04 Aug Catholic Foundation of South Louisiana Celebrates Historic $1 Million Endowment Distribution, Honoring the Faithful Generosity Strengthening Our Diocese for Generations
SCHRIEVER, LA. — Last Wednesday evening, what filled the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux Pastoral Center wasn’t simply the excitement of presenting ceremonial checks, it was the visible fruit of decades of faith, generosity, and trust.
On Wednesday, July 29, the Catholic Foundation of South Louisiana (CFSL) welcomed benefactors, donors, clergy, ministry leaders, parish representatives, Catholic school leaders, and friends from across the Diocese for its 2026 Endowment Distribution Ceremony, hosted alongside Most Reverend Simon Peter Engurait, the CFSL Board of Directors, and Foundation staff.
This celebration honored the individuals, families, businesses, and organizations whose lasting generosity has established endowed funds in honor or memory of loved ones, ensuring that the ministries they cherish continue serving Christ and His Church for generations to come. Because of their extraordinary generosity, the Catholic Foundation distributed more than $1 Million in endowment earnings in 2026—the largest annual distribution in the Foundation’s history—to Catholic schools, church parishes, seminarian education, priest retirement, Catholic Charities ministries, and diocesan initiatives throughout the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux.
This year’s ceremony centered on the theme: One Diocese. One Mission. Lasting Impact.
“Tonight is about much more than a financial milestone,” said Amy Ponson, Chief Executive Officer of the Catholic Foundation of South Louisiana, during her opening remarks. “Every endowed fund has its own purpose, every ministry has its own mission, but together they tell one remarkable story—the story of a Diocese strengthened through generosity, stewardship, and faith.”
The evening began with an opening prayer by Most Reverend Simon Peter Engurait, who asked God’s blessing upon every benefactor whose generosity planted the seeds that continue bearing fruit today. The celebration concluded with heartfelt words of gratitude from both Ponson and Bishop Simon Peter, thanking every donor and benefactor whose faithful stewardship continues to strengthen the mission of the Church throughout South Louisiana.
A Legacy That Continues to Grow
Nine years ago, the Catholic Foundation made its first endowment distributions with the hope that faithful stewardship would allow those gifts to grow and serve future generations. That hope has become a remarkable reality.
Since 2015, Foundation assets have grown from $3,058,505 to more than $36 million under management. During that same time, the Foundation has grown to faithfully steward more than 180 endowed funds, while annual endowment distributions have increased from $158,109 in 2017 to more than $1,005,000 in 2026.
These milestones are a testament to the confidence that faithful Catholics throughout the Diocese continue to place in the Catholic Foundation as a transparent, accountable, and faithful steward of their charitable gifts.
Investing in Catholic Education
The Foundation also celebrated the impact of endowed scholarships that continue opening the doors to Catholic education for students across the Diocese.
The Nell Talbot Legendre Scholarship, which provides tuition assistance to Catholic elementary school students, awarded $1,700 to:
- St. Bernadette Catholic Elementary School — $1,000
- Holy Rosary Catholic Elementary School — $700
The St. Augustine Scholarship Award, established by Archbishop Shelton J. Fabre in 2021 to expand access to Catholic education for children of color, awarded $5,000 to:
- St. Mary’s Nativity Catholic Elementary School — $1,500
- Central Catholic School — $1,500
- St. Genevieve Catholic Elementary School — $1,000
- St. Bernadette Catholic Elementary School — $500
- Vandebilt Catholic High School — $500
The Foundation also recognized the recipients of the Roman’s Quiet Virtue Award Scholarship, honoring students who exemplify the joyful faith and Christ-like witness of Roman Robichaux.
2026 Scholarship Recipients
- Justin Keife, St. Genevieve Catholic Elementary School — $2,000
- Cole Rhodes, Vandebilt Catholic High School — $2,000
The Foundation additionally recognized all 2026 Roman’s Quiet Virtue Award nominees representing Catholic schools throughout the Diocese.
2026 Nominees
- Adelle Babin, St. Francis de Sales Cathedral School
- Reid Dufrene, St. Bernadette Catholic School-Houma
- Vera George, St. Mary’s Nativity School
- Justin Keife, St. Genevieve Catholic Elementary School
- Cole Rhodes, Vandebilt Catholic High School
- Knox Showalter, Holy Rosary Catholic School
2026 Endowment Distributions
This year’s distributions included:
Catholic Schools- Total Distributed: $179,443.08
- Central Catholic School — $10,050.17
- E.D. White Catholic High School — $49,873.99
- Holy Rosary Catholic School — $43,745.92
- Holy Trinity Academy — $3,544.89
- St. Genevieve School — $1,747.35
- St. Joseph Catholic Elementary School — $20,497.24
- St. Mary’s Nativity School — $9,009.12
- Vandebilt Catholic High School — $20,663.50
- V Foundation of South Louisiana — $20,311.90
Catholic Church Endowments
- Our Lady of Prompt Succor, Chackbay — $4,958.33
- Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary, Houma — $1,628.01
- Our Lady of the Rosary, Larose — $29,032.88
- St. Genevieve Catholic Church — $19,389.66
- St. Mary’s Nativity Catholic Church — $17,433.41
- St. Thomas Aquinas Church — $38,421.47
- St. Joseph Co-Cathedral Works of St. Vincent — $14,353.58
Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux- Total Distributed: $254,722.17
- Catholic Charities — $132,214.18
- Thibodaux Food Bank — $14,123.13
- Catholic Community Center — $1,809.16
- Assisi Bridge House — $13,702.92
- Individual & Family Assistance — $1,185.38
- St. Lucy’s Child Development Center — $91,737.40
Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux
- Priest Retirement — $28,424.08
- Seminarian Education — $315,697.54
Several ministries also chose to reinvest their annual distributions, allowing their endowed funds to continue growing and multiplying their impact for future generations, including:
- St. Joseph Co-Cathedral Endowment— $2,162.03
- St. Hilary of Poitiers Youth Formation— $1,762.01
- St. Bridget Legacy Endowed Fund— $1,032.94
- St. Ann Church Endowment Fund— $2,505.85
Honoring Those Who Make This Mission Possible
A special portion of the evening recognized the individuals, families, businesses, and organizations whose endowed funds made this year’s distributions possible. From seminarian education and priest retirement to Catholic schools, Catholic Charities, parish life, and youth formation, every endowment reflects a deeply personal commitment to strengthening the Church.
The Foundation also celebrated the establishment of several new endowments this year, including:
- Christ the Redeemer Memorial Fund
- Fr. Paul Daigle Fund for St. Hilary of Poitiers
- Holy Cross Catholic Church Endowment
- Mr. and Mrs. Charles Gowland Endowment – Sacred Heart
- St. Bernadette Catholic School Endowment
- St. Gregory Catholic School Endowed Fund
- St. Francis de Sales Cathedral Facility Endowment
- St. Francis de Sales School Endowment
- St. Michael the Archangel Endowment for Diocesan Needs
Together, these new funds ensure that the legacy of faithful stewardship continues to grow throughout the Diocese.
Looking to the Future
As the evening drew to a close, CFSL Board Chairman Robert Riviere invited those gathered to raise a glass in a heartfelt toast celebrating both the past and the future of the Catholic Foundation of South Louisiana. His remarks honored the faithful benefactors whose vision established lasting legacies while looking ahead with hope to the generations who will continue to benefit from their generosity.
This room offered a powerful reminder that while every endowed fund serves a unique purpose, together they strengthen one Church.
Different ministries.
Different communities.
One Diocese.
One Mission.
Lasting Impact.
The Catholic Foundation of South Louisiana remains deeply grateful for the confidence and trust placed in us by our donors, benefactors, parishes, schools, ministries, and faithful throughout our Diocese. We are YOUR Catholic Foundation.
Every gift entrusted to our care is managed with transparency, accountability, and faithful stewardship, honoring each donor’s intentions while strengthening the ministries of the Diocese for generations to come.
Whether supporting Catholic education, caring for families in need, forming future priests, strengthening parish communities, or advancing diocesan ministries, every endowed gift becomes a lasting witness of faith. Together, we are building a stronger Church—one legacy at a time.
Continue the Celebration of Faith in Action
If this year’s Endowment Distribution Ceremony inspired you, we invite you to experience the impact of faithful generosity firsthand at the Catholic Foundation of South Louisiana’s Annual St. Joseph’s Dinner on Thursday, October 15, at the Nicholls State University Cotillion Ballroom.
Join us as we celebrate the incredible ways God is working through our Diocese and come together to strengthen the future of Catholic education, parish life, and ministry across South Louisiana. Tickets and sponsorship opportunities are available now. To reserve your place or learn more, visit www.catholicfoundationsl.org or call 985-850-3116.
About the Catholic Foundation of South Louisiana
The Catholic Foundation of South Louisiana (CFSL) serves the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux by helping individuals, families, and parishes build a lasting legacy of faith through charitable giving. Through endowments, planned giving, and stewardship support, the Foundation strengthens ministries that serve our Church today and for generations to come.
CFSL currently stewards over $36 million in assets across 180+ endowed funds, managing each gift with transparency and care in accordance with donor intent. These resources support Catholic education, parish life, seminarians, and outreach ministries throughout South Louisiana.
To learn more or get involved, call 985-850-3116, visit www.catholicfoundationsl.org, or follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.
“Each endowed fund represents an act of faith, a lasting expression of generosity, and a commitment to strengthening the mission of the Church for generations to come.”
The Catholic Foundation of South Louisiana gratefully recognizes the individuals, families, businesses, and organizations whose enduring generosity made this year’s endowment distributions possible. Whether established in honor or memory of a loved one, in support of a parish, Catholic school, seminarian education, Catholic Charities, or another diocesan ministry, each fund reflects a heartfelt commitment to advancing Christ’s mission throughout the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux.
Together, these endowed funds are helping build One Diocese. One Mission. Lasting Impact.
