PONTIFICAL MISSION SOCIETIES APPOINT DIRECTOR OF DEVELOPMENT

NEW YORK – The Pontifical Mission Societies in the United States have announced the appointment of Mary DiDonato to the new position of Director of Development. She will begin her work for the Missions on October 1.

In announcing the appointment, National Director Father Andrew Small, OMI said, “Mary DiDonato brings a lifetime of dedicated service to the Church as a development professional. She will be a tremendous resource to the entire mission family in the United States in revitalizing our support for the Missions.

“American Catholics have a noble history of providing extraordinary generosity to the Pope’s work of evangelization in the missionary Church,” added Father Andrew. “I feel a personal commitment to ensure that the young mission Churches get the maximum help possible, especially during these times of tremendous economic challenge.”

DiDonato most recently served as Executive Director of Institutional Advancement for the Pontifical North American College, and oversaw a major capital campaign that led to the refurbishment of the campus in Rome. She has worked for Catholic care and educational institutions as a senior development professional most of her life. Joining the National Office staff brings DiDonato back to her home state of New York.
As DiDonato assumes the position of Director of Development, current National Office staff Monica Yehle takes on the new position of Director of Communications, while Raymond Schroeck becomes Chief Financial Officer. Monsignor Robert Fuhrman continues as Assistant National Director. DiDonato will work closely with the more than 250 Diocesan Directors and Coordinators of the Pontifical Mission Societies across the United States.