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Archive: April 2026

Rooted in Faith, United in Mission: Founders Circle Mass & Breakfast

The Catholic Foundation of Michigan was honored to gather on April 28th with members of its Founders Circle and Board at the Solanus Casey Center. The annual mass and breakfast was a powerful reminder of what it means to be rooted in faith and united in mission.

The morning began grounded in prayer with mass celebrated by His Excellency,  Archbishop Edward J. Weisenburger, followed by breakfast, fellowship, and a short presentation.

The Foundation is deeply grateful to the Capuchin Franciscan friars and the entire Solanus Casey Center team for their incredible hospitality and care.  Guests were treated to breakfast prepared by On the Rise Bakery, a Capuchin ministry that provides job training and support for individuals working to rebuild their lives.

This event also marked a special moment to gather with John Biskner in his new role as CEO and President. Guests had the opportunity to meet him, hear his vision, and engage in meaningful conversation about the future of the Catholic Foundation.

“In these early days, I have begun by listening. What is immediately clear to me is that our impact is defined by a shared commitment to serving the Church through thoughtful generosity, careful stewardship, and trust,” said John Biskner.

Together, guests also celebrated the release of the 2025 Annual Report and reflected on the relationships that have shaped and sustained this work. Because of this community, lives are being changed, ministries are growing, and the Church is alive in new and meaningful ways across Michigan.

We invite you to explore our 2025 Annual Report by clicking here to see this impact firsthand. To all who support, pray for, and believe in this mission—you are part of this story.

VIEW THE 2025 ANNUAL REPORT

It is not too late to be a part of this vital group of supporters, the Founders Circle.

The Catholic Foundation is proud to host annual events to celebrate the vision, leadership, and faithful commitment of the individuals and families who make up our Founders Circle. Membership is a lifetime opportunity to make a difference in our community of faith. Individuals who contribute $5,000 per year for five years to support the work of the Catholic Foundation and will be invited to join the Founders’ Circle. Members are publicly recognized by the Foundation, in perpetuity, and will be invited to the annual education, social and spiritual events hosted by the Foundation.

Becoming a Founders Circle Benefactor

Join our critical mission today. Your partnership enables the Catholic Foundation to be in a position to continue preserving our Catholic values for present and future generations. Contact John Biskner, President and CEO of the Catholic Foundation at Info@CatholicFoundationMichigan.org or call (248) 204–0332.

JOIN THE FOUNDERS’ CIRCLE

Kids On The Go Support Fund

To provide general support and long-term sustainability at Kids On The Go, St. Clair Shores, MI.

Give to the Fund

2025 Community Report: Connections

We are excited to share the Catholic Foundation of Michigan’s 2025 Annual Report: Connections. This report celebrates the extraordinary generosity and faith-filled commitment of our Catholic community throughout the past year.

Since our founding in 2017, we have witnessed faithful impact grow through the generosity of our Catholic community.  In 2025 alone, hundreds of new donors joined this mission, establishing over 80 new funds and expanding our reach, including new partnerships such as the Diocese of Kalamazoo. At the heart of this work are the relationships that bring people together to encounter Christ through faith, generosity, and service.

Throughout the report, you will see how these connections come to life: strengthening parishes, advancing Catholic education, and supporting ministries that serve those most in need. Each story is a reflection of a community rooted in trust, shared purpose, and a commitment to living out the Gospel.

Explore the report below and be inspired by the power of connection and the impact we can continue to make together.

Give now. Support Forever.

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Laudato Si’: Students Lead the Way in Caring for Creation

Happy Earth Day from the Catholic Foundation of Michigan!

This Earth Day, we celebrate the beauty of God’s creation and the many ways our Catholic community is answering the call to protect and care for it. This call comes to life in a special way through the students at Gesu Catholic School in Detroit, whose leadership is turning everyday choices into meaningful action.

Their work to reduce cafeteria food waste reminds us that caring for creation begins with small, faithful choices. By noticing a need in their own school community and choosing to respond, these students are practicing stewardship in a tangible way — and helping others see that they can do the same.

Last month, we had the joy of hearing from these students at our annual St. Katharine Drexel Catholic Schools Celebration. In the video below, they share how they are leading efforts to reduce cafeteria food waste and even teaching other schools how to do the same.

 

We are honored to support work like this through the Laudato Si’ Granting Fund held at the Catholic Foundation of Michigan. Made possible by the generosity of a community member, this fund advances environmental sustainability, ecological education, and community-based projects throughout our Catholic community.

Through the Laudato Si’ Granting Fund, generosity becomes action. Donor support helps Catholic schools, parishes, and ministries bring projects like this to life — projects that educate, inspire, and create lasting habits of care for our common home.