Seminarian Education Endowments
- Anne-Marie Hebert Ardoin Endowment
- Bishop Mario E. Dorsonville Seminarian Scholarship Endowment
- Bishop Sam Jacobs Seminarian Education Endowment
- Fr. Patrick Robert Riviere Endowment for Seminarian Education
- Harold & Gloria Callais Family Seminarian Education Endowment
- Harry & Karen David Seminarian Endowment
- Jane & John Dean Seminarian Endowment
- Martin F. Edlefsen Seminarian Endowment
- Mary & Al Danos Family Seminarian Fund
- Mr. & Mrs. Joseph J. Cefalu, Sr. Seminarian Education Endowment
- Msgr. Amedee Seminarian Education Endowment
- Msgr. Donald Ledet Seminarian Education Endowment
- Parker Conrad Seminarian Endowment
- Richard Peltier Seminarian Endowment
- Seminarian Education – James J. Buquet Jr. Family Endowment
- Seminarian Education Endowment
- Seminarian Education – Giardina Family Endowment
- Society of Joseph, Husband of Mary Seminarian Education Endowment
- The Peltier Foundation Seminarian Endowment Fund
Priest Retirement Endowments
- Harold & Gloria Callais Family Priest Retirement Endowment
- Ken & Yolanda Trahan Seminarian & Priest Retirement Endowment
- Priest Retirement Fund
- Saint John Vianney Priest Retirement Endowment
Catholic Charities Endowments
- Breaux Delaune – CCHT Endowment
- Byron E. Talbot Contractors – CCHT Endowment
- Catholic Charities – CCHT Endowment
- CCHT – Giardina Family Foundation
- CCHT – Sr. Stanislaus Endowment
- Charlotte Bollinger Family Catholic Charities Endowment
- Earline & Roy LeBlanc Fund
- Harold & Gloria Callais Endowment – CCHT
- Harold & Gloria Callais Family Fund for Catholic Charities
- M & L Marmande – CCHT Endowment
- Mary & Al Danos Foundation Catholic Charities Fund
- Mike & Renee Gautreaux Family Endowment – Individual & Family Assistance
- Morris & Sandra Hebert Family Fund
- Patrick Murphy Endowed Fund
- Sr. Rosario – St. Lucy’s Child Development Center Endowment
- The Crawford Family Fund
- The Harry & Karen David Catholic Charities Endowment
Catholic Church & Parish Endowments
- Alfred Delahaye Endowment
- Francis & Ruby Grabert Endowment
- Frankie & John J. Jones Jr., M.D. Endowment
- Jerry Knight Endowment
- Msgr. Donald Ledet – St. Mary’s Nativity Church Endowment
- Our Lady of Prompt Succor – Chackbay Endowment
- Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary Endowment
- Our Lady of the Rosary Quasi-Endowment Fund
- St. Ann Church Endowment Fund
- St. Bridget Legacy Endowed Fund
- St. Genevieve Catholic Church Endowment
- St. Hilary of Poitiers Youth Formation Endowment
- St. Joseph Co-Cathedral Endowment
- St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church Endowment
- Works of St. Vincent Quasi-Endowment
Catholic School Endowments
- Barron-Gowland Central Catholic School Endowed Fund
- Bernard & Mary Lafaso E.D. White Scholarship Fund
- Bill & Judy Hidalgo Sr. Central Catholic Endowment
- Brothers of the Sacred Heart Endowment
- Central Catholic School Endowment
- Coach Jack Becker Memorial Fund
- Danny & Belinda Cavell Scholarship Fund
- Durel Endowment – E.D. White Catholic High School
- E.D. White Facilities Improvement Quasi-Endowment
- E.D. White Joel Robichaux Tuition Assistance Quasi-Endowment
- E.D. White Ledet Cardinal Music Endowment
- E.D. White Nicole Davis Scholarship Fund
- E.D. White Professional Development Quasi-Endowment
- Fr. Willie Todd Grants Fund
- Holy Trinity Scholarship Fund
- John & Helen Rizzo Scholarship Endowment Fund
- Juliette Martinez Adams Scholarship Fund
- Mamie Bergeron Scholarship Fund
- Msgr. Donald Ledet – St. Mary’s Nativity School Endowment
- Nell Talbot Legendre Scholarship Endowment
- Our Lady of Mount Carmel Scholarship Fund
- Rev. Clyde Mahler Scholarship Fund
- Roman’s Quiet Virtue Award Endowment
- Sister Claire Rodriguez Endowment
- St. Augustine Tuition Assistance Endowed Fund
- St. Genevieve School General Endowment
- St. Joseph Catholic Elementary School Quasi-Endowment
- Thompson Family E.D. White Endowed Fund
- V Foundation of South Louisiana Endowment
- VCHS – Brother Alfred Kolb Endowment
- VCHS – Brother Ray Kuhn Endowment
- VCHS – Gabrielle Hebert Endowment
- VCHS General Endowment
- VCHS – Megan Hitt Endowment
- VCHS Student Body Scholarship Fund
- VCHS – T.J. Cantrelle Endowment