GMercyU Receives $ 1 + Million Grant From Lilly Endowment Inc . to Help Build Thriving Congregations in the Archdiocese
Gwynedd Mercy University received a $ 1.25 million grant from Lilly Endowment Inc . to support an innovative program titled “ We Are the Now of the Church : Young Adult Synodal Ministry and Thriving Catholic Congregations .” foster intergenerational dialogues inspired by the Synodal model throughout the Archdiocese . This initiative aims to cultivate these students as young leaders in the Catholic faith while strengthening connections between GMercyU and local Catholic parishes .
The project is being funded through Lilly Endowment ’ s Thriving Congregations Initiative . The aim of the national initiative is to strengthen Christian congregations so they can help people deepen their relationships with God , build strong relationships with each other and contribute to the flourishing of local communities and the world .
“ We Are the Now of the Church ” aims to strengthen vital connections for young adult ministry between college campuses and parishes , building upon the momentum of the Synodality in Catholic Higher Education in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia ( SCHEAP ) project .
With support from the Lilly Endowment grant , GMercyU students will have the opportunity to explore both successful careers and meaningful lives by working with parishes around the Archdiocese of Philadelphia . As compensated “ Synodal Fellows ,” these students will lead programs for young adults and
“ We are thrilled to have received funding from Lilly Endowment to support this exciting initiative ,” shared Deanne H . D ’ Emilio , JD , President of Gwynedd Mercy University . “ The grant will help our campus community further engage in work that supports our mission and continues the work of the Sisters of Mercy .”
Dr . Jim Gallo , Vice President for Mission , Planning & Effectiveness , will serve as Principal Investigator for the grant and Jeff Wallace , Director of Spirituality & Justice , will serve as the Program Director . In carrying out the project , GMercyU will collaborate with the Archdiocese of Philadelphia ’ s Office of Young Adult Ministry , local area parishes , and eight other local Catholic colleges and universities to involve students as young synodal leaders in the Catholic faith across the Philadelphia region .
“ This innovative project will help us continue to accompany young adults in the Archdiocese on their journeys of faith through creative and engaging programming ,” said Dr . Gallo . “ For our young adults , this program seeks to cultivate a sense of belonging and leadership in the Church . We hope it will grow the capacity of participating parishes in engaging young adults as co-responsible partners in service to the Church ’ s mission .”
Gwynedd Mercy University is one of 238 organizations that have received implementation funding through the Thriving Congregations Initiative since it began in 2019 .
Learn more about Lilly Endowment Inc . and this initiative here :
12 TODAY