Diana’s story: Daughter baptized thanks to donor support

Diana* felt a surge of love and gratitude as the priest poured baptismal water over her baby’s head. A college student and former child in extended care, Diana could not afford to baptize her daughter without financial support from the Catholic Children’s Aid Foundation (CCAF) Trinity Fund. The cleansing sacrament welcoming the child into the Catholic community felt like a miracle to the young mother.

How the CCAF Faith Fund works

Although the provincial government provides an allowance to youth like Diana as they age out of extended care, the sum doesn’t go far in Toronto—Canada’s most expensive city. Nor does provincial funding provide for the faith-based needs of kids and families supported by the Catholic Children’s Aid Society of Toronto (CCAS).

The CCAF Faith Fund covers costs enabling Catholic children and youth to receive baptism, confirmation and other sacraments, as well as participate in faith-building events such as World Youth Day. The CCAS protects children and youth from abuse and neglect; the Foundation ensures they also receive funding for faith needs not covered by government budgets. For example, CCAF provided money to purchase a confirmation suit and shoes for a young boy who had recently lost his mother; a single mom who’d left her home due to domestic violence received financial support for her daughter’s First Holy Communion.

“We disburse funds to ensure that children in child welfare and youth leaving extended care are protected and supported spiritually,” says Jim Gilligan, Executive Director of the CCAF. “The Foundation’s grants and funds are a godsend to families and to children in extended Society care, who are at a much higher risk of poverty, underemployment and homelessness.”

Which sacraments are supported by the CCAF Faith Fund?

Thanks to donations from generous individuals, families and organizations, the CCAF helps defray costs relating to the sacramental needs of CCAS clients. This includes Baptism, Confirmation, First Holy Communion, Reconciliation, Matrimony and Anointing of the Sick. “Many Catholic children, youth and families would be at risk of going without the sacraments if it weren’t for the Society and the Foundation,” says Gilligan.

Why support vulnerable Catholic children and youth?

When you support the CCAF—through donations or planned giving—you’re practicing Christian charity and enhancing the Catholic community. “We believe that faith is part of child welfare,” says Gilligan. “Your donations offer a beautiful expression of faith, hope and encouragement.”