Page 34 - Spring 2019 Extension Magazine

34 INSPIRE

Foundations

Left to right,
Matthew Simon;
Father George
Winzenburg, S.J.,
president of Red
Cloud School, Pine
Ridge Reservation,
South Dakota, which
Catholic Extension
has supported;
Father Mark Francis
CSV, president of
Catholic Theological
Union; Raymond
Simon and Daniel
Simon.

Being present when it matters

The idea of “presence” “People share with you,” Mat- sites, but its funding is directed to
is central to what it thew said, “because they believe serving those who can be present
that we value their work — their
to others. Being present to those
means to be Catholic successes and their challenges — on the frontlines of mission terri-
all of it.” tory is an application of Catholic
or the Helen V. Brach Getting to know their recipient teaching. As Matthew says, it is
Foundation, established organizations has been the “living in solidarity with the poor
in 1974, supporting non- foundation’s strategy since it was and forsaken, the disposable and
profits is not merely about run by Raymond Simon, their neglected.”
Fphilanthropy. It is about father, for over 30 years. As a Catholic Extension donor,
being there, in person, alongside Matthew calls these visits you are likewise empowering
the many organizations that bene- “personal encounters,” a living out a philanthropy of presence.
fit from their generosity. Matthew of the “come and see” mentality Together, we communicate to the
and Daniel Simon, brothers, lead that comes from the Gospels. missionaries we support that they
the Helen V. Brach Foundation in “You appreciate the hard work of have value, that they are vital, and
Chicago. Matthew serves as exec- grant recipients,” Matthew says, that we are in the work of ministry
utive director and Daniel as pro- “because you see it firsthand.” together. We accompany them
gram officer. Every year, they meet Catholic Extension, supported by and assure them that they are not
personally with over 200 organi- the Brach Foundation for more alone. Thank you for making that
zations to ensure that all the non- than 30 years, understands the calling real. Thank you for being
profits they assist feel encour- importance of presence. Not only present.
aged and supported. do staff routinely visit project