Diocese of Tyler Named Grant Recipient

TYLER — Catholic Extension announced that it has approved the Diocese of Tyler to be a recipient of funding to support and strengthen the local Catholic community within the diocese. Catholic Extension will provide two building challenge grants totaling $133,000.

The first grant will assist in the renovation of the Blessed Kateri Tekakwitha Roman Catholic Church within the Diocese of Tyler. Because they have met the building challenge, Catholic Extension will provide $50,000 as a 1:1 match. More and more Hispanic families are attending Mass, confession, CCD classes and baptisms offered in Spanish. The expansion of the sanctuary will increase the seating capacity by 100. The building will also be more energy efficient through double paned entryways and windows and new HVAC and exterior insulation systems. These changes will allow more parishioners to fit comfortably inside, enabling them to enjoy the many offerings at the
church.

The second grant is a building challenge. If the University of Texas at Tyler Catholic Campus Community within the Diocese of Tyler meets the funding goal, Catholic Extension will provide up to $83,000 as a 1:1 match. The grant will support the formation of a campus ministry close to the UT Tyler and Tyler Junior College. The building, which was purchased late last year, will serve as the UT Tyler Catholic Campus Community House, a central location where students can celebrate Mass, lead Bible studies and receive spiritual guidance among many other opportunities.