MERRILLVILLE – The Catholic Foundation for Northwest Indiana recently announced that it had found the right candidate to serve as executive director – guiding strategic growth and inspiring philanthropy that sustains Catholic ministries, parishes and schools for generations to come.
Jennie Weer, who started with the foundation July 27, grew up in Hammond with nine brothers and sisters before her family moved to Griffith when she was a teenager. Her parents homeschooled all of the children through high school. Weer then attended St. Joseph's College in Rensselaer, where she earned her degree in Mass Communications.
Over the last 10 years, Weer has worked in non-medical home care, connecting seniors with resources throughout Northwest Indiana. She transitioned into the non-profit sector with the Poor Handmaids of Jesus Christ, where she worked to grow awareness of their ministries and generate support for the incredible work they do.
“Those experiences strengthened my passion for building relationships, sharing meaningful stories, and connecting people with opportunities to make a difference,” she said.
Weer converted to the Catholic faith as a teenager, and has since felt a strong calling to make a difference in the community where she lives. The opportunity with the Catholic Foundation felt like an answer to that calling.
“For several months leading up to this position, I prayed the Our Father every day, especially reflecting on the words, ‘Thy will be done,’ and then leaving it in God's hands,” she explained. “I am so grateful He led me here.”
The Catholic Foundation for Northwest Indiana exists to provide perpetual support for the churches, schools and ministries of the Diocese of Gary. As a Catholic raising her family in the Church and as a Catholic school mom, Weer loves seeing the bigger picture of what the foundation makes possible.
“It's not just about giving once,” she said. “It's about creating a lasting impact so the ministries and causes we care about can continue for generations. Whatever your passion is, there may already be a fund that supports it. And if not, you can establish your own endowment. I think that's exciting!”
One of Weer’s biggest goals is to raise awareness of the Catholic Foundation for Northwest Indiana and help more people understand “who we are and the (organization’s) impact.” She is looking forward to getting to know parishioners, pastors, donors and community partners while continuing the foundation's great work and expanding its reach throughout our region.
“What I've come to appreciate most about the Diocese of Gary is the people,” Weer said. “There is such a genuine desire to serve others and strengthen our Catholic community. I've already seen how much our parishes, schools, ministries and volunteers care about their faith and the people they serve.”
Weer noted that she also appreciates Bishop Robert J. McClory's vision for the diocese and his encouragement to think boldly about how the faithful can continue to grow in faith and support one another.
“It's inspiring to be part of a diocese that is focused not only on today's needs but also on building a strong future for generations to come,” she said. “I'm looking forward to building relationships throughout Northwest Indiana and doing my part to support that mission through the Catholic Foundation.”
Judy Holicky explained that as part of its long-term growth plan, the Catholic Foundation has wanted to hire an executive director for some time, and added that she is delighted Weer was selected.
“She brings many talents and experiences,” Holicky said. “She is full of energy and has the skills we need to help the Catholic Foundation through the next stage of growth!”
Holicky touted that Weer is well-known in the Catholic community, possessing skills in digital media, experience in soliciting major gifts, and managing successful campaigns that exceeded expectations, such as the annual Walk for Sojourner Truth House.
“Working with her allows the Catholic Foundation to bring our current efforts up a notch as we focus on stewarding new supporters and caring for our existing donors,” she said.
Weer is a parishioner at St. Michael the Archangel in Schererville, where she and her family are actively involved. She and her husband, Stephen, stay busy raising their three children: Jude, Anthony and Cecilia.
In the summer, you'll usually find Weer outside gardening, playing fetch with her two dogs or gathered around a bonfire with family. During the winter months, she enjoys baking, trying out new hobbies (last Christmas season she tried candle making), and creating holiday memories with her family.
Weer is also an active member of the Rotary Club of Gary and enjoys being involved in the local community whenever she can.
She said, “One of the things I love most about Northwest Indiana is that there's always something happening and a new way to get involved.”
For more information about the Catholic Foundation for Northwest Indiana, visit https://catholicfuture.org/
