Everyone has a story in life. The personal stories shared here show how people's lives have been transformed by the power of giving and receiving. We hope you are inspired to a life of generosity, and that you will share your story as well as these with others.
Art
“It’s a very comforting feeling knowing that you will have some influence on things after you are gone,” says Art Thomas, a lifelong Cleveland resident and a member of the Heritage Society, which recognizes individuals...Tom and Janet Sadowski
Tom and Janet Sadowski have been parishioners at St. Bede the Venerable Parish in Mentor nearly the entirety of their 50+ years of marriage. They can’t remember a time when they didn’t hear about Catholic...Alex
Some moments in life radically alter our path. For Alex Spenik, one of those moments occurred during his senior year of high school, just before the 5 p.m. Vigil Mass at Mother of Sorrows in...Wilma
Wilma has lived in the Glenville neighborhood for over 18 years, and St. Martin de Porres Family Center has been an important part of her life ever since. Before the pandemic, Wilma frequented the Center and...Brookside Gives Back Fund
Chris Anselmo believes in the importance of “giving back” and wanted a way to inspire others to give, as well. In 2017, Chris, who is president of Brookside Tax & Financial Group, LLC, harnessed his...Graciella
“Blessed is the Lord, that we have food to eat,” says Graciela, a woman who came to the United States from Peru more than 20 years ago. Just a few months ago, Graciela discovered Food...Fr. Hollis
Fr. Mark Hollis sees his planned gift, which designates specific ministries of the Diocese, as an expression of gratitude for what the Church has done for him. “I am grateful for my Catholic education and...Deacon Joe Robinson
My seminary experience was pretty awesome,” starts Deacon Joseph Robinson, who attended Saint Mary Seminary and is awaiting ordination to begin his assignment as parochial vicar for St. Peter Parish in North Ridgeville. “Living in...Sophie
Sophie Kosem, a member of St. Mary Parish in Collinwood, has been extraordinarily generous to the Diocese of Cleveland. Both she and her brother, Fr. Frank Kosem, are members of the Heritage Society, having made...Patricia
Patricia Washington loves to cheer people up and make them feel better. For the past 26 years, Pat has worked as an STNA (nursing assistant) for Catholic Charities at St. Augustine Health Campus, located on...