Editor’s Note: Michael Morse has been Executive Director of the Catholic Community Foundation of Southwest Florida for the past 10 years. He shares here how Bishop Frank J. Dewane has led the organization to become a thriving Foundation that helps build up the mission of the Church in Southwest Florida.
During the past 10 years, I have had the honor and privilege to serve the Diocese of Venice and Bishop Frank J. Dewane as the Executive Director of the Catholic Community Foundation of Southwest Florida. Throughout this time, I have constantly been amazed at Bishop Dewane’s energy, compassion, vision, and concern for the pastoral care of the faithful within the Diocese of Venice. I also greatly appreciate Bishop Dewane’s great sense of humor and genuine care not only for me and my family, but for all who serve the Church.
It is due to Bishop Dewane’s long-term vision and concern for the Faithful that the Catholic Community Foundation has grown so significantly over the past 10 years. The Bishop encouraged all the Parishes, Catholic schools and entities within the Diocese to not only focus on the needs of today, but to think about the future generations of Catholics who will need to be served long after we are gone. As a result, the number of endowment funds providing long-term support and sustainability to the Parishes, Schools and entities within the Diocese has increased tremendously.
When I look back 10 years to when I interviewed with Bishop Dewane, I really did not know what I was getting into. I can now say that this has been the most rewarding professional experience in my life. The Bishop has been a constant source of support, encouragement, and suggestions. Without his confidence in the Foundation’s Board, staff and mission, we would not be anywhere close to where we are today.
