By Sarah O. Hanley • Posted June 10, 2024

“For you know that we dealt with each of you as a father deals with his own children, encouraging, comforting, and urging you to live lives worthy of God, who calls you into His kingdom and glory.” – 1 Thessalonians 2:11-12

Fathers hold a unique and revered position in the Catholic church. They are not just providers and protectors but also spiritual leaders who guide their families in matters of faith and values. Fathers are called to embody the virtues of patience, kindness, and humility, mirroring the love of the Heavenly Father. They are seen as the spiritual heads of their families, tasked with nurturing their children’s faith and setting an example for proper Christian living. This role is both an honor and a responsibility, requiring fathers to balance their duties at home, work, and church.

Steadfast in Faith and Family

As President and CEO of The Catholic Foundation of Greater Philadelphia, I have had the privilege of working alongside a number of amazing fathers on our team and throughout our community. Our former Chief Financial Officer, Vincent dePaul Zeller, stands out among them as a true model of faith-filled servant leadership. Beloved as a devoted husband, father, grandfather, uncle, brother, friend, and parishioner, Vince passed away on April 7, 2024.

As stated in Vince’s obituary, “His faith, family and friends were his life and taking care of them and providing for them his life’s work. He is a testimony of the ever-faithful, spouse, and father and grandfather.”

He was a dedicated member of our leadership team and a true friend. After his departure from The Catholic Foundation, Vince was always willing to pitch in to offer his assistance or advice. His commitment to our Church was evident in every aspect of his life.

Carrying on a Legacy of Devotion

Vince brought his expertise in finance, law, and operations to the Catholic Foundation of Greater Philadelphia as our first official employee in 2013. He was instrumental in developing our framework for faith-based philanthropy and remained a dedicated staff member until 2018. I can say that without Vince, we would not be able to impact the thousands of people we do today throughout our archdiocese.

On April 31, the Catholic Foundation established the Vincent Zeller Memorial Fund to benefit  Saint Mary Magdalen Parish and School in Media. The fund seeks to ensures the legacy of these institutions, which were close to Vince’s heart.

As experts in charitable fund management and nonprofit consulting, we work to secure the future of Catholic institutions throughout the region by creating investment funds like the Vincent Zeller Memorial Fund. They support parishes, charitable ministries, evangelization initiatives, and schools throughout Greater Philadelphia and offer donors a variety of ways to make a real and lasting impact through their giving.

We are grateful for people like Vince, who quietly give their talents and time every day to make a difference for people in our community. As we approach Father’s Day this year, I think of the countless others who humbly “live lives worthy of God” by dedicating themselves to serving others with their generosity. May we remember that the essence of the day lies in celebrating that kind of devotion and unwavering support.

To learn more about how your giving can make a difference, please visit The Catholic Foundation of Greater Philadelphia’s website at theCFGP.org. To support the Vincent D. Zeller Memorial Fund, please visit https://thecfgp.org/donate/vincent-zeller-memorial-fund.

***
Sarah O. Hanley is the President and Chief Executive Officer of The Catholic Foundation of Greater Philadelphia.