believe in the mission of the Church,” Ponson added. “Together, we are building a legacy of faith and hope that will bless generations to come.”
The Catholic Foundation of South Louisiana extends its heartfelt thanks to all who joined in this year’s celebration and looks forward to gathering once again for next year’s St. Joseph’s Dinner, where faith, community, and generosity will continue to shine brightly.
About the Catholic Foundation of South Louisiana
The Catholic Foundation of South Louisiana fosters philanthropy that supports the ministries, schools, and parishes of the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux. Through endowments, donor-advised funds, and annual events like the St. Joseph’s Dinner, CFSL connects faith-driven generosity with lasting impact — ensuring that the light of Christ continues to illuminate our communities for generations.
If you’d like to learn more about the Catholic Foundation, explore philanthropic opportunities, or start an endowment for your favorite Catholic school or ministry, reach out to our team at 985-850-3116, visit www.catholicfoundationsl.org, or email cfsl@htdiocese.org.
We would love to have a confidential conversation with you about how your generosity can make a lasting impact on our diocese.