SUPPORT MORE PROJECTS LIKE THIS

Biskner, Joh

John Biskner
Catholic Foundation of Michigan
Ex Officio

Reyes, Edmundo

Edmundo Reyes
Founder & Director
Digital Continent

Press Release: April 14, 2026

Catholic Foundation of Michigan
Names John F. Biskner as President and CEO

 

BLOOMFIELD HILLS, Mich. (April 14, 2026) — The Catholic Foundation of Michigan today announced the appointment of John F. Biskner, 53, as its next President and Chief Executive Officer.

Biskner brings more than 20 years of experience serving dioceses, parishes, and Catholic organizations nationwide, with deep expertise in stewardship, development, parish operations, and mission-driven strategy.

“John brings a rare combination of deep Catholic ministry experience, executive leadership, and the ability to build systems that support stewardship and growth,” said Board Chair Mike Vlasic. “He has consistently helped Catholic organizations align their efforts with real pastoral and operational needs, strengthening both engagement and long-term impact.

”Biskner has most recently been advising dioceses and nonprofit organizations across the country on stewardship models, development strategies, and the strategic use of data to support mission. He previously served as a senior product strategist for the Catholic market at ACS Technologies, where he helped drive adoption of tools to support parish and diocesan growth. Earlier in his career, he held leadership roles with Gabriel Software (now part of eCatholic), Ave Maria Radio, and ParishSOFT.“

Guided by the Holy Spirit and a rigorous, mission-centered national search process, our committee discerned that John is uniquely equipped to lead the Foundation forward,” Vlasic said. “We are confident in his ability to build on the strong foundation already in place and to strengthen relationships with donors, parishes, and ministries across Michigan.”

“I am honored and humbled to serve the Catholic Foundation of Michigan. I have experienced how faithful stewardship can strengthen parishes and ministries and transform lives, and I feel called to this opportunity to serve the Church in my hometown. I look forward to listening and learning as I work alongside donors, clergy, and lay leaders to support the future of the Church in Michigan,” said Biskner.

A native of Pontiac, Mich., Biskner graduated from Cranbrook Schools. He earned a Master of Business Administration from the University of Michigan Ross School of Business (2013) and a Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering from the University of Michigan College of Engineering (1996). He is active at St. Thomas the Apostle Parish in Ann Arbor, where he serves in music ministry and co-leads marriage ministry for engaged couples. He and his wife, Caroline, have five children.

 

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Catholic Foundation of Michigan Welcomes New President & CEO John Biskner

The Catholic Foundation of Michigan is pleased to announce the appointment of John F. Biskner as its next President and Chief Executive Officer.
Following a national, mission-centered search, the Foundation’s Board of Directors selected John to lead the organization into its next chapter of faithful philanthropy and service to the Church. A native of Pontiac with more than 20 years of experience serving Catholic organizations nationwide, John brings deep ministry expertise, executive leadership, and a passion for stewardship.
We invite you to learn more about John and join us in welcoming him to the Foundation.

Read the Press Release →

Meet John Biskner

 

 

Feast of St. Margaret of Castello

CELEBRATE ST. MARGARET’S FEAST DAY BY SUPPORTING INCLUSION GRANTS

Join us on April 13th in celebrating the feast day of St. Margaret of Castello,  the patron saint of the St. Margaret of Castello granting fund held at the Catholic Foundation.

Saint Margaret of Castello, born in 1287 near Florence, Italy, faced severe physical ailments from birth, including being a dwarf, having a curved spine, lameness, and blindness. Despite her family’s embarrassment and abandonment, she found solace in God’s teachings and joined the Dominican Third Order of Castello. Throughout her 33-year life, she remained serene, praying fervently and performing acts of penance and charity. Her suffering made her empathetic to others’ trials, and she became known for comforting the sick and dying.

Even after her death, she is believed to intercede for those who pray to her, with many cures attributed to her. Canonized by Pope Francis in 2021, she continues to inspire and is a patron saint for those facing physical afflictions and abandonment.

Saint Margaret of Castello is the Patron Saint of Children with Disabilities. A granting fund was created in her name at the Catholic Foundation to help fund schools, parishes, and teachers who wish to educate all of His children.  In her lifetime she was cast out because of her own disabilities and told that she could not participate in society because of her special needs.  Yet, with God’s grace, she grew up to be a Third-Order Dominican and spent the rest of her life teaching children, especially those with disabilities.

This Feast Day, we invite you to join hands in prayer and action. Ask for prayers for those in need and consider supporting the St. Margaret of Castello Granting Fund. With your support, we can fuel inclusive grant programs for Catholic schools, ensuring that no child who is different, like St. Margaret herself, is ever turned away.

Let’s carry forward St. Margaret’s legacy of compassion and inclusion. Together, we can create a more inclusive and loving community for all.

Celebrate the Feast of St. Margaret of Castello with us by generously contributing to the St. Margaret of Castello Granting Fund.

ST. MARGARET, PRAY FOR US!

Give Today to Support Inclusion Grants 

Learn more about the St. Margaret of Castello Fund 

Michigan Catholic Schools Gather for Full Inclusion Conference