The Holy Cross Mission Center (HCMC) is pleased to announce the establishment of the Mary Jane DeLaney EndowmentFund (MJDE), an opportunity to support international ministries of Holy Cross which specifically serve women and children living on the margins of society, in impoverished conditions or are victims of injustice.
The Endowment was created in 2018 by Mary Jane DeLaney’s five children in honor of their mother who overcame tragedy in the life of their family when their father died young.
She sacrificed much to keep her family united, and for her children to succeed. In gratitude, they have established this fund in her honor, to assist other women and children surviving on the margins where Holy Cross serves. Each year, the fund will generate approximately $100,000 for distribution to support programs to support women and children in the international missions in Chile, Peru, Mexico, Haiti, Uganda Kenya, Tanzania and Bangladesh.
Mother and child devastated by floods in Bangladesh.
A mother caring for her son with special needs at Yancana Huasy, Peru.
HCMC hopes the MJDE Fund will help combat cases of global poverty, assist those living within it, uplift the women and children of our communities, and create pathways to a sustainable future of prosperity for them.
These grants will make a difference in the lives of women and children across the world by assisting the Holy Cross community in parishes, schools, clinics, and social outreach programs. We invite you to apply via the webform below.
Mary Jane DeLaney, originally from Syracuse, NY, along with Bill DeLaney, of Skaneateles, NY, married and raised a family of five children. After graduating from St. Rose College in Albany, NY, her first teaching position was at the high school in Skaneateles. It was there she met Bill DeLaney. They married and started a family, but tragedy hit at a young age with her husband’s sudden death. She was left to raise her children alone and accept God’s plan for her. Her determination to keep her family together and have her children succeed leads us to today to remember her generosity and sacrifice.
Her first personal interaction with Holy Cross was during her college years in Albany, when she was hired by Fr. Patrick Peyton and his Rosary Crusade to be one of his personal secretaries. She helped in the office in Albany, and often traveled with him to Rockefeller Center in New York City, where, in the 1940’s, he broadcast national radio shows.
Mary Jane was always involved at her parish, St. Mary’s of the Lake, being the first lay religious education teacher when the opportunity arose after the Second Vatican Council. From there, she led the Women’s Confraternity, was founder of Church Women United (an ecumenical group representing all the churches in Skaneateles), served on parish council & finance committees and her last program she founded was a comprehensive outreach from the parish for those experiencing the death of a loved one. She was committed to a life of faith and bringing love for God to others.
She always loved her times visiting the Holy Cross community and came to know many of the religious throughout her years. The DeLaney family is grateful to share her legacy and help benefit other women and children in need throughout the world where Holy Cross serves.
